Campus Update: Oct. 6, 2022

To the Eastern Michigan University community,

What a wonderful Homecoming week last week, topped off by our big football win Saturday at Rynearson. The Homecoming events on campus and game day were fun, energizing and drew large numbers of students, alumni and employees. Thank you to everyone who helped make Homecoming a week to remember!

In today’s campus update, I will share brief updates on the following:

  • Engineering Programs Move Up 42 Spots in U.S. News and World Report Rankings
  • Discounted Bus Passes Available
  • National Transfer Student Week Activities
  • Student Government Town Hall: Understanding Voting and Local Government
  • Paid Election Workers Needed
  • Eastern Excellence on Display

Engineering Programs Move Up 42 Spots in U.S. News and World Report Rankings

The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology jumped 42 spots in this year’s U.S. News and World Report rankings of engineering programs – now ranked 87th out of 230 universities in the United States. The higher rankings are particularly significant considering the College’s four engineering programs were only recently introduced. The first, mechanical engineering, was established in 2017, and it was followed by new programs in electrical, computer, and civil engineering. Dean Mohamad Qatu told EMU Today, “I credit our success to smaller class sizes, excellent faculty with real-world experience, partnerships with major employers that facilitate internships, outstanding fundraising efforts, state-of-the-art laboratories, strong communication efforts, and a focus on working in teams to enhance students' problem-solving and project development skills.” Additional details about the new ranking, including faculty and student perspectives, can be found on EMU Today.

Discounted Bus Passes Available

Once again this year, the University has partnered with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, known as “The Ride,” to offer discounted bus passes to students and employees. The discounted passes cost $40 for 30 days of unlimited use. Learn more on the parking and transportation website.

National Transfer Student Week Activities

From Oct. 17-21, the University will celebrate National Transfer Student Week (NTSW) with various activities planned by the Michigan College and University Partnership - Baccalaureate Education Achievement Track (MICUP-BEAT). The theme of this year’s event is “In These Transfer Shoes!” National Transfer Student Week offers the perfect opportunity to highlight transition struggles and successes and unite campus partners in advocating for the University’s transfer population. Learn more on the NTSW website.

Student Government Town Hall: Understanding Voting and Local Government

Student Government, along with a nonpartisan student organization, Rise, are hosting a town hall on Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium. The town hall will feature a panel of several state and local officials and EMU Political Science Professor Shu Wang. In this interactive session, students and community members will learn about the important issues facing our community. The session is LBC-approved. Please visit the event information page on the University calendar to learn more.

Paid Election Workers Needed

The Michigan Department of State is seeking to hire students and community members for paid positions for the Nov. 8 statewide general election. Training takes place in advance, so now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity. Students and community members can sign-up by completing the interest form at Michigan.gov/DemocracyMVP.

Eastern Excellence on Display

  • Faculty experts will discuss the “The U.S. and the Holocaust” documentary by renowned filmmaker Ken Burns at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13, via Zoom. The event, sponsored by the Center for Jewish Studies, will feature faculty experts in history, Jewish studies, literature, and philosophy who will offer their insights into the documentary from their respective disciplines and discuss the significance of the film with students and the EMU community. Additional information about the event is available on the event website. 
  • EMU Dining Lead Chef Nina Jones showed her culinary skills in this week’s “Meatless Mondays” segment on FOX2 Detroit. Chef Jones cooked up a batch of her award-winning blueberry chili for one segment and then returned later in the program to share some plant-based recipes for snacks.
  • A groundbreaking ceremony for the new GameAbove Golf Performance Center at Eagle Crest Golf Course took place last Friday, Sept. 30. Slated for a fall 2023 opening, the new training facility, funded by an $8 million gift from GameAbove, will support EMU's championship golf program while also providing additional upgrades to the course and clubhouse. We are grateful to GameAbove for its many contributions to support our University.
  • Today is Day 2 of WEMU’s annual fall fundraiser. Eastern’s award-winning public radio station conducts a limited number of fundraising drives each year to support its operations. The station offers a distinctive blend of news, jazz and blues. Having traveled the country as a public radio fan, I’ve listened to many stations and few can compare to the quality of the programming, and the talent of the news and music hosts and staff at WEMU 89.1. Visit WEMU.org or call 734.487.2229 during business hours.

I encourage you to review the University calendar regularly to learn about the many events underway on campus and in our community. For example, the Honors College is hosting a cleanup at Riverside Park tomorrow. And, next Thursday, you may want to participate in Campus Life’s “Swooptacular Spooktacular.” There is truly something for everyone.

Stay well and stay safe.

James Smith, Ph.D.