BIG RAPIDS – The Ferris State University Board of Trustees voted to create a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology during its regular meeting today (July 14). This degree will combine two associate degree programs, the AAS in Plastics Engineering Technology (PET) and the AAS in Rubber Engineering Technology (RET).
The decision to create one new associate degree and close the current AAS degree programs was made after College of Engineering Technology faculty and staff determined students enrolled in the associate degree programs for PET or RET would be better served through one program. Students currently enrolled in either the PET or RET associate degree programs will be able to complete their studies under this proposal.
“Consolidating these associate degree programs will strengthen the university’s ability to provide top-quality educational opportunities for students,” said Fritz Erickson, Ferris provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “It also allows Ferris to prepare graduates for jobs in the plastics and rubber industries, and to prepare students to enter into the Bachelor of Science degree programs in Plastics Engineering Technology or Rubber Engineering Technology.”
Additionally, the board of trustees approved a partnership agreement with The Polytechnic – Ibadan in Nigeria and an agreement with IPOMG, LLC/International School of Animation in India. The partnership with Ibadan will allow its graduates who meet eligibility requirements to enroll at Ferris.
Ferris’ agreement with IPOMG, LLC will include partnering with Jawaharal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in Hyderabad, India, to provide a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Animation and Game Design (DAGD), as well as provide DAGD curriculum and qualified United States instructors on a per-student fee basis to IPOMG for its International School of Animation located at JNTU.
IPOMG is a Michigan-based animation company working with the International School of Animation to provide Indian students an opportunity to complete a globally recognized bachelor’s degree in DAGD.
“Ferris State University recognizes the growth of its international programs, which reflects the university’s appreciation to expand access to higher education globally while advancing the university’s capability to serve diverse audiences,” Erickson said.
In other business, the board approved the following:
- A lease agreement with Western Michigan University for use of facilities for Ferris’ third-year Doctor of Pharmacy students, who require delivery of curriculum in two off-campus locations, including Kalamazoo;
- Conditional authorization for the charter school Hope Academy of West Michigan in Grand Rapids; establishing a new address for Northridge Academy, a Flint charter school; and amending Huron Academy’s contract to allow the Sterling Heights charter school to replace its current curriculum with Curriculum Crafter Tool;
- Charter schools board appointments, including: Kenyatta Betts, George Crockett Academy in Detroit, through June 30, 2013; Leslie Brugel, Creative Technologies Academy in Cedar Springs, through June 30, 2012; Darlene Johnson, Francis Reh Academy in Saginaw, through June 30, 2012; Kelly Tucker, New Bedford Academy in Lambertville, through June 30, 2014; and Julie Wheeler, Creative Technologies Academy in Cedar Springs, through June 30, 2013; and re-appointing Christine Brundage, Marshall Academy in Marshall, through June 30, 2014.