The Research Office

Oakland University faces a new reality. Changes in demographics and competition require a shift in culture: a shift from a teaching-focused institution to one that balances teaching and research; one that offers signature programs that attract the strongest students and faculty; one that makes targeted investments in world-class achievements, and one that provides supports and infrastructure needed to make these changes sustainable.

The current literature on student success stresses the importance of undergraduate research, hands-on activities, and real-world experiences as essential to achieving those goals. But making those research experiences effective requires that they take place in a robust research environment that is significantly supported by external research funding, that is addressing important scientific and real world problems, and that supports interaction of faculty and students across disciplines. To achieve this at OU, the Research Office must play a central role in supporting and promoting the creation of the robust research environment that will make that culture change possible.

Investment in the Aspire. Advance. Achieve. Campaign for Oakland University will be essential in helping us launch new signature programs, invest in targeted areas of research excellence, and provide the infrastructure and support that our students and faculty need to succeed.

Fundraising priorities include:

• I2B
• Oakland COUNTS!
• The Dodge Brothers Idea Garage (Program)
• The Dodge Brothers Idea Garage (Facility)
• Center for Undergraduate Research
• PI Academy Seminar Series
• PI Academy Seed Funding Program
• Faculty Research Seed Fund
• Researcher Bridge Funding
• Faculty Research Cluster Hires
• Laboratory Space
• New STEM Research Building
• Research Staff Support

To give to the Research Office:

Click the "GIVE NOW" button above. On the OU Giving Page, select the designation, "Your Gift. Your Choice." then scroll down to the "Academic Affairs" category of funds and choose one of the three Research Office funds:

• Grants and Contracts Gift Fund (30151)
• OU Business Incubator Gift Fund (30084)
• PI Academy Gift Fund (DPIA1)

You may direct your gift to a specific program by indicating this in the "Comments" field.

For more information about the Research Office, please contact Richard Rachner.


Richard Rachner
Assistant Vice President
University Advancement
(248) 364-6109
[email protected]