University of Rhode Island

URI’s College of Engineering will begin offering a five-year, professional practice degree program in ocean engineering beginning next year. Generally, URI students finish their engineering studies in four years, but cannot practice until successfully passing a state certificate exam.

URI’s new offering comes in response to recommendations in a report issued by the National Academy of Engineering recommending that a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline be considered a pre-engineering or engineer-in-training degree, and master’s degree programs should be accredited separately as professional degrees.

According to Malcolm Spaulding, URI professor of ocean engineering and the coordinator of the program, “few engineering programs at American universities have transitioned from 4-year degree programs to 5-year professional degree programs yet.” As a first step, he proposed establishing a small pilot program in the URI department of ocean engineering, which was approved by the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education earlier this year. About five to seven juniors with academic skills and focus will be recruited for the pilot program.

In addition to meeting all existing curricular requirements, students enrolled in the new program will also be required to pass the Fundamentals in Engineering certification exam offered by the Rhode Island Board of Professional Engineers; complete nine credits of engineering design experiences with a government laboratory or industry; conduct a research project led by a faculty member and enroll in a systems engineering and project management course.

For information about enrolling in the program, call Spaulding at (401) 874-6666 or e-mail Spaulding@oce.uri.edu

Salve Regina University

Enrollment is now under way for a new master’s degree in holistic leadership that complements Salve Regina University’s graduate program in holistic counseling. This 48-credit master’s degree program will prepare students to become effective leaders within their own sphere and teach concepts and skills that can translate into action in all fields, including education, human services, business, government, ministries, the arts and all forms of creative vocations. Individuals who already hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution can earn a 15-credit Certificate of Graduate Studies in Holistic Leadership. Continuing education units may also be available, depending on an enrollee’s professional affiliation. For more information, contact Nancy Gordon at (401) 341-3290, nancygordon@salve.edu; or Peter Mullen at (401) 341-3278, mullenp@salve.edu.

A $750,000 check from the Kresge Foundation served as the final gift to officially conclude Salve Regina University’s 60th Anniversary Campaign, which raised $12.5 million to open a new academic center on campus, bolster the university’s endowment and support academic programs. The short-term campaign exceeded fundraising goals for all sectors of the Kresge Challenge Grant program, raising $7.5 million toward completion of the Antone Academic Center for Culture and the Arts; $1.5 million toward the endowment, and $3 million toward program support.