UOIT engineering programs receive accreditation from national board

Manufacturing, Nuclear Engineering programs earn designations following extensive yearlong process

OSHAWA, Ont. - In yet another strong endorsement of its innovative programs, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has received formal notification that its Manufacturing and Nuclear Engineering programs have been accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

Accreditation involves an exhaustive review process and is considered the highest possible affirmation of a university's engineering programs. UOIT now offers the only accredited Nuclear Engineering program in Canada and the only accredited Manufacturing Engineering program in Eastern Canada, providing students with an opportunity to acquire the specific skills demanded by today's leading employers in two industries critical to the continued growth of Canada on the global stage.

"We are extremely pleased and proud to have earned the CEAB's accreditation for our Manufacturing and Nuclear Engineering programs," said Dr. Richard Marceau, UOIT provost. "As a professional engineer myself, I understand first-hand that accreditation is essential to both engineers pursuing their career paths and to employers as they hire these professionals. UOIT has built a national reputation for offering innovative career-oriented university programs and this accreditation reaffirms that we are offering our engineering students the best possible education; an education rare and unique in Canada and one that will put students in demand upon graduation."

The accreditation process ensures a program meets the strict guidelines of Canada's engineering profession and can only begin in the final year of a program's course of study, allowing for a thorough examination of all areas and years. The almost yearlong accreditation process for UOIT began in June 2006 and included a visiting team that toured the university's Oshawa, Ontario campus, meeting with students, President Dr. Ronald Bordessa, deans, faculty, administrative and technical staff and others. UOIT was also required to submit a detailed package of information to the team six weeks prior to the visit.

"This is a significant achievement for UOIT to have both these programs recognized by the CEAB," said Dr. George Bereznai, dean of the UOIT School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science (SESNS), which oversees the Nuclear Engineering program. "UOIT is steadfastly committed to offering engineering programs that meet the specific needs of industry and employers, from our leading-edge curriculum, to our Ontario Power Generation Engineering building that was built to foster excellence in engineering education, and our state-of-the-art labs, which are equipped to educate students about technologies of the future."

The two accredited programs received another strong endorsement earlier this year, when employers hired a number of students from the first-ever Manufacturing and Nuclear Engineering classes even before graduation day in June. Many of these next-generation professionals were hired by leading employers such as Ontario Power Generation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Bruce Power, Lear Canada, NETT Technologies, and Progressive Moulded Products, while others are now pursuing graduate studies at UOIT and other leading institutions.

UOIT will continue to pursue CEAB accreditation in the coming years as its other engineering programs become eligible.

"Obtaining accreditation has been an objective for our engineering programs from the start," said Dr. Marc Rosen, founding dean of UOIT's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, which oversees the Manufacturing Engineering program. "This achievement is a testament to the remarkable faculty and staff supporting our engineering programs, and the innovative and successful approaches to teaching and learning that they have employed. It also is a strong endorsement of the capabilities and quality of our graduates, who will undoubtedly be productive professionals who contribute significantly to industry and society. In many instances, they will be future leaders."

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science strives to offer excellence in education, high-calibre and value-added research, and high-quality and innovative market-driven undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as Manufacturing, Mechanical, Automotive, Software and Electrical Engineering, as well as Engineering and Management.

The SESNS provides a variety of honours degree options, allowing students to pursue Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science honours degree programs that are designed to prepare graduates for rewarding careers in a growing market. The Nuclear Engineering program features the most extensive nuclear power plant computer simulation of any engineering program in Ontario.

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About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@uoit.ca