OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Oakland University is exploring bringing a data center and an artificial intelligence institute to campus, a move administrators say would support several of the school’s strategic goals.
But some students are divided.
The project proposal mentioned Parking Lot 35 as a potential site for the center, though university leaders stressed that no final decision has been made.
OU recently signed a feasibility study to determine whether a data center and AI institute fit the campus.
“There’s been no decision to make a data center at this point,” said Stephen Mackey, senior vice president for finance and administration. “This is a critical phase.”
Mackey said the study will examine costs, potential revenue, environmental considerations, other possible campus locations, and the impact on students, staff, and university operations.
If the project moves forward, he said, it could help bring in more revenue for the school and internship opportunities for students in that field.
Some students see opportunity in the proposal.
“I think having a data center here would be a great edge in Oakland University’s ability to be competitive to other colleges, Jadon Kobus said. “To move up in research rankings compared to some of the other bigger guys and open up a lot more hands-on experience.”
He mentioned this would only benefit the school and would hate to see developers put it on other university sites.
Others are pushing back, raising concerns about environmental impacts and long-term viability.
“I have issues with the location,” said Clover DeVore, president of the College Democrats at OU, who opposes the project. DeVore said students are worried about potential environmental harm, including water runoff, chemicals used at the site, and possible impacts on nearby wildlife.
DeVore is skeptical of the current proposed location, which is not far from a Native American Heritage site and the surrounding nature.
DeVore also questioned whether such a facility would remain useful over time.
“We have no guarantee it’ll still be relevant in about 10 years,” DeVore said. “With how fast technology develops, there’s no guarantee this will not be obsolete in the next 10 years.”
Student body president Marcus Johnson said he is trying to balance those competing views.
“My personal opinion is mixed,” Johnson said, adding that he wants whatever is best for students and for OU’s reputation.
Johnson shared results from a recent student poll that received 100 responses. More than half of the respondents oppose the data center proposal, while about 15% support it.
About 19% didn’t have an opinion.
Mackey said once the feasibility study is completed, a recommendation will be sent to the OU board of trustees, likely in June.
He emphasized that administrators want to continue hearing from students as the process moves forward.
Mackey also mentioned that if a data center is placed on the campus, it will not be put on any green space.