The Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) was established in August, 1984, as the Special Programs Office and changed to OSI in July, 1998. It functions to support the education, outreach and research focus of the College of Science Engineering and Technology (CSET). This is accomplished through the enhancement or establishment of programs and activities which provide for complementary training, outreach, and research opportunities for both faculty and students.

OSI’s goal, through working with all units in CSET, is to enhance CSET’s science research capability, increase the number of minority students pursuing science-related degrees at the B.S. and post-B.S. degree levels, and ultimately, increase the number of minorities working in science-related careers. Activities that support this effort include, but are not limited to: Grantsmanship; Collaborative research; Faculty research appointments at national laboratories; Conferences, workshops, and seminars; Student "hands-on" research experiences; and Scientific support services.