Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs provides intentional opportunities for the development of engaged learners, critical thinkers and global citizens.   The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs is located in 144 Oakland Center (248-370-4200). Brief descriptions of services for students follow.

University Recreation and Well Being

The mission of the University Recreation and Well-Being is to offer programs, services and facilities that create a connection to Oakland University, encourage life balance and foster student development.  We impact the quality of student and campus life through knowledge, opportunities, interests and behaviors that promote healthy lifestyles and to encourage making regular recreational activity an element of daily life.

University Recreation and Well Being programs include intramural sports, club sports, fitness assessments, group fitness sessions and clinics, wellness programs, aquatic  programs, and informal sports that are self-directed and self-paced. Recreation Center facilities include the recreation gym with three basketball/volleyball courts, a one-tenth mile four-lane running track, two racquetball/walleyball courts, four multi-purpose rooms, a 7,500 square foot fitness center with over 70 pieces of cardio-vascular and strength equipment, a wellness center, a 50-meter pool, a spa and bubble pool in the aquatic center, two class/meeting rooms and locker rooms.  Campus Recreation also oversees the Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex (RAO), which includes recreational sports playfields, 8 tennis courts and a track with a playfield inside. The majority of the space is lighted.

Access charges to the recreation center are included in a student’s tuition bill during the semester they are enrolled. Further information about eligibility for family members, facility hours or program offerings may be obtained at the facility’s Welcome Center or by telephone at (248) 370-4732.

Career Services

The Career Services Department, 154 North Foundation Hall, (248) 370-3250, helps current students and alumni to develop professionally by providing career advising, job search resources and guidance, social media branding tips, career-related programming, career fairs, and an online job posting database, among many other services.

Whether you are a current student seeking internship opportunities to complement classroom experience or a graduating senior or alumni seeking professional employment, Career Services can provide the resources and connections to help you succeed.

Visit oakland.edu/careerservices to find out more about our services and programs or to mark your calendar to attend our events, seminars, information sessions, and check out the extensive online resources.

OU students and alumni can search our comprehensive job search site at OUCareerLink.com, where you can search for full-time, part-time, internship, co-op, and on-campus opportunities. Updated daily and accessible 24/7, the site allows you to post your resume for on-and off-campus open positions.

To take advantage of services available or to schedule an appointment, call (248) 370-3250.

Center for Multicultural Initiatives

The Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) was established in 1993 to advance Oakland University’s commitment to diversity by increasing the retention and graduation of a culturally diverse student body by developing strategies that engage all students in the attainment of academic excellence and social success. CMI provides programs and services to students who are interested in developing leadership and study skills, networking with fellow students, faculty and staff; and celebrating diversity. It also administers the Oakland University Trustees Academic Success Scholarship and oversees several other scholarships, loans and peer mentor programs. The CMI’s mission is to provide support for underrepresented students’ success and to foster an appreciation for campus-wide diversity. The CMI is located in 104 North Foundation Hall, (248) 370-4404.

Counseling Center - Graham Health Center

The Oakland University Counseling Center, located in the Graham Health Center, provides short-term personal counseling, psycho-educational testing and consultations to university students and staff. The personal counseling services provide treatment for relationship difficulties, depression and anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss, sexual assault, stress disorders, underachievement, academic difficulties, career/major difficulties, and family or marital problems. Additionally, psychiatric services are available for students who require medication as an adjunct to counseling. Evaluations regarding learning problems or disabilities and ADHD are available through the psychological testing services. For students experiencing drug or alcohol problems, assessment, counseling and referral services are available. The Counseling Center engages in many outreach activities including screenings for depression, anxiety, eating disorders and alcohol abuse. Strict rules of confidentiality are observed.

The first six counseling sessions for students are free. After that, the following 9 sessions are available at a 12 dollars per session. Students may contact the center directly at (248) 370-3465.

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students serves as an advocate for the development of programs and services to meet the needs of students. As such, the dean of students monitors the university environment, administers the conduct code and conduct system, assists with student life policy development, and serves as an advocate for students facing academic, financial and personal problems while enrolled at Oakland University. The Dean of Students office is located in the Student Affairs Office at 144 Oakland Center, (248) 370-3352.

Disability Support Services

Advocacy and support services are provided through the Office of Disability Support Services, located in 103A North Foundation Hall. Services include, but are not limited to, priority registration, alternative testing arrangements, assistive technology, alternative media formats, assistance in identifying note takers, electronic door openers and sign-language interpreting services. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, ideally a minimum of six weeks before services are required. To register, or for more information, contact the DSS Office at (248) 370-3266 (voice) or (248) 370-3268 (TDD) or (248) 494-7171 (VRS). In cases involving alleged illegal discrimination or harassment, the student should contact the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, 203 Wilson Hall, (248) 370-3496.

First Year Advising Center

The First Year Advising Center, in 121 North Foundation Hall, (248) 370-3227, provides academic advising for all first-year students and undecided and/or re-deciding students. Through a minimum of one required appointment each semester, academic advisers in the First Year Advising Center assist students in connecting to the university community, exploring majors and careers, course scheduling, and tracking their academic performance and progress. Students who have completed their first year at Oakland and chosen a major will move from the First Year Advising Center into their College or School’s academic advising unit where they will remain until graduation. All undergraduates, regardless of academic major, may utilize the career exploration services of the First Year Advising Center.

Health Services

Graham Health Center provides convenient, affordable, high-quality health care on campus for the OU community.  We are staffed by certified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who have extensive education and clinical training. These professionals:

• Provide primary care services, including physical exams, health maintenance, disease prevention and screening tests

• Diagnose and treat acute illness, minor injuries and chronic disease

• Prescribe medications - as well as diagnostic tests and treatments

• Promote positive health behavior and self-care skills through education and counseling

A physician serves at GHC weekly to review cases, consult with the advanced practice clinicians and see patients as needed.  Most health insurances are accepted. 

ID Card Office

The ID Card Office is home of the GRIZZCard and GRIZZCa$h. The GRIZZCard is the official identification card for Oakland University. Your GRIZZCard provides access to your GRIZZCa$h account, library materials, printing on campus, meal plans, and your residence hall. GRIZZCa$h is an on-campus-only pre-paid debit account that can be used at various campus locations including the OU Bookstore, campus dining locations, including Pioneer Food Court, the CSA Service Window, vending, print stations and more.

The GrizzCard has an additional feature called the GRIZZ Gold Card. Oakland University has partnered with the Oakland University Credit Union to offer the GRIZZ Gold Card feature which enables your GRIZZCard to be used as a VISA Debit card and ATM card free of charge wherever VISA is accepted and at all Oakland University Credit Union ATMs. There are three Oakland University Credit Union ATMs on campus.  To activate the GRIZZ Gold Card feature as a student, faculty, or staff of Oakland University, you would simply pay a one-time $1 membership fee, open a savings account with a $5 balance, and open a totally free checking account.

Oakland Center  

The Oakland Center serves students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests of Oakland University by offering a wide variety of social, recreational, cultural and entertainment programs. Open seven days a week and located in the heart of the campus, the Oakland Center features a food court hosting brand name eating establishments, such as Chick-Fil-A and Subway. The University Bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble, is housed in the Oakland Center, as are Oakland University Credit Union and the Student Technology Center. Other student services include: vending machines, a campus welcome center, a games room, a public telephone, computer labs, e-mail kiosks, wireless Internet systems, coffee shop/cyber café, a TV lounge and meeting/multipurpose rooms. Also located in the Oakland Center are the Administration and Reservations Office, the Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Chartwells food service, the ID Card Office, student organizations, University Congress, Student Program Board, the Gender and Sexuality Center, The Oakland Post student newspaper and WXOU-FM, the student operated radio station. 

Orientation and New Student Programs

Orientation and New Student Programs offers many programs to assist new students and their families with their transition to Oakland University. Services include New Student Orientation, Transfer Student Orientation and Parent Orientation. All undergraduate students new to Oakland University are required to participate in an orientation program before their first registration. During orientation, students are advised on course selection, informed about important policies and procedures, given information on services and activities available and introduced to the academic environment. At the conclusion of orientation, students register for classes. Orientations are also held for the parents of new first-year students. Orientation and New Student Programs also provides other resources to assist new students and their parents in making a smooth transition to the university, including Orientation Part Two, New Student Convocation, Transfer Welcome Day, Collegiate Communication 101, the 28 campaign, “The Oakland Parent” newsletter, and the Parent and Family Calendar. For further information, contact Orientation and New Student Programs, 105 North Foundation Hall, (248) 370-GOLD or gold@oakland.edu or view information online.

Placement Testing

Some general courses at Oakland, including mathematics, modern languages, and writing and rhetoric, require students to take placement exams or to meet certain criteria. Orientation and New Student Programs assists in coordinating placement testing for new students.  

Mathematics

Math placement exams are offered year-round and can be taken by appointment in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, 368 Science and Engineering Building, (248) 370-3430.  

Modern Languages

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, 372 O’Dowd Hall, (248) 370-2060 offers language testing in Chinese, French, German and Spanish year round. The tests can be taken on a personal computer or at any computer lab on campus. The test can be accessed at MLL Placement Exams. The password is grizzlies1.  

Writing and Rhetoric

Students with questions about placement in first-year writing should consult the Department of Writing and Rhetoric, 378 O’Dowd Hall, (248) 370-2746.  

Visit our website or more information about placement testing or contact Orientation and New Student Programs, 105 North Foundation Hall (248) 370-GOLD or gold@oakland.edu.

Pre-College Programs

Pre-College Programs (106 North Foundation Hall, 248-370-4455) provides programs to middle and high school students in the metropolitan area. The programs are designed to offer academic, social, career and cultural enrichment to students. The department employs university students as tutors, peer mentors, and office assistants.

Programs

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) - Offers a variety of academic and social programs and services to approximately 700 twelfth graders in the Oak Park and Pontiac school districts (school year 2015-16).  The students will receive academic and social programming through their first year of college in 2018.

The Wade H. McCree Scholarship Program - Provides an academic scholarship to students in Detroit, Pontiac, Oak Park, and Chandler Park Academy schools who are selected by their school districts.  McCree students are eligible for a full tuition scholarship to Oakland University when they meet the criteria of a 3.0 GPA with a composite score of 21 on the ACT or equivalent SAT score.

The Detroit Compact Scholarship Program - Designed to assist Detroit Public School students in achieving job and college readiness. Oakland University and The Detroit Compact Partnership (a voluntary group of business, community organizations, and government agencies) funds at least five scholarships annually. The scholarship criteria is a 3.0 GPA and score of 21 on the ACT or equivalent SAT score. 

Avondale - OU College Adventure - For the seventeenth year, the Pre-College Programs staff and OU’s faculty provide a two-day residential program to sixth grade students from the Avondale Middle School in Auburn Hills. The program includes academic presentations by OU faculty and staff, and a variety of activities that give the students a first-hand experience of being a college student which include time in the recreation center, and an overnight stay in the residence hall. Funding for the program is provided by the school, students and their families.

Public Schools Academies - Building Bridges Summer Camp - Pre-College staff and PSA provide a three-night residential camp that emphasizes the importance of a college education to the sixth through eighth graders enrolled at OU charter schools. Using an interdisciplinary approach, participants will engage in special learning activities taught by OU professors and graduate staff.  Activities are designed to stimulate interest in science and engineering and cultural awareness, as well as to further develop higher order thinking and problem-solving skills.  Camp experience will also include special enrichment workshops, tours of the campus, an off-campus field trip, and fun recreational opportunities.

Clinton River Water Festival at OU - Provides an educational and enjoyable learning experience for fifth-grade students from the Clinton River Watershed community schools in Oakland County. The festival design allows students to learn about the central role water and the Clinton River play within the region. Some of the topics that are explored during the festival included: storm water, waste water treatment, soil erosion, wetlands, creeks and streams, habitat, and sources of pollution. Several governmental and environmental agencies work with Pre-College Programs to plan and execute the festival at OU.

Oakland University College Day Program - Provides students at the middle and high school level with a one-day college experience. The mission is to provide opportunities for students to discover first-hand the potential of a college education and to expose students to the information, knowledge, and skills they need to prepare for college entry and success. The intended outcome is to increase the number of students going to college.

Residential Program (all school districts) - The Residential Program provides pre-college students with an introduction to higher education. Students reside overnight in our residence halls to “get a taste of college life.” Highlights include: Career Explorations - academic presentations provided by various professional schools and academic departments at Oakland University; Informational Programs - informational presentations in critical areas such as admissions and financial aid; Campus Tours - program mentors accompany students, familiarizing them with Oakland University’s campus; Social Activities - students participate in various activities to enhance their social awareness; Recreational Activities - students are able to utilize OU’s state-of-the-art Recreation Center. Amenities include a 50-meter pool, racquetball/squash courts, gymnasium, table tennis and strength/cardiovascular training equipment.

Career Explorations - academic presentations provided by various professional schools and academic departments at Oakland University; Informational Programs - informational sessions in critical areas such as admissions and financial aid are presented to students; Campus Tours - program mentors accompany students, familiarizing them with Oakland University’s campus; Social Activities - students participate in various activities to enhance their social awareness; Recreational Activities - students are able to utilize OU’s state-of-the-art Recreation Center. Amenities include a 50-meter pool, racquetball/squash courts, gymnasium, table tennis and strength/cardiovascular training equipment.

Residence Halls and University Housing

Oakland University’s residence halls and apartments offer a special way of life for more than 2,700 students each year and provide the opportunity to live with different people, develop social and leisure interests, begin lifelong friendships and become involved as a student leader. Many students find it a rewarding experience that also furthers academic success.

Oakland’s housing community has a distinct character and is situated within easy walking distance from classrooms, the library and recreational facilities. Residence halls and apartments provide valuable features such as: staff who work and live in each hall, complete laundry facilities, reception desks and mail service, cable television, Internet service, meal plans that fit students’ lifestyles, academic support and tutoring, computer labs, and targeted programs and workshops. University housing offers a variety of living options including living-learning communities, student apartments, and traditional residence halls. Rooms are furnished with desks, beds, dressers, closets, lighting, wastebaskets and window blinds.  Residents must provide their own pillows, blankets, sheets and towels. Lamps, electric blankets, clocks, radios, televisions, small refrigerators and computers are allowed subject to safety regulations, limitations of space and consideration of others. Washers and dryers are available in each building free of charge. Maintenance service is provided by the university in common areas. Residents assume responsibility for cleaning their own rooms. Food service for residents is provided by a professional food service company. Residents have the opportunity to select from a variety of meal plans, which are set in accordance with student needs and interests.

To be eligible for university housing, students must be formally admitted in a degree-seeking program and registered for at least 8 credit hours each semester. Upon their acceptance at Oakland University and the submission of a valid housing contract, students’ reservations will be processed by the University Housing Office. Notification of assignment will be given approximately four weeks prior to the beginning of each semester. Returning students may renew their housing contracts through the University Housing Office. Room and board is not provided between semesters or during official recesses listed in the university calendar for students living in the residence halls. Students living in University Student Apartments are permitted to stay in their apartment between semesters and during official university recesses.

For more information, please contact the Department of University Housing, 448 Hamlin Hall, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309-4401 or visit our website.

Student Activities and Leadership Development

Students are strongly encouraged to get involved in out-of-classroom programs, activities, and events offered between classes, in the evening, and on the weekends. The Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development, more popularly known as the “CSA,” provides students with social, educational, leadership, diversity, and community service opportunities that complement their academic experience while attending Oakland University. There are over 250 registered student organizations, which represent a broad range of professional and personal interests, from academic, community service, engineering, honor societies, multicultural, political, religious, and social clubs to Greek fraternities and sororities. Students unable to find an organization serving their particular interests are encouraged to form new groups. Access to student organizations and their websites can be found on GrizzOrgs  which features organization descriptions, officer and advisor contact information, an event calendar, forms, and messaging.

Within the Center for Student Activities is the Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) and the Leadership and Volunteer Center (LVC). The Gender and Sexuality Center serves women and LGBTIQA communities by providing and fostering a campus environment that promotes inclusion and understanding around issues of gender and sexuality through education, outreach, and advocacy for all members of the OU community.  The Leadership and Volunteer Center offers a variety of leadership and service-learning programs, along with resources, to assist students in developing their leadership and altruistic capabilities for application within their academic, professional, and personal communities.

Many student services are provided through the Student Resource Center. These services include registration of student and Greek organizations, a lounge area, conference room, use of computers, Oakland Center locker rentals, ticket sales and sign-ups for campus activities, discounted tickets to Metropolitan Detroit theatres and sporting events, sale of stamps, sending faxes, banners, approval for posting printed materials around campus, and commuter programs.  The CSA Office coordinates or assists in planning annual events such as Welcome Week, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Casino Night, Meadow Brook Ball, Alternative Spring Break, Women’s History Month, International Night, Greek Week, and Drag Show, as well as concerts, lectures, blood drives, awareness weeks/months, and cultural celebrations.

 Oakland University Student Congress (OUSC) is the governing body that addresses student issues and concerns. The Student Activities Funding Board (SAFB) allocates operating funds to recognized student organizations.  The Student Program Board (SPB) is responsible for major social events on campus. The Oakland Post is the student campus newspaper, published weekly during the academic year.  WXOU 88.3 FM is the student radio station providing an alternative to commercial radio. The Oakland Post can be read and WXOU can be heard online as well.  Student Video Productions (SVP) provides opportunities to engage in television broadcasting and the video production industry. These, as well as all student organizations, provide hands-on learning opportunities for OU students that complement their classroom experiences.

For more information on how to become involved, contact the Center for Student Activities, 49 Oakland Center, call (248) 370-2400, or email csa@oakland.edu.

Student Technology Center

The Student Technology Center (STC) serves as the headquarters for the promotion, instruction and support of technology literacy to support classroom learning. The STC offers individual and group training and hands-on learning experiences to meet students’ technology needs. Additionally, students can borrow technology equipment from the Center. The Student Technology Center is located at 44 Oakland Center, (248) 370-4832.

The Tutoring Center

The Tutoring Center, 103 North Foundation Hall, (248) 370-4215 offers free peer tutoring and Supplemental Instruction for registered Oakland University students. Tutoring is available in the form of one-on-one appointments for selected subjects such as languages and walk-in groups for mathematics, science and business courses. Most 0000-2000 level courses are tutored as well as a number of upper level undergraduate classes. The Center also offers Supplemental Instruction (SI) for some courses. This program provides organized study sessions two or three times a week to students enrolled in specific courses which have been assigned an SI. SI sessions focus on course-specific study skills that help students review notes, understand and apply key concepts, prepare for tests and develop critical reasoning skills. Attendance at these sessions is voluntary.

In addition to tutoring and SI, the Center provides study skills handouts and self-paced materials to further support development of effective study strategies. Offered on the tutoring website is a Study Aids section with links to useful resources to assist students. There are additional tabs within Study Aids for math, statistics and physics videos created to give step-by-step instructions on how to solve different types of problems. Students will also find videos created to show effective time management strategies (Charlie and Julian Getting Coffee) and How to Make the Most of Your Textbooks.   Some computer-aided instructional materials in academic disciplines are also available in the Center.

During fall and winter semesters, tutoring is available in The Tutoring Center from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Summer session tutoring is available by appointment only Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.