By David Sanders, student writer
As the fall semester approaches, new and admitted freshmen students are required to attend an orientation session before they begin their first year at Oakland University.
During orientation, students will have the opportunity to meet with an academic advisor, register for fall and winter courses and become acquainted with internal and external campus locations and resources.
Students are assigned to an orientation group leader who will introduce them to the Office of Financial Aid, Writing Center, Academic Skills Center, Student Technology Center and the Graham Health Center. Free tutoring is available at the Academic Skills Center and Writing Center.
Upcoming orientation dates include:
June 7, 6 p.m. - 5 p.m. (overnight)
June 10, 6 p.m. - 5 p.m. (overnight
June 14 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 16, 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. (overnight)
June 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 24, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 25, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
August 4, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
August 17, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If some Oakland newcomers experience difficulty with their transition to college life, the Graham Health Center will be able to serve those needs.
“The Graham Health Center is here for any students, whether they have physical issues, are looking to talk to someone about their transition to the university, or if they have any issues or concerns they may be facing personally,” said Sara Webb, assistant director of Admissions. “We also direct new students to the Center for Student Activities, and to help them get involved on campus, which can even be a campus job. There are many ways for students to feel connected in addition to taking classes.”
Orientation is geared to help students feel comfortable during their first semester when attempting to locate resources on campus. Sophomore Anka Khan acknowledged that before orientation she had concerns about being extremely unfamiliar with the different centers and buildings on campus.
“If it wasn’t for orientation, I would not have known any building on campus aside from the Oakland Center,” Khan said. “Without orientation, I would have had to wander around myself.”
Not only does the heart of orientation revolve around academic resources, but it is fun as well. Part of the agenda is to create a fun atmosphere, build new friendships andkeep the golden grizzly sprit alive.
Sophomore and nursing major Jillian Kulka was happy with her experience. “Our orientation group leader was very enthusiastic, and took us to the Rec Center. I felt if they enjoy it here then I will probably like it too. They brought everything together and I felt more comfortable starting at my new school.”
For more information about Oakland's orientation sessions contact (248) 370-4653 or
gold@oakland.edu. Future students can
register for orientation here.
