By Stephanie Held, media relations intern
New students attending Oakland University this fall have the opportunity to attend numerous welcome events to help them integrate into the university.
At orientation, new students met with academic advisors to discuss majors and programs and to register for classes. They also had a chance to explore the campus, learn university policies and resources, and met with experienced students.
Jessica Zacharias, an incoming Oakland freshman from Troy, enjoyed the experience.
“I met a lot of new people and got to see what other students are studying and getting involved in at OU, which was good motivation for me to find my own path here.”
She further explained that so far, her path here entails membership of the OU Dance Team and working on a communications major.
New Student Convocation, set for Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 3 p.m., also encourages attendance from new students. There will be a reception for students and family members following the convocation.
“Convocation is an inspirational and informative way to officially kick off your college career at Oakland University,” said Sara Webb, Assistant Director for Orientation and New Student Programs. “It is a celebration of new academic beginnings, bringing faculty and students together for the first time.”
Webb explained that many new students feel more connected to the university if they get involved in experiences outside of the classroom. “There are so many opportunities to get involved,” she said. “The possibilities are endless!”
There are a variety of activities for new students to join at the start of Welcome Week.
After Welcome Week concludes, new students will still have many opportunities to participate on campus such as getting an on campus job, attending athletic events, joining a student or Greek organization, participating in community service activities, writing for the student newspaper or hosting a radio show.
When it comes to academics, Amanda Akroush, OU junior, and Biology major from Troy offered academic advice, explaining that going to college is a big transition the first year. “Study more than you did in high school,” she said.
Incoming freshman should consider participating in
Grizz Tracks, an overnight social opportunity held before classes begin, or
Jump Start, a one-day leadership program held the day before classes begin.
Students who participate will enjoy fun, interactive team building activities, learn about how to be a successful student, explore different ways to get involved on campus, and meet other new students as well as seasoned student leaders. This program is free to all incoming first year students at OU.
Jump Start is set for Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the banquet rooms of the Oakland Center. For more information, contact Meaghan Walters at
mcwalter@oakland.edu or 248-370-2400.
Involvement is the key to making friends and having fun for Marvin Wagner, OU sophomore, and Biology major from Farmington Hills.
“College is all that much better with a lot of friends,” he said. Wagner is a part of Greek life and it was definitely the right decision for him. He also advises to plan on walking a lot because close parking spots are hard to come by and to just always go to class. “You’ll be fine,” said Wagner.
For more information, contact Orientation & New Student Programs at (248) 370-GOLD or
gold@oakland.edu. For more information on getting involved at OU, visit the Center for Student Activities website at
oakland.edu/csa.
