By Samantha Skovran, media relations assistant
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| OU's orientation offers a high energy introduction to college life. |
Oakland University’s incoming freshman class are preparing for the 2012- 2013 school year by learning about the campus and college life through the high energy and exciting New Student Orientation.
Students begin their day in the Banquet Rooms of the Oakland Center where they eat breakfast and visit the academic resource tables. At each table, the students gather new information about possible academic majors. Orientation Assistants give friendly reminders over the microphone as a countdown to the beginning of the day. The last minute students wander in as the lights grow dim, indicating the beginning of the Orientation Group Leader (OGL) introduction show.
Each OGL bursts through the back doors dancing to a self-chosen tune. Each member brings a cloud of energy and excitement that carries on throughout the day. Shortly thereafter, new students are broken up into groups lead by an OGL. Each group is titled with an inspirational word to describe themselves and what they should bring into their college lives.
One of these groups was Trust. The trust group was led by OGL Andre “Dragon” Mitchell, who instantly welcomed and connected with his group. “We are the trust group,” said Mitchell. “I have trust in you and I want you guys to trust me to be a good OGL.”
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| New golden grizzlies get "Knowledge for College." |
He starts to break the ice with his groups through introductions, storytelling, and games. At any point throughout the day Mitchell is heard joking around while informing his group about OU programs and resources.
After the students get more comfortable, they head off to Knowledge for College, an informational seminar where they will learn the basics about scheduling, advising, and getting involved. A portion of Knowledge for College includes a three-part relay race to give students hands-on experience in what they just learned. The room fills with the OU fight song signaling the completion of the relay event.
“Fight, fight, fight for Oakland…” chanted the Trust group as they finished the relay race.
OGLs then started Bear Trippin’ which is an interactive and informative tour of campus. Students get involved by answering questions to receive their next stop on the tour via text. During this section, students learn get to know campus basics, such as library resources, the Recreation Center, where to park, and where to find specific offices such as advising and financial aid.
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| OGL Andre Mitchell takes new students on a campus tour. |
After the tour, students listen to a lecture on financial aid followed by a recap of the day and lunch. After this break, they head into the tail-end of the day where they will view skits by the OGLs, listen to spotlights, and lastly sign up for classes.
This year’s OGLs chose a Harry Potter theme. Their group leader shirts are written in a Harry Potter script and are accompanied by a broomstick logo. The performances they created also follow this theme.
Spotlights gives students the opportunity to get involved. This informational session highlights different groups students can participate in, and resources to where students can sign-up. Opportunities to participate in intramural sports, clubs, and volunteering are all outlined in this session.
During the last portion of orientation part one, students get to use all of the knowledge they gained throughout the day to register for their classes.
In this one day of events, students become introduced and educated on the institution that holds the key to their futures. From the encouragement and support of this year’s orientation staff, upon completion of orientation these students will be prepared for success both in the classroom and the OU community.
Part one of the orientation process will resume in August. To sign up for a new student orientation or for more new student information visit
oakland.edu/newstudents.
Part two of orientation is set for Tuesday, Sept. 4. The event will group incoming students into their chosen academic majors and departments and provide an opportunity to meet faculty and students who share their interests.
