OU alumni chosen to help high school students plan for college

OU alumni chosen to help high school students plan for college
One OU alum MCAN designee
Stephanie Domsic, one of Oakland's alumni recently chosen for the Michigan College Access Network's AdviseMI program, poses in front of the Elliott Tower during graduation.

Four Oakland University graduates have been chosen by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) to advise high school students under the network’s AdviseMI program, established to help students apply to colleges and get financial aid.

College advisers were selected from Oakland and 12 other universities partnering with MCAN. The advisers, who were selected through a competitive interview process, will undergo an extensive, four-week training before stepping into their new roles.

The four college advisers from Oakland are:

  • Stephanie Domsic, Center Line High School
  • La'Asia Johnson, Ecorse High School
  • Daniel Lewis, Ferndale High School
  • Erica Williams, East Detroit High School


“The AdviseMI program gives students a unique opportunity to receive guidance from recent alumni regarding the college search process and college preparedness,” said Dawn Aubry, director of Undergraduate Admissions at OU. “It is exciting to have Oakland University alumni joining this group, and helping to further college access for these traditionally under-served areas. Higher education is one of the best investments one can make, and these advisers will help students to see the value in making that investment.”


In September, advisors will begin working alongside high school counselors to foster a college-going atmosphere within high schools across the state. They will assist students with applying to college, transitioning into college life and exploring higher education options. Some specific help advisers will give include helping students set a postsecondary education plan, prepare for college admissions exams, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, secure financial aid, and formally enroll in a higher education program.

“College advisers play a key role in creating a college-going culture in high schools and communities.” said Brandy Johnson, MCAN Executive Director. “We are glad to continue partnering with Oakland University to increase the number of Michigan students who are academically, financially, and socially prepared for college."


The recent college readiness program selections are only a few of Oakland's recent encounters with MCAN. In March, Oakland University earned MCAN's Beacon Award due to the university's support of the AdviseMI program.

 
About Michigan College Access Network
As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN’s mission is to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. For the sixth year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7 percent of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 39.3 percent in 2014. Additionally, it is estimated another 4 percent of Michiganders have a high-quality certificate, bringing Michigan’s official attainment rate to 43.3 percent. It is MCAN’s goal to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60 percent by the year 2025. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.