This past week, 20 newly minted Golden Grizzlies took part in Oakland’s sixth annual Michigan GEAR UP Residential Summer Boot Camp. The weeklong camp offered students a preview of college life as they prepare to enter OU as freshmen this fall.
While on campus, students participated in daily sessions focused on academic skills, which consisted of 34 intensive hours of college-level mathematics and writing curriculum. Other sessions included a Social Media Etiquette workshop and a talk-back event called “Degrees & Dish,” in which the students networked with OU graduates who had served in leadership roles on campus.
In addition, a student organization panel spotlighted Greek life at OU and a financial awareness session, courtesy of Oakland University Credit Union, provided tips on managing debt and paying for college. Students were also encouraged to visit Financial Aid, Admissions, the First Year Advising Center, Career Services and other offices.
Tiffany Elliott, assistant director of Pre-College Programs at OU, said the summer boot camp gives students a confidence boost and enables them to “find their bearings” before taking on the challenges of university life.
Kendra Agee, coordinator of Pre-College Programs, added, “It’s important to give students a head start on getting acclimated to OU and learning about the resources available on campus. They get to know some of the people and places that will be helpful to them throughout their time here.”
The students came to Oakland from high schools in Pontiac, Oak Park, Detroit and Ypsilanti. All are part of the Michigan GEAR UP program, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs. It is the state’s largest college success initiative and provides mentoring for students from seventh grade through their first year of college.
Oakland’s Michigan GEAR UP program has provided the class of 2017 with an array of supportive services, activities and events, including college visits, Saturday Academies, tutoring, and peer mentoring. According to Elliott, more than 50 students have chosen to call OU their home this fall through the efforts of OU’S Michigan GEAR UP and other Michigan GEAR UP partnering universities.
To learn more about OU’s Michigan GEAR UP program, visit the website or call OU Pre-College Programs at (248) 370-4455.