By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

To introduce high school seniors to Oakland University’s distinctive educational experience and give them a taste of what college is really like, OU hosted its Diverse Student Leader Weekend Jan. 22-24. The 32 students who attended met with representatives from offices such as the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, Center for Student Activities and Academic Skills Center to learn about OU’s student services. The students also listened to “mock lectures” given by OU faculty, learned about student life by living with OU students in the residence halls and watched a Golden Grizzlies basketball game.

“The goal of the program is to give students of color exposure to our campus life experience, what to expect and what student service resources are available to them,” said Aniesha Mitchell, OU admissions adviser. “We looked for high school students with a 3.0 or higher grade point average and 19 or higher ACT score. They came from schools all across metro Detroit and as far away as Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Flint and Saginaw.”

Mark Wingo, a senior from Hamtramck High School, decided to apply to OU after participating in the program.

“OU is an excellent university,” Wingo said. “This event was good for me because I’m more on the quiet side, but I still got a good feel for what the university is like. I took a walk on campus last night to take in the atmosphere and also spoke with a few students. I feel really comfortable with OU and am set on my choice to apply here. I was considering other schools, but after this event I’m set on my choice.”

Of all the activities, the students most enjoyed their personal interactions with OU professors and students.

“They thought the professors were very personable and approachable and liked how in-depth their mock lectures were,” Mitchell said. “The students really enjoyed staying in the residence halls. Rather than just hearing about student life, they got to see it first-hand from a current OU student’s perspective.”

For more information on the Diverse Student Leader Weekend, contact Aniesha Mitchell at (248) 370-4644 or akmitche@oakland.edu. For information on visiting OU’s campus, admissions requirements, tuition and fees, financial aid, scholarships and more, visit the Future Students Web site.