By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

New Student Programs is helping freshmen adapt to college life with a number of First-Year Student Transition Workshops being offered throughout the semester. The workshops cover a variety of topics including money, health, career advice, registration, information on OU programs and techniques for doing well in class.

“Students will find a variety of workshops in a number of areas that will hopefully interest them,” said Sara Crampton, coordinator of New Student Programs. “The First-Year Students Transition Workshops are a great place to meet other first-year students and learn about succeeding in college.”

The workshops are geared toward helping first-year students overcome the new challenges they may face as college students. The one-hour workshops are interactive sessions where students are encouraged to participate with other students and have the opportunity to win prizes donated from the OU Bookstore and Oakland University Branch of the Michigan State Federal Credit Union. 

“We are offering each of the workshops a number of times to allow students the flexibility to attend the workshops of their choosing,” Crampton said.

For more information or to register for the First-Year Student Transition Workshops, visit the New Student Programs Web site or contact the office at (248) 370-4418 or nsp@oakland.edu.

Fall 2005 First-Year Student Transition Workshops:

Beat the Dreaded Freshman 15
You have heard about it — the dreaded Freshman 15 — now learn how to keep yourself healthy and combat the extra weight gain that typically accompanies the first year in college. 

• Sept. 15, 5-6 p.m.
• Nov. 15, Noon-1 p.m.

Don’t Fail Your Courses: Cite Your Sources!
Learn what constitutes academic cheating. Find out what plagiarism is, how to avoid it and how to properly cite your sources.

• Oct. 4, Noon-1 p.m.
• Nov. 28, 5-6 p.m.

Explore Your Options — Advising Day
Are you curious about your major options? Are you nervous or maybe even stressed about committing to an academic program at OU? Don’t be. Come speak with an academic adviser about your options, learn how to make the most of your academic advising meetings and participate in a specialized advising session to get ready for the winter registration process.

• Oct. 19, Noon-1 p.m.
• Oct. 19, 1-2 p.m.

Get a Grip on Your Finances!
Unsure how to create a budget? Need tips for keeping track of expenses? Want to know the pros and cons of having credit cards? Come learn valuable information to help achieve a bright financial future.

• Sept. 8, Noon-1 p.m.
• Nov. 17, 5-6 p.m.

How to Survive and Thrive in Your Freshman Year
Making the adjustment from high school to college isn’t always easy. You are not alone! Come and learn strategies on how to not only survive but to thrive in your freshman year.

• Sept. 22, Noon-1 p.m.
• Oct. 26, 5-6 p.m.

Memorizing Techniques
Are “memorizing” and “learning” the same thing? What is the difference? This session will help you develop approaches to gaining, retaining and recalling information.

• Oct. 6, 5-6 p.m.
• Oct. 31, Noon- 1
• Nov. 30, 6-7 p.m.

No Major? No Problem!
Do you have trouble making decisions regarding your future career? Not sure what to major in? Come to this session and get the clues to solve the career/major mystery.

• Sept. 28, 5-6 p.m.
• Nov. 8, Noon-1 p.m.

SAIL Registration Is Your Friend
This session will cover the steps necessary to successfully register using the SAIL system. If you need a refresher, this session is for you.

• Nov. 3, Noon-1 p.m.
• Nov. 8, 5-6 p.m.

Studying and Note Taking
Did you know you should study two hours a week for every hour you are in class? Make the most of your study time and learn effective note taking techniques in this interactive workshop.

• Sept. 19, 5-6 p.m.
• Oct. 18, Noon-1 p.m.
• Nov. 9, 6-7 p.m.

Survivor OU!
Wondering how to stay ahead of the game? Want to know proven strategies to help you earn the grades you want and succeed in college? This session will give you that and much more.

• Sept. 6, 5-6 p.m.
• Sept. 12, Noon-1 p.m.
• Sept. 13, 6-7 p.m.

Testing Techniques
Did you know there are different techniques to use when taking multiple choice, short answer and essay tests? Come learn strategies that can help you succeed.

• Sept. 27, Noon-1 p.m.
• Oct. 24, 6-7 p.m.
• Nov. 16, 5-6 p.m.

The Magic of Leadership
“Add a little magic” to your OU experience by exploring the benefits of getting involved on campus and becoming a future student leader.

• Sept. 21, Noon-1 p.m.
• Oct. 27, 5-6 p.m.