Your 2021 Orientation Experience

On May 1, we will provide specific details on the tasks you need to complete one week prior to your scheduled orientation date. Don’t worry, we’ll remind you via email so you'll be in the loop. Here's a sneak peak at what the pre-orientation tasks will look like. 

• Complete the required Major Confirmation and Schedule Prep Form - This form will allow you to confirm your major and notify your academic adviser of any incoming college credit you may have. Your responses will help our advisers better prepare class recommendations for your first academic year. 
  
  
• Complete placement tests - Most students will need to complete a placement process to determine their first writing course. If you will not be submitting SAT or ACT scores to OU prior to orientation, you may also need to take a math placement exam. More details will be available on May 1.
  
  
• Review the Pre-Orientation Module on eSpace - This module will provide some preliminary information that will not be covered in your orientation.

Your scheduled orientation day in May - July will take place via Zoom Video Conferencing. You and your parents/guests will experience a 4-hour block of programming.

During the first two hours, you and your parents/guests will join the same Zoom session to hear presentations about first-year success and student financial services, as well as meet the orientation team that will be assisting you throughout the summer.

In the last two hours, your parents/guests will remain in the main Zoom session to hear more about the first year experience at OU. You will join a new Zoom session to meet with your academic adviser and sign up for courses.

Please plan to have two devices available, as you and your parents/guests will be in two different Zoom sessions in the latter half of your orientation.  

How will I join my orientation?

The link to the main Zoom session will be sent to your OU email a few days prior to your scheduled date.

What will I need to have during my orientation?

You'll find digital versions of everything you need in our virtual student folder in the Pre-Orientation Module (available May 1).

Can my parents/guests join me in this virtual session?

Parents/guests begin the orientation session with you. Then, in the latter half, you will join a different Zoom session to meet with your academic adviser and sign up for courses while your parents/guests remain in the main Zoom session to hear more about the first year experience at OU.

Can my parents/guests join my advising and course registration session?

We encourage you to take responsibility for the advising and course registration session independently. This will be your first chance to meet other students and your adviser. Advisers are available all summer if you and your parents/guests have follow-up questions.

What if my parent/family member is unable to attend the parent session?

Pre-recorded information for parents/guests will be available on this site if they are unable to log in for the live session. If they have any questions, we encourage them to contact us at gold@oakland.edu.

What are the technology requirements?

Participating in your virtual session will require a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet capabilities. You will also need a consistent internet or Wi-Fi connection. If you don't have access to these technology resources or need help finding access to a second device so that your parents/guests can also take part, let us know by emailing gold@oakland.edu so we can make alternative arrangements for you. 

Your virtual session will use Zoom so you will need to install this software on each device or computer you and your parents/guests will be using for orientation. If you have questions, be sure to check out our quick how-to videos about using Zoom on a mobile device or desktop.

What if I need accessible materials or ASL interpreting?

To request accommodations please contact us at (248) 370-4653 or gold@oakland.edu to get the process started. 

What if I have an issue logging in to the session?

You can contact Orientation and New Student Programs at (248) 370-4653 for troubleshooting help.

What if I lose internet connection during my virtual orientation session?

No worries! We've been there too. If your internet comes back on, you can click the link in your OU email to rejoin the session again. To prevent this from happening, we encourage other members of your household to consider limiting their use of Wi-Fi during your orientation time. Please contact us at (248) 370-4653 or gold@oakland.edu if you need help reconnecting or if you have an internet outage that won't allow you to complete your virtual orientation.

The third step of your orientation experience will take place in August where you will have the opportunity to visit campus and meet other new students. During the Kickoffs, you will pick up your student ID and textbooks, locate your classes, and explore student service spaces.

Prepare for the Kickoff:

• Registration for a Campus Kickoff session begins on July 1. Check back soon for registration details and instructions.
  
  
• Submit your student ID photo in advance by following the directions provided to your OU email after your orientation. Didn’t get an email? Contact the ID Card Office at (248) 370-2291 or idcardoffice@oakland.edu. 
  
  
• Pre-order your textbooks online through the OU Bookstore.

In the final step of orientation, you will attend a New Student Welcome in the O’Rena which will feature a school or college-based convocation and academic open house. You'll once again be on-campus with other students and get the chance to learn more about your chosen major. The event will take place on August 31 or September 1, depending on your major.

Registration for New Student Welcome begins on July 1. Check back soon for registration details and instructions.