Your 2021 Orientation Experience
Your 2021 orientation will have four different steps throughout the summer that start virtual and move toward in-person events in August. This revised program was designed with community, campus, and student health front and center. Though it's been an unprecedented year, we know that you are excited to get started at OU and we can't wait to help you kick start your college experience.
Step 1: Complete the pre-orientation checklist
There's no need to wait! Begin working through your pre-orientation checklist below. These tasks must be completed at least a week before your scheduled orientation date.You will need your NETID and password to fill out the form and login to eSpace.
- 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 (if necessary)
- If you have SAT/ACT scores be sure you have a copy of them accessible and ready at orientation check-in to provide to staff.
- If you don't have SAT/ACT scores, you're strongly encouraged to complete the placement process for writing and math.
- If you have submitted SAT/ACT scores, review where your scores place you in writing and math. You only need to complete the placement process if you want to try to place at a higher level in either subject.
- Any student wishing to take a language or American Sign Language who has previous experience in that language is strongly recommended to take a placement test into a Modern Language or American Sign Language (ASL).
- If you have SAT/ACT scores be sure you have a copy of them accessible and ready at orientation check-in to provide to staff.
- Review the Pre-Orientation Module on eSpace - This module will provide some preliminary information that will not be covered in your orientation.
Step 2: Attend your virtual New Student 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. You will need your NETID and password to log in to eSpace.
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.
Step 3: Join us for August Campus Kickoff events
Campus Kickoff events have concluded for this year. If you haven't already, head to Step 4 and follow the instructions to sign up for New Student Welcome.
Step 4: Attend New Student Welcome
New Student Welcome takes place on August 31 or September 1 and features 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.
We’re in the process of planning out the specifics of what the day will look like, so keep an eye on your official OU email account. You’ll receive additional details about parking, health and safety measures, etc. in a reminder email a few days before your scheduled date.
DO I GET TO CHOOSE WHICH DAY I ATTEND?
Your day of attendance is based on your school or college.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
- Log into the Orientation Reservation System to register for the New Student Welcome based on your school/college. You’ll see two dates to pick from: August 31 and September 1.
- Watch our How To Register For New Student Welcome video for an easy to follow step-by-step guide on how to register.
Review the details of each day to find out what day to register for:
August 31
9-10 AM - Undecided and Bachelor of Integrative Studies
12-1 PM - College of Arts and Sciences
3-4 PM - School of Health Sciences
September 1
9-10 AM - School of Business Administration
12-1 PM - School of Nursing
3-5 PM - School of Engineering and Computer Science & School of Education Human Services
Note: School of Engineering and Computer Science & School of Education and Human Services have been combined into one event.
HOW DO I FIND MY SCHOOL/COLLEGE?
You can only register for a New Student Welcome session that's connected to your major. You will need to know your school/college in order to register for your specific session. If you are unsure of your school/college, refer to the Careertool. Click on your major (listed alphabetically) and look under the Contact Information section for the name of your school or college. (For example, the communication major is within the College of Arts and Sciences).
WHAT IF THE REGISTRATION SYSTEM DOESN’T ALLOW ME SIGN UP FOR THE NEW STUDENT WELCOME THAT CORRESPONDS TO MY SCHOOL/COLLEGE?
If you receive the error “event is restricted and not open for all,” please contact Orientation and New Student Programs at (248) 370-4653 or gold@oakland.edu.
CAN I BRING A GUEST?
New Student Welcome is a student-only event. No guests are allowed.
WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND?
This event is step 4 of the orientation process and students should plan to be in attendance. If you have any questions, please contact Orientation and New Student Programs at (248) 370-4653 or gold@oakland.edu.
Student Resources
Prep For Your First Year
- Virtual registration help room
Need help adjusting your schedule? Connect with our student assistants in our Zoom Virtual Registration Help Room.- Available Monday-Friday from 12 - 4 pm.
- Check out our how-to videos about using Zoom on a mobile device or desktop.
- Review our Course Registration Module on eSpace for quick access to registration resources. (You will need your NETID and password to log in).
Academic Support and Career Services
- Meet with Disability Support Services to discuss housing and academic accommodations
- Make tutoring a part of your weekly routine at The Tutoring Center
- Learn about our Study Abroad opportunities
- Get started on crafting the perfect resume at the Freshman Resume Workshop
- Learn how to get a job on campus at the On-Campus Job Search Workshop
- Schedule a virtual appointment with a career consultant
Wellness and Safety
- Watch the "Taking Care of You" virtual session hosted by RecWell
- Watch the "Campus Safety" virtual session hosted by Oakland University Police Department
- Log in from the comfort of your home and test out a virtual workout class
- Review information about campus safety measures for reopening this fall
- Sign up for text or phone call alerts for all campus emergency notification
On-Campus Involvement
- Watch the "Ask A Student Anything" virtual session hosted by the Orientation Team
- Interested in meeting other students on campus this summer? Fill out the student involvement form from the Office of Student Involvement (OSI)
- Attend a Center for Multicultural Initiatives Circle of Sisterhood or Brotherhood session
- Sign up for the Gender and Sexuality Center peer mentoring program
- Get a head start on exploring student organizations through Grizz Org
- Check out the campus life page for a detailed schedule of upcoming virtual programming
First-Year Support
- Watch the "Academic Coaching" virtual session hosted by The Tutoring Center
- Watch the "Parent Orientation" virtual sessions hosted by the First Year Advising Center
- Get help adjusting your schedule from our Orientation Team, Monday-Friday from 9 am - 4 pm in our Virtual Registration Help Room. Check out our quick how-to videos about using Webex on a mobile device or desktop.
- Get answers to your quick questions by using FYAC chat
- Prepare for the fall by making your way through the items on our after orientation check-list
- Get a head start in exploring majors using Focus2 OU