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
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.
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 (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.
Step 3: Join us for August Campus Kickoff events
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.
Step 4: Attend New Student Welcome
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.
Student Resources
- Disability Support Services
- Oakland University Credit Union
- Student Housing video overview
- Set up a virtual appointment with Student Financial Services
Prep For Your First Year
Living on Campus
- Watch the "Living On Campus" virtual session hosted by University Housing
- Watch the "Campus Dining" virtual session hosted by Chartwells
- Review Student Housing's up-to-date information about ongoing COVID-19 safety efforts
Student Finances
- Watch the "Paying For College" virtual session hosted by Student Financial Services
- Connect with Student Financial Services for a virtual drop-in appointment and get answers to any questions you have
- Learn how to open an account at Oakland University Credit Union
- Explore tools to help you manage your finances using the Oakland University Credit Union financial tips site
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