Campus Life

Campus Life News


Monday, November 06, 2023


Oakland University's Women and Gender Studies program celebrates 40 years of featuring diverse voices through feature films. Join WGS in viewing “Warrior Women” this year at the Oakland Center in Gold Rooms B and C on November 15 at 4 pm. The film fest is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.


Loni Love
Friday, November 03, 2023


Oakland University will welcome Loni Love to campus as keynote speaker for its 32nd annual Keeper of the Dream Awards Celebration. The Detroit native is a two-time Emmy, two-time NAACP Image and three-time Gracie Award-winning TV/radio host, comedian, actress, author and philanthropist. 


Veterans Appreciation Week
Thursday, November 02, 2023


From November 6-10, Oakland University will host a series of events and activities for Veterans Appreciation Week. Check the list below for opportunities to support and celebrate veterans, including more than 200 student, faculty and staff veterans on campus. 


Deborah Willis
Tuesday, October 31, 2023


The Oakland University Department of Art and Art History will present the Jean S. and Fred M. Braun Memorial Lecture “Wendel A. White: Reflections in the Archive” with Dr. Deborah Willis at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, inside the Oakland University Art Gallery.



Wednesday, October 25, 2023


Oakland University’s Black Faculty Association (BFA), in partnership with Academic Affairs, and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, have jointly sponsored the creation of the Black Faculty Association Legacy Board.


Lauren Anderson
Friday, October 20, 2023


From October 25-29, ballerina Lauren Anderson — one of the first African American dancers to become a principal for a major dance company, the Houston ballet — will be in residence at Oakland University for a “Dance Showcase” sponsored by the Judd Family Endowed Fund.


Varner: Act II Gala
Friday, October 20, 2023


As renovations to Oakland University’s Varner Hall wrap up, the School of Music, Theatre and Dance is celebrating 50 years of performances inside the historic building, which is named for the university’s first president, D.B. Woody Varner.


Kenneth_Kroesche
Thursday, October 19, 2023


This summer, Dr. Kenneth Kroesche celebrated teaching 20 years at Oakland University with alumni from the Oakland University Low Brass Studio.


Curtis Chin
Monday, October 16, 2023


The Oakland University AAPI and LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Groups (ERG) are partnering to bring renowned writer, Curtis Chin, to campus on Wednesday, Nov. 8.


Howard Reich
Friday, October 13, 2023


Oakland University’s Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and Community Engagement will welcome Howard Reich to campus for a screening and Q&A of his documentary film “Prisoner of Her Past.” Free and open to the public, the screening will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, in Oakland Center Banquet Room B. A reception with dessert and coffee will start at 6:15 p.m. 



Wednesday, October 11, 2023


Dr. Ruth E. Zambrana, a leading scholar and award-winning author, will lecture at Oakland University's Oakland Center Banquet Room A on Thursday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m.


Justice Richard Bernstein
Monday, October 09, 2023


In celebration of Disability Awareness Month, Disability Support Services and OU Testing Center at Oakland University will welcome the Honorable Richard Bernstein, Michigan Supreme Court Justice, to campus for “Recognizing the Strengths of Disability” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 in The Habitat inside the Oakland Center on the OU campus in Rochester, Mich.



Tuesday, October 03, 2023


This fall, Oakland University is welcoming the most diverse class of first-year students in its history, with more than 26% identifying as underrepresented minorities. It is also the largest incoming class since fall 2020, signaling a resurgence toward pre-pandemic enrollment levels.


BIO Learning Lounge
Friday, September 29, 2023


Embracing the slogan “Discover. Engage. Belong.,” a new space has been unveiled on campus to help students succeed in their biology courses. Located in 166 Dodge Hall, the BIO Learning Lounge is open to any student taking a course offered by the Department of Biological Sciences. 


Nandi Comer
Tuesday, September 26, 2023


As Michigan's first poet laureate in more than 60 years, Nandi Comer has literally written herself into history. Oakland University will welcome the writer for a reading, Q&A and book signing on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. for the annual Maurice Brown Poetry Reading in the Oakland Center’s Ballroom A. Attendance is free and available via Zoom with registration. Refreshments will be served. 


Madison Lorincz
Thursday, September 21, 2023


Madison Lorincz has used her experiences in OU's Career and Life Design Center and COM 4970 capstone course to find purpose in her academic program and embark on a meaningful, productive career path.Oakland University’s newly established Career and Life Design Center incorporates design thinking, a philosophy of self-empowerment, to support students at each stage of their academic and professional lives. 


Narcan vending machine at OU
Friday, September 08, 2023


A new vending machine installed in the Oakland Center on the campus of Oakland University will dispense free packets of Narcan (naloxone), a life-saving medication for those who are struggling with dependency issues. The machine was installed in April and since that date there have already been approximately 205 Narcan doses accessed from the vending machine, which has the potential of saving 205 lives.


Dennis Muchmore
Wednesday, September 06, 2023


The inaugural event in The Dennis Muchmore Public Policy Series, “Breaking the Barrier: The Importance of Civility and Improving Political Discourse,” will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, September 18, in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. 


Welcome Week
Thursday, August 31, 2023


Oakland University will welcome new and returning students to campus with a variety of events during Welcome Week from Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Saturday, Sept. 16. 


Research symposium featuring Nu Omega students
Tuesday, August 29, 2023


For the 10th consecutive year, Pi Sigma Alpha — the national political honor society for college students — has recognized Oakland University’s Nu Omega chapter with a Best Chapter Award.


Josue Garcia and Kelly Dorner
Friday, August 25, 2023


Adopting the tagline “Explore. Discover. Connect.,” Oakland University’s new Career and Life Design Center is ushering in transformational change in preparing students to navigate their lives and careers before and after graduation. 


OU to host ‘Strength and Spirit Fest,’ 9/11 remembrance ceremony
Wednesday, August 23, 2023


Student Veterans of Oakland University — a chapter of Student Veterans of America — will join Veteran Support Services on Monday, Sept. 11 to host a remembrance ceremony honoring 9/11 first responders and victims at 11 a.m. outside Elliott Tower on the OU campus.


Ambrotype of Frederick Douglass, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, DC, 2016, from Manifest
Thursday, August 17, 2023


Beginning Sept. 8, the Oakland University Art Gallery will present Remains • Remnants • Reliquaries, a solo exhibition of the work Wendel A. White, a Distinguished Professor of Art and American Studies at Stockton University whose work addresses the complex historical narrative of Black life in the United States.


Veterans at OU
Friday, August 11, 2023


Oakland University has once again earned the highest possible ranking for veteran-friendliness among the state’s higher education institutions. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) awarded Oakland gold-level status for its strong commitment to serving the educational needs of military-connected students. 


SMTD Graduates
Wednesday, July 12, 2023


Congratulations to all of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance graduates who walked April 28 at the College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony. In addition to the usual graduation festivities, Curtis Armstrong (ADA ‘75) was granted a Doctor of Arts Honoris Causa.


Dr. Elisabeth Hoegberg
Wednesday, July 12, 2023


As a child, Dr. Elisabeth Honn Hoegberg discovered how the music she played could connect her to the people around her.


Make Food Not Waste
Monday, June 26, 2023


Three Oakland University dining halls, managed by food service provider Chartwells, Alchemi, Johnny’s Speakeasy, Sylvan Table, and Folk Detroit have received international food waste prevention certifications from The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste. Detroit-based nonprofit Make Food Not Waste piloted the program in Southeast Michigan with financial support from US EPA Region 5. As a result of the pilot, the seven sites have realized financial and environmental benefits.


Carillon bells
Tuesday, June 13, 2023


Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a relaxing evening listening to the sounds of the carillon’s 49 fully-chromatic bells when the Six Fridays at 6 Summer Carillon Concert Series returns to the Oakland University campus beginning on Friday, July 7.


Stack of textbooks
Monday, June 05, 2023


Oakland University, a leading public doctoral research institution located in Rochester, Mich., announces its official online bookstore partnership with eCampus.com, a premier EdTech company. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance Oakland University students’ online shopping experience through eCampus.com’s expertise and dedication to affordable and accessible course materials.


Ishwhale
Monday, May 08, 2023


The whale residing in Oakland University’s Kresge Library is the brain child of students in English Professor Jeffrey Insko’s Literature and the Environment class. 


Luke and Linda Black Elk
Wednesday, May 03, 2023


Luke and Linda Black Elk, food sovereignty activists and teachers of traditional plant uses, gardening, food preservation and foraging, will share their knowledge at Oakland University during the weekend of May 13-14. 


Exterior of Oakland Center
Tuesday, May 02, 2023


In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Oakland University will be celebrating the visual art and achievements of three OU AAPI faculty members in the Department of Art and Art History — Jetshri Bhadviya, a special lecturer in art; Yu-chuan Chen, an assistant professor of art history; and JenClare Gawaran, a special lecturer in art.


The words Yo, Vikings! with a viking helmet as a decoration.
Monday, May 01, 2023


Come set sail on May 19 and 21 as Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance presents Yo, Vikings!, a fantastic adventure that combines sweeping melodies, thrilling Viking chants, and funky rock ‘n roll with a beautiful, heart-warming story to engage and excite every member of the family.


Four people, wearing sunglasses, poking their head out of a tent opening.
Thursday, April 20, 2023


Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present two performances of Mozart’s comic masterpiece, Così fan tutte, on May 5 and 7 in Varner Recital Hall on the OU campus.


Narcan vending machine at OU
Tuesday, April 18, 2023


Instead of offering snacks or beverages, a new vending machine on the campus of Oakland University will dispense free packets of Narcan (naloxone), a life-saving medication for those who are struggling with dependency issues.


students in classroom
Monday, April 10, 2023


Faculty and staff are invited to attend OU’s first-ever Teaching and Learning Symposium, an event filled with networking opportunities, faculty presentations and a keynote speech devoted to the topic of grading practices that inspire and accurately measure student learning. Register for the event. 


Christopher Jackson
Wednesday, April 05, 2023


Oakland University’s Student Life Lecture Board will present “An Evening with Christopher Jackson” at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 10 in the Banquet Rooms inside the Oakland Center.


KCACTF award winners
Thursday, March 23, 2023


The Region III Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), which took place Jan. 11-15 at the University of Michigan-Flint, featured the work of 48 students from the Department of Theatre in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. You can read more about their accomplishments here.



Wednesday, March 08, 2023


This year Oakland University is celebrating International Womxn's Day with the theme of Celebrating Womxn Who Tell Our Stories.


Dr. Linda Martín Alcoff
Friday, February 24, 2023


For its 2023 Richard J. Burke Lecture in Philosophy, Religion and Society, Oakland University will welcome Dr. Linda Martín Alcoff, who will present her talk “Cultural Racism” from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, in Oakland Center Banquet Room A. 


No offense image
Wednesday, February 15, 2023


What is offense? When is it wrong to offend, and when is it not? How should people respond to those whose actions offend others? South African philosopher David Benatar will explore those questions during a talk titled “Giving and Taking Offense” at Oakland University on Thursday, March 16. The event will take place from noon-1:30 p.m. in Oakland Center Gold Rooms B and C. 



Wednesday, February 15, 2023


Oakland University is offering several opportunities to deal with mental health issues resulting from the shooting at Michigan State University and to show support for the Spartan community.


Kaleidoscope Cabaret
Wednesday, February 08, 2023


Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present “Kaleidoscope Cabaret” on February 18 - 19 in Room 231 on OU’s new West Campus, located at 1500 University Drive in Auburn Hills, just two miles west of the main campus.


Meadow Brook Hall
Tuesday, February 07, 2023


Meadow Brook Hall will liven up the dreary winter months with a series of engaging tours, events and entertainment. Located in Rochester on the campus of Oakland University, activities at the estate include the immersive Downton Abbey-inspired Servant’s Life Tour, a delicious afternoon with Downton Days Tea, Talk & Tour, an intimate exploration of the historic mansion by night with after-dark Flashlight Tours, and an evening of romance for two with the Valentine’s Dinner.


Joseph Walters, Olivia Donnel and Tyler Hewett
Monday, February 06, 2023


The Oakland Symphony Orchestra will present its 25th Annual David Daniels Young Artists Concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township.


Hillcrest Hall
Tuesday, January 31, 2023


Living on campus provides a full college experience, an opportunity to cultivate independence, and a sense of community and engagement, in a safe, supportive and healthy environment. New and returning students can be a part of OU’s vibrant campus residential community in just a few simple steps: 


Students on campus
Friday, January 20, 2023


Nominations are still open for those interested in the Alfred G. and Matilda R. Wilson Awards, the most prestigious awards that Oakland University offers. 


Hill Harper
Thursday, December 15, 2022


Oakland University will welcome award-winning actor and best-selling author Hill Harper to campus as the keynote speaker for its 31st annual Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards Celebration. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 16, 2023, in the Oakland Center Founders Ballrooms.