First Year Advising Center

OU orientation goes online during COVID-19 pandemic

icon of a calendarApril 28, 2020

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OU orientation goes online during COVID-19 pandemic
Online orientation
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakland University has created an online experience that will replace new student and parent/family on-campus orientations.

Due to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing impact on Oakland University families, communities and students, Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP) has created an online experience that will replace new student and parent/family on-campus orientations.

“While we will miss meeting our new students in-person this summer, we've worked hard to create a virtual experience that helps students feel prepared and comfortable about taking their first steps on campus this fall,” said Sara Webb, senior director of the First Year Advising Center (FYAC) at Oakland University.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about the 2020 online orientation experience:

• Students will log-in to the eSpace learning platform to complete the New Student Orientation module at least five days prior to their scheduled orientation date.

• On their scheduled orientation date, students will participate in an advising and registration session led by their assigned academic adviser and a student orientation assistant. These sessions will be in small groups, so they will get the chance to meet other new OU students. They will also register for classes during this time.

• Throughout the summer months, students will join in on virtual, live sessions covering key topics important to new students. Students will be able to virtually meet staff and student leaders in these sessions, ask questions and get a feel for what it will be like on campus in the fall.

• The Orientation Team expects to host new students on Wednesday, Sept. 2 for Orientation Part Two, where students will be officially welcomed to the OU community and kick-off the new year.

• Students who have secured an orientation date will receive information about the first step — the New Student Orientation module — on Monday, May 11, 2020.  This is also when the landing page for orientation will go live with information on all the components of the virtual orientation program.

• Participating in online orientation will require access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet capabilities. If students do not have access to technology resources or have a disability that would require accommodations to participate in an online orientation, contact the Orientation Team at [email protected].

“We encourage students to take advantage of all that is available to them over the next few months,” Webb said. “The Orientation Team, along with our many campus partners, are eager to meet our newest Golden Grizzlies and look forward to introducing them to all OU has to offer.”

For more information about OU’s orientation programs, visit oakland.edu/orientation or contact [email protected].

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