Academic Administrative Policies

This summary is for undergraduate students as a helpful reference. Please refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for more details on the Academic Dismissal Policy.

For graduate student academic policies and procedures, refer to the Graduate Catalog. 

Important Dates Approaching:

• Fall 2023 Semester Closed/Grade Roll Complete:  Tuesday, December 19, 2023
• Notification to Dismissed Students (Check OU email):  Wednesday, December 20, 2023
• Appeal Deadline (for students dismissed the first time): Friday, December 29, 2023 by 1pm ET. Late appeals will not be considered.
  
• Academic Standing and Honors Committee (ASH) Meets:  Friday, January 5, 2024
• Students Notified of Appeal Decision: Friday, January 5, 2024 by end of day

Academic dismissal is the academic status for students who were on academic probation, attempted 24 or more credit hours and do not have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00. Academic dismissal occurs at the end of each semester after official grades have been completed.

The first time a student is dismissed, they have the opportunity to appeal the dismissal. This must be done through completing the online form within 7 calendar days after the grades have been calculated for the semester. See important dates above.

What if I have been dismissed for the first time and would like to file an appeal? (Note: Students who are dismissed a second or third time are not eligible to appeal.)

If you have been dismissed for the first time and decide to complete an appeal, go to (https://www.oakland.edu/uts/forms/) and select the Academic Dismissal Request Form. (Use Firefox or Google Chrome to complete the form.)

• Complete the online form; attach documentation that supports the appeal reason.
• Appeals received by the deadline will be reviewed by the Academic Standing and Honors Committee (ASH).
• Continue to attend your OU classes during the appeal process, however consider having alternate plans, such as registering for community college classes so you do not miss their registration deadlines if appeal is denied.

If your appeal is approved, you will be allowed to continue taking classes and must complete the stipulations given from the Academic Standing and Honors Committee, and earn a semester GPA of a 2.00 or higher until your overall GPA is back to Good Standing (2.00).

If your appeal is denied, you will follow any of the stipulations stated in the appeal letter and not attend Oakland University for two consecutive semesters. Then, you may apply for readmission to Oakland University by the due dates provided on the readmission form.

What are reasons I might file an appeal? And what documentation might I need to provide?

• a crisis situation explained in a letter on letterhead from an employer, legal, medical or other relevant professional;
• military duty with copy of official orders for active duty;
• a medical condition with doctor’s letter on letterhead verifying the nature of conditions and dates of treatment;
• a job conflict with employers’ letterhead confirming date and necessity of job changes;
• financial problems with documentation of university error directly causing the financial problem.

Does being dismissed affect my scholarship(s), grant(s), or financial aid?

Yes, students who have been dismissed no longer meet the requirements for scholarships, grants for financial aid. For more information or to discuss payment plans, contact Student Financial Services at (248) 370-2550 or visit their office in North Foundation Hall, Room 120.

Should I take classes at a community college?

The answer to this question is "depends". You will want to check with your Academic Adviser to see if this is the best option for you during your time away from OU:

• contact your Academic Adviser for the best courses for you to take at another institution;
• take new courses and do not repeat courses you have already taken at OU;
• earn a 2.5 or higher GPA.

What if I've already taken the maximum credits allowed at a community college?

If you have taken the maximum credits allowed to transfer from a community college, then it is recommended students gain other skills while away, such as:

• Visit the Academic Success Center to discuss ways to enhance your academic performance;
• Meet with an academic adviser to discuss a major of interest and related coursework;
• Job shadow or do an informational interview of someone in a position you would like to know more about;
• Volunteer with an organization related to your career interests.

If you have general questions about the academic dismissal process, please email studentsuccess@oakland.edu for assistance. 

This summary is for undergraduate students as a helpful reference. Please refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for more details on the Academic Probation Policy.

For graduate student academic policies and procedures, refer to the Graduate Catalog. 

Academic probation is a warning that the student's academic performance has fallen below a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Notifications are sent at the end of each semester after official grades have been completed. Any student having a cumulative grade point average below a 2.00 is placed on academic probation.

What does academic probation mean?

You have received a cumulative GPA below a 2.00. You will be allowed to remain at Oakland University on probationary status for at least one semester.

How will I know I’m on academic probation?

You can log in to MySail for the latest academic standing information. Students who are on academic probation should receive an OU email notification after grades have been submitted for the term.

Who can I talk with about academic probation?

Your Academic Adviser can answer questions about academic probation and also help you select appropriate courses for upcoming semesters. To find your assigned Academic Adviser, log in to MySail and click the blue Adviser link under the My Details section. Or, you can use the Find My Academic Adviser web page.

You are also encouraged to register for a Back on Track workshop or schedule a one-on-one appointment with a member of the Academic Success Center team to create an individualized plan for your success.

Does academic probation affect my scholarship(s), grant(s), or financial aid?

Generally, being on academic probation means your scholarships and/or grants may be at risk. Renewal requirements vary for each one. For more information, contact Student Financial Services at (248) 370-2550, finservices@oakland.edu, or visit their office in North Foundation Hall, Room 120.

Should I repeat any classes?

There are a few important things to consider when deciding whether or not to repeat a course. Course repeats impact the number of credits completed in a semester, which could impact your financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

Also, consider that the most recent grade will be the grade of record whether or not it is the highest grade earned. Speak with your Academic Adviser and Student Financial Services before making any decisions regarding repeating a class.

Can I repeat my course at a community college?

It is not recommended to repeat a course at another institution because it does not improve your GPA. For more details review the Undergraduate Catalog and see your Academic Adviser.

What do I need to do to end academic probation?

Achieving a cumulative GPA of a 2.00 or higher takes you off academic probation and you are considered in good academic standing with the University.

What happens after I am on academic probation for one semester and don’t have a 2.00 cumulative GPA?

Students can continue on Academic Probation, as long as they are within the guidelines stated in the Academic Probation Policy in the Undergraduate Catalog. If a student does not meet the guidelines noted in the Academic Probation Policy, the student could be academically dismissed. 

It’s important for students to continue meeting with their Academic Adviser and utilizing the services of the Academic Success Center to discuss academic success strategies to get back into good academic standing (2.00 or higher GPA).

1. Rationale
   
   • Oakland University recognizes that bereavement is a difficult life event. The University also recognizes the necessity of taking time to grieve and fulfill social or family obligations, and not doing so may negatively impact students’ study and transition back to a normal routine.
     
     
2. Policy
   
   • In the event of the death of certain members of students’ families or loved ones, the University would grant necessary bereavement absences upon student request.
     
     
3. Scope of Applicability
   
   • This policy is applicable to all full- and part-time students.
     
     
4. Definitions
   
   • Certain members refers to
     
     • Members of immediate family, including step-family, members living in the same household, as well as legal guardians.
     • In the event of the death of a friend or family member outside of these definitions, the student may petition for bereavement leave through the Dean of Students Office.
       
       
   • Necessary Bereavement Absences are
     • Up to three (3) days of bereavement leave.
     • Additional days may be allotted to accommodate travel situations (to be determined by the distance of the student's home or location of service from Rochester, Michigan) or other special circumstances, to be determined in consultation with the Dean of Students Office.
       
       
5. Procedures
   
   
   • Students
     
     • Fill out online form to request leave from the Dean of Students Office up to 3 work days prior to the funeral, or travel to the funeral.
     • Place a call or e-mail to the Dean of Students Office up to 2 work days prior to the funeral or travel to the funeral. In case of extenuating circumstances, students must still email the Dean of Students offices prior to departure.
     • May request extended leave of absence for special circumstances. This must be discussed with and approved by the Dean of Students office.
     • Collect and submit required proof to the Dean of Students to justify the leave, either immediately or by the second day of returning to campus.
       • Proof should be in the form of a written statement, provided by the funeral home, on stationery from the funeral home, of attendance at the funeral for the student. 
       • Additional proof or alternative may be required by the Dean of Students Office.
     • Notify their instructors as soon as possible before the leave begins.
     • If students do not return within the guidelines provided by the Dean of Students Office, they need to notify the Dean of Students and their instructors with the expected date of return. When they return, they will meet with the Dean of Students to discuss their reason for delay and face possible consequences.
     • When students return to school, they need to communicate with their instructor to define a schedule to make up missed work.
     • Complete all assigned work as agreed upon with the instructor.
     • In the case students will not be returning before the end of the semester, this schedule must be agreed upon with their instructor before the leave begins.
       
       
   • Office of Dean of Students
     
     • Approve leave based on proof provided by the student.
       (Proof may be provided after the leave of absence.)
     • Notify instructors through email
     • Notify Office of Financial Aid through email
     • Notify Office of the Registrar through email
       
       
   • Instructors
     
     • Provide the student opportunity to earn equivalent credit for work missed.
     • Work with the student to define a reasonable timeframe to complete the work.
     • Add a reference to the policy in their syllabus
       
       
   • Registrar
     
     • Request a meeting with the student if the leave of absence affects issues like financial aid, graduation, etc.
       
       
6. Related Forms
   
   • https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?OaklandUniv&layout_id=7

Students will not be required to obtain signatures to add open course sections the first week of a given semester. Therefore, SAIL (web) registration will continue to be available through the first week of the Fall and Winter semesters and the first three days of the first week of the Spring and Summer sessions.

For those sections that are closed, students will either need to obtain a signed add form or faculty/authorized department staff can grant permission by using the Registration Permit Override form in Banner. The Registration Permit Override form allows permission to be granted for students to add into closed sections. Once approval is given, students can web register for the closed section.

Beginning with the second week of classes, SAIL will not be available to students adding into courses and signatures will be required to add into any section.

Oakland University Excused Absence Policy

Revised and approved by the Oakland University Senate, 16 April 2020

Rationale

The Oakland University Mission and the Strategic Plan strive to (1) encourage students live up to their full potential in a diverse environment and (2) succeed in all areas, including teaching, learning and comprehensive student services. In keeping with the spirit of these two documents, student participation in University sponsored events, such as intercollegiate athletics, artistic events, scholarly presentations, and leadership opportunities are considered part of their educational experience and students should not be penalized for taking part in these types of events when they are representing the University. Participation in these activities adds educational value for the student, the University and the community; can improve the academic success and well-being of students; and enhances opportunities for professional development and employment beyond graduation.

• This policy for university excused absences applies to any student participating in a University Sponsored Event as an official representative of Oakland University. University Sponsored Events include academic, artistic, athletic and scholarly endeavors, as well as participation in student organizations, including club sports, approved by the Provost or designee. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Intercollegiate Athletics (athlete, manager or student trainer in NCAA intercollegiate competitions)
  • Dress rehearsals and performances for artistic events both on and off campus
  • Activities approved by academic units (e.g. research or artistic presentations, conference attendance, special events associated with coursework)
  • State, Regional or National competitions or conferences for student organizations (for club sports this includes regular and post season events)
  • University approved leadership or service opportunities
• This policy excludes those academic endeavors that require the completion of a predetermined number of clock hours, as in clinical experiences, practica, field placements or internships. In these instances, the maximum number of absences will be determined by the program director, department chair, or academic dean. This policy does not supersede program accreditation requirements. Departmental practices and procedures for providing equitable treatment for excused absences must be consistent with and will never supersede this policy.

• Inform students of dates/times that they will need to miss class for the activities in a timely manner, preferably by the first day of the semester or prior to the beginning of the semester if known.
• Provide each student with a letter (or send an email) from the faculty/administrator/staff member responsible for the event(s), along with a signed Excused Absence Form that includes dates, times and locations of the events for which students will be required to miss class.
• Help students resolve issues with instructors as they arise.

• Students should inform their instructors of dates they will miss class due to an excused absence by providing a completed Excused Absence Form to the instructor prior to the date of the anticipated absence. For activities such as athletic competitions when schedules are known prior to the start of a term, students should provide this information to their instructors on the first day of class. For events where the dates and times of the excused absences are unknown at the beginning of the semester, students should provide these documents to their instructors at the earliest possible time.
• Instructors and students must sign the Excused Absence Form and both the student and the instructor should keep a copy of the Form. It is recommended that students also email their instructors a copy of the completed Excused Absence Form so there is an electronic record of communication between the student and the instructor.
• Students should remind the Instructor of the absence at least one week prior to the event(s).
• Make-up work
  • It is the responsibility of the student to request from the instructor an opportunity to complete missed assignments and/or make up course requirements for class participation/attendance, activities, labs, examinations or other course requirements in a timely manner.
  • Participation in University Sponsored Events should not be considered a release of responsibility for completing course requirements or for learning course content. Students are responsible for all material covered in classes that they miss, even when their absences are excused, as defined above.
• Students should be aware that excessive absences—whether excused or unexcused—may affect their ability to do well in the class(es).
• Students failing to reach a mutually acceptable agreement concerning excused absences with the instructor and who feel that they are not receiving equitable treatment, should speak to the Department Chair (Program Director of School of Nursing) and follow the unit’s grievance procedure. If after following the unit’s grievance procedures the student is not satisfied, a student can contact the Dean of Students office.

• Instructors are responsible for providing students with an equitable way to make up missed work due to an absence excused by this policy, including course requirements for class attendance and/or participation.
• Instructors may not penalize students for absences excused by this policy, including points assigned for attendance and/or class participation.
• Instructors should inform students of procedures to make up missed work in a timely manner and are encouraged to include these procedures and the URL for the Excused Absence Policy in their course syllabus.
• Missed classroom activities will be rescheduled at the discretion of the instructor. Classroom activities, including make-up exams and labs, should be scheduled within a reasonable time when the student is not involved in class or other Oakland University activities.
• Instructors can request the assistance of a faculty/administrator/staff member from the sponsoring unit (e.g. Faculty Athletics Representative or Athletics Academic Advisor for Athletics) for administering make-up exams.
• If the faculty member believes that the number of excused absences will prevent a student from fulfilling the learning experience/mastery that a course requires, the faculty member may advise the student that his/her course grade may be seriously impacted due to excessive absences. In addition, the faculty member must inform the Department Chair of this recommendation.

• Falsifying information or documentation in order to obtain an excused absence or sharing information about a make-up examination or quiz with other students is considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Conduct Regulations. Students found to be engaged in these types of activities will be reported to the Dean of Students and subject to any sanctions determined by the Academic Conduct Committee. In addition, the student may receive a grade of 0.0 in the course, as determined by the course instructor.

• Excused Absence Approval Form
• Guidelines For Make-up Work For Excused Absences

The mission of the Office of the Registrar is to provide administrative services to students, faculty, alumni and administration of the highest quality in supporting the instructional role of the university. Those services include:

• Academic calendar creation
• Class scheduling including the Schedule of Classes publication
• Transfer credit evaluation
• Registration
• Academic records maintenance
• Diploma processing
• Transcript processing
• Enrollment certification
• Residency determination for tuition purposes
• Petition of exception determination
• Veteran certification
• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student certification

The following list of procedural and policy matters is presented in alphabetical order for easy reference. If additional information is needed, review the university undergraduate and/or graduate catalog or Schedule of Classes or the Office of the Registrar website.

Academic Records

The Office of the Registrar maintains the permanent official records of student grades. Transcripts of student records are normally available only upon written request of the student and payment of a specified fee for this service. The student must have no delinquent indebtedness to the university.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement is a program whereby students may achieve college credit based on examinations for advanced-level high school courses. Oakland University cooperates with high schools participating in this program. Advanced Placement credit awards are recorded on a student's transcript. The current criteria for acceptance of Advanced Placement test scores appear in the university's undergraduate catalog.

Application for Degree/Diplomas

Students who have completed academic requirements and wish to become candidates for degree must file an application for graduation no later than the deadline published in the term’s Schedule of Classes. Students who file applications for degree after the published deadline will become candidates for degree in the next semester. Diplomas are mailed to approved degree recipients who have no delinquent indebtedness to the university approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of the term of graduation.

Calendar

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the creation of the university’s academic calendar. The academic calendar is published regularly as part of the undergraduate and graduate catalogs and accessible from the Oakland University website

A more detailed calendar with pertinent term registration-related deadlines is published in the Schedule of Classes and accessible from the Oakland University web home page under Important Dates.

Classroom Facility Scheduling

The Office of the Registrar assigns all general-purpose classroom facilities for use. Classroom assignments are based on the instructional and technological needs necessary to meet curriculum requirements. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the scheduling of all classroom facilities for activities other than credit courses based on established policies and practices of the institution.

Classroom Usage

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the management and scheduling classroom facilities. Each general-purpose classroom is equipped with maximum seating capacity in keeping with established state and federal fire code standards. Classroom furniture and equipment are not to be removed and/or relocated to other classrooms. Classrooms are food and beverage free environments, thus faculty, staff and students are expected to act accordingly.

Class Scheduling

The Office of the Registrar generates a calendar for the preparation of the Schedule of Classes and distributes the calendar to the academic units. Academic units development and finalize class offerings and forward the information to the Office of the Registrar for classroom assignment and publication in the appropriate Schedule of Classes. All course changes to the Schedule of Classes require approval by the dean’s office.

Enrollment Statistics

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for processing registrations, add/drops, withdrawals, transfer evaluations, and auditing certain course and student data in an efficient and accurate manner. These activities result in the compilation of official enrollment statistics for each academic term. The Office of Institutional Research & Assessment is responsible for reporting aggregate enrollment statistics and may be accessed by other university offices for their informational and reporting needs.

Faculty may access through the BANNER system current enrollment for classes and the list of students from the beginning of early registration through final examinations.

Examination Schedule

The examination schedule is published as part of the Schedule of Classes each term. Examinations take place during a period of six days at the end of each semester (three days at the end of each session), and each of these days contains no more than five examination modules. No instructor may schedule a test during the last five days of classes preceding the official examination period.

Grade Reporting

The Registrar is responsible for the processing of final grades by preparing grading instructions, scheduling examination periods, and monitoring the recording of grades for errors and omissions. Instructors record final grades on the BANNER Web for each course section using their BANNER identification number and personal identification number (pin). Faculty also record last dates of attendance for students who stop attending but do not officially drop classes for university compliance with Federal Law regarding financial aid (Title IV.) Instructors are encouraged to enter grades by announced deadlines for each semester. Tardy submission of grades may result in students not receiving credit on their report cards for grades they have earned. At the end of the grading process, grades are available to students on the web.

Grading System

Grading practices have changed from time to time at the university. To review the policies in effect during a given term, refer to the graduate or undergraduate catalog for the appropriate period.

Honors List

Various levels of university honors are awarded to students based on cumulative grade point average. These honors are described in the undergraduate catalog.

Petitions of Exception

A Petition of Exception is a recourse open to students to seek modification of normal university or academic unit requirements. The Committees on Instruction of the various schools and colleges act on Petitions of Exception. Petition of Exception forms may be obtained from the office of the appropriate academic unit.

Students may also petition certain university officers regarding the application of various financial policies when exceptional circumstances may warrant an adjustment. Details are provided under "Financial Policy Adjustments" in each class schedule. Also, the Registrar reviews requests for exceptions to registration and withdrawal policies.

Registration

Registration for all academic terms at Oakland University is made available to students via the SAIL Telephone and Web Registration system. Early registration, by class standing is held for each term, and is followed by open registration prior to the beginning of a semester/term. Late Registration begins the first day of classes of a term and the faculty signature is required to register courses during this time.

Students who have initially registered may add additional classes in two ways. First, if prior to the first day of classes and the class is open, students can add through the SAIL Web Registration system. If the class is closed or requires permission, the signature of the faculty member on an add/drop form is required.

Beginning the first day of classes through the end of Late Registration, the signature of the faculty member is required to add all classes. The assignment of these students will be made in accordance with class enrollment capacities agreed upon by the department chair and the Registrar.

If students drop classes through the end of the "no grade" drop period, their names will no longer appear on the class list. Students who drop classes after the "no grade" period until the last day of official withdrawal, a grade of "W" is assigned.

Residency Reclassification

Students admitted as non-residents by the Admission Office may appeal the initial residency classification to the Residency Reclassification Appeals Office housed in the Office of the Registrar. Students must file an Application for Reclassification of Residence Status

Transfer Credit

Transcripts presented by transfer students from other regionally accredited institutions are evaluated initially in the Academic Records Office, Office of the Registrar, with the major department determining the applicability of transferred credits to the student's major program. Copies of the Transfer Credit Evaluation form are made available to the student and his/her adviser. Advisers and department chairs are urged to discuss the Transfer Credit Evaluation form with the transfer student.

Veteran Certification

Students receiving veteran benefits enroll with the Office of the Registrar each term. Any changes in enrollment after an initial registration must be reported to the office.

NCAA Student Certification

Student athletic academic eligibility is certified by the office to ensure compliance with NCAA by-laws, rules and regulations.

Authorizing Body: Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Responsible Office: e-Learning and Instructional Support

Policy: Moodle Policy

Oakland University reserves the award of academic degrees to persons who have met all requirements for the completion of those degrees, except in the instances of Honorary Degrees that are awarded solely upon the authority of the Board of Trustees of the University.

It may be requested of the University that academic recognition be bestowed posthumously to a deceased student who did not complete degree requirements and who did not meet the prescribed criteria for an honorary degree. In such a circumstance, the University may, upon request of the family, spouse or significant other of the subject student and upon approval of the appropriate dean, confer a degree, if the deceased student had met the requirements as set forth below.

Baccalaureate Degree Student: To be eligible for this University recognition, a deceased student who, at the time of termination of study, was pursuing a Bachelor Degree, shall have met a minimum of 90 percent of the requirements in each published category: general education, departmental, college/school, University.

Master's Degree Student: To be eligible for this University recognition, a deceased student who, at the time of termination of study, was pursuing a master's degree, shall have met a minimum of:

a) Successful completion, when applicable, of comprehensive examinations, and 90 percent of required credit hours in every published curricular category in programs that do not require a master's degree thesis; or,

b) Successful completion, when applicable, of comprehensive examinations, 100 percent of credit hours in every published curricular category, faculty acceptance of a thesis topic and demonstrable progress on thesis research in programs requiring a thesis.

Doctoral Degree Student: To be eligible for this University recognition, a deceased student who, at the time of termination of study, was pursuing a doctoral degree, shall have met a minimum of 100 percent of requirements in every published category, preliminary or comprehensive examinations, faculty acceptance of dissertation topic, and demonstrable progress on dissertation research.

The commencement program will list the degree candidate with an asterisk and the word “Posthumously” at the bottom of the page. The degree candidate’s parents, spouse or significant other will be invited to attend the commencement ceremony and accept the diploma cover when the student’s name is called. The diploma will note that the degree was awarded posthumously.

The academic record will be marked “Degree conferred posthumously”. A copy of the academic record will be released, if requested, to an attorney representing the estate of the deceased student.

• The Fall and Winter semesters shall have 14 weeks of instruction and six days of final examinations. However, due to holidays when classes are not in session, classes meeting one day per week shall have 13 weeks of instruction. 
• New Student Convocation shall be scheduled prior to the start of the Fall semester.
• The first day of classes for every semester, term or session shall begin at 7:30 a.m. except when Fall classes begin at 5:00 p.m., the day after Labor Day. 
• Whenever possible, there shall be at least one business day before the start of the Winter semester.
• For Fall and Winter semesters, one study day prior to the start of final examinations shall be scheduled.
• For the Fall and Winter semesters, final examinations shall end before Fall and Spring commencements. 
• Fall commencement shall be scheduled the Saturday in December on the last day of final examinations.
• The winter recess shall be scheduled at the mid-point of the Winter semester.
• Spring commencement shall be scheduled the first Saturday in May.
• The Summer semester shall 14 weeks of instruction, six days of final exams and one recess week. However, due to holidays when classes are not in session, classes meeting one day per week shall have 13 weeks of instruction. Summer sessions shall have seven weeks of instruction and three days of final examinations. However, due to holidays, affected classes meeting one day per week shall have six weeks of instruction.
• There shall be at least one week between the end of a semester and the start of the next semester. This allows for students to review grades and determine whether they should add or drop courses for the upcoming semester. This also allows time for departments who monitor student academic progress to do their work. This also provides an opportunity for classroom cleaning and maintenance prior to the start of the upcoming term.
• Classes are suspended on the following holidays:
  • Labor Day (first Monday in September)
  • Thanksgiving Recess-Thursday, Friday and Saturday
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
  • Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
  • Independence Day(s) if Independence Day falls on a Friday, classes are also suspended Saturday.
• The calendar shall meet all AAUP contractual agreements.
• The calendar shall be reviewed by the following bodies:
  • President’s Cabinet
  • Academic Council
  • AAUP Executive Committee

The Office of the Registrar will maintain schedules for three terms: Fall, Winter and Summer.

Seven standard parts-of-term will be maintained within each term to accommodate flexible scheduling. Additional parts of term will only be added after discussion with the Registrar and approved by the Provost. Evaluation of terms and parts of term will be given after review of the following academic goals:

• Academic quality
• Contact hours and accreditation
• Financial aid compliance
• Compliance with mandates from external research organizations
• Official headcount reporting

Oakland University is subject to the provisions of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which makes student records confidential. Accordingly, student grades may not be publicly posted in any form that uses social security numbers or violates the confidentiality of student records. Students now have access to their final grades through SAIL.

Faculty members shall be prohibited from giving in-class or online examinations or tests that are in lieu of final examinations during the last seven calendar days prior to the start of the final examination period of any fall or winter semester, the last 3 calendar days of any seven-week session, and an appropriately adjusted number of days for other parts of term. This policy also covers quizzes if a particular quiz counts for more than 10% of the course grade. Homework assignments, presentations, laboratory reports, and short quizzes, quizzes worth less than or equal to 10% of the course grade are not covered by this policy. Violation of this policy will first be referred to the Dean of the academic unit that offers the course. A student may contact the Academic Affairs office if the issue is not resolved by the academic unit. Faculty members are urged to keep heavy end-of-the-semester work load in mind when assigning quizzes or short assignments during the periods noted above.

Final examinations are to be administered in the classroom in which classes have been held. If circumstances require that a different room be used, changes may be made with the Registrar with the approval of the department chair. Room change information should be made available to the students in a timely fashion.

Important Dates and Final Exams Schedule

NOTE TO FACULTY/DEPARTMENT:  If your class meeting time is not listed, please contact the Office of the Registrar for a final examination assignment.

Final exams are generally held in the regular classroom, but at different times. Plan ahead for finals. See the  important dates page and select the FINAL EXAMS tab for PDFs of posted final exam dates and times.

ONLINE COURSES: If the instructor elects to give an on-campus final exam, that exam will take place on Saturday of the final examination period.  The time and location of the final exam will be provided by the instructor.

Final grades from instructors are due in the Office of the Registrar within 48 hours of the close of each examination period or at 10 a.m. the following work day.

Students who have three or more examinations scheduled during one calendar day during the final examination period may arrange for an alternate time for the last of the three (or more) examinations. (updated May 2022)

If a student chooses to move the last of the three (or more) examinations, they should arrange an alternative time with the professor at least one week prior to the final exam week.  Students may also take their final exam schedule to the Dean's Office in the College/School (where the course is offered) for assistance in arranging for an alternate time for the last of the three (or more) examinations.  (updated May 2022)

If the university should close due to inclement weather or other emergency, any missed examination periods or days will be made up in sequence on the first day or days after the end of the originally scheduled final examination period.  Rescheduled exams will take place at the same times and in the same places as originally scheduled.  No exams will be rescheduled on Sunday.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on December 11, 1985

The freedom of colleges and universities to determine their curricula and courses of investigation in accordance with professional standards is a fundamental source of strength for American higher education and must be preserved. The Board of Trustees of Oakland University recognizes its responsibility in this regard and issues the following statement.

The Board of Trustees of Oakland University reaffirms its commitment to maintain Oakland University as an institution where both students and faculty are free to pursue scholarship in an open and creative environment. The rights of faculty members to undertake scholarly approaches to their disciplines in accordance with professional standards in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in publications are guaranteed. Likewise, the rights of students to question, without fear of reprisal, the positions and points of view espoused by faculty must be assured. An academic community is a delicate balance of teaching and scholarship in which both suffer when the freedom to pursue either in a fully open manner is compromised.

As a public institution of higher education, Oakland University acknowledges its responsibility to conduct its programs in the public interest. The Board of Trustees expects the university faculty to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and to act only in ways that will further the mission of the University. In return, the University shall vigorously defend the competence of the faculty to establish the content and direction of their scholarly investigations and presentations in the classroom in accordance with prevailing professional and legal standards and institutional requirements.

Oakland University Senate
Statement on Academic Freedom

The University Senate reaffirms its commitment to maintain Oakland University as an institution where both students and faculty are free to pursue scholarship in an open and creative environment. The rights of faculty members to undertake scholarly approaches to their disciplines in accordance with professional standards in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in publications are guaranteed. Likewise, the rights of students to question, without fear of reprisal, the positions and points of view espoused by faculty must be assured. An academic community is a delicate balance of teaching and scholarship in which both suffer when the freedom to pursue either in a fully open manner is compromised.

Academic freedom includes the following specific freedoms:

• Freedom of research and publication. Within the broad standards of accountability established by their profession and their individual disciplines, faculty members must enjoy the fullest possible freedom in their research and in circulating and publishing their results. This freedom follows immediately from the university's basic commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding. Restrictions on research and publication should be minimal and unobtrusive.
• Freedom of teaching. This freedom is an outgrowth of the previous one. Faculty members must be able to develop and establish the curriculum for academic programs and individual courses. Faculty members must also be free to disseminate to their students the results of research by themselves and others in their profession and to encourage students to think about these results for themselves, often in an atmosphere of controversy, so long as it remains in a broad sense educationally relevant, actively assists students in mastering the subject and appreciating its significance.
• Freedom of internal criticism. Universities promote the common good not through individual decisions but through broad-based engagement in scholarly endeavor. Faculty members, because of their educational and institutional knowledge, play an indispensable role as independent participants in university decision making. By virtue of this role, they are entitled to comment on or criticize in a professional manner University policies or decisions, either individually or through institutions of faculty governance.
• Freedom of participation in public debate. Both within and beyond their areas of expertise, faculty members are generally entitled to participate as citizens in public forms and debates including use of electronic media. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As scholars and faculty members, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence they should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate they are not speaking for the institution.

As a public institution of higher education, Oakland University acknowledges responsibility to conduct its programs in the public interest. Members of the Oakland University community are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and to act only in ways that will further the mission of the University. The University shall vigorously defend the competence of the faculty to establish the content and direction of their scholarly investigations, presentations in the classroom, and engagement in service activities, including participation in faculty governance, in accordance with prevailing professional and legal standards and institutional requirements.

Regalia Adornments at OU Commencement Ceremonies

To honor student academic achievement and recognize student involvement the following guidelines will govern regalia adornments at Oakland University commencement ceremonies.

Honor Cords and Medallions
The wearing of cords during commencement is reserved for university honors, distinguished graduates (major and Latin honors), academic (GPA-based), distinguished honor societies, study abroad participants, and service in the military. The wearing of medallions during commencement is reserved Presidential Awards recipients.

The University distributes cords to designate undergraduate students who graduate with academic honors. Recognizing the considerable effort of the students who earn honors, the color(s) of the cord will signify the level of honors as follows:

As is the current practice, the determination of honors would be preliminary and based on the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the start of the graduating semester. Cords and medallions will be provided to students before the start of each commencement ceremony.

Cords are not to be used for any other designation unless the Office of the Provost grants specific permission. Cords for academic (GPA-based), distinguished honor societies cannot conflict with the color of OU’s honor cords.

Stoles and Pins
Student organizations may wear stoles and pins to signify participation in nationally affiliated student and Greek organizations only. Kente cloth stoles (distributed at the Black Celebratory Celebration) are permitted to be worn. Permission for all other stoles and pins must be approved by the Office of the Provost (for academic schools or departments) and the Office for Student Involvement (for student organizations). Wearing of stoles and pins should reflect academic achievement or recognized student involvement.

Graduate Students
Graduation honors are not bestowed upon students receiving Masters or Doctoral degrees; therefore graduate degree recipients do not receive or wear honor cords.