Oakland University earns Gold-level Veteran-Friendly School designation for 10th consecutive year

Oakland University has been selected as a Gold-level Michigan Veteran-Friendly School for the 2026-27 academic year, marking the 10th consecutive year the university has earned the program’s highest designation for supporting veterans, service members and military-connected students.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) awards Gold, Silver and Bronze designations to educational institutions that demonstrate a commitment to serving military-connected students. Gold is the program’s highest designation, recognizing institutions that meet at least six of seven criteria focused on veteran-specific services, resources and student success.

Oakland’s designation reflects its ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive campus environment for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and students connected to the military community.

Oakland University’s Veterans Support Services (VSS) helps students navigate educational benefits, certification requirements and other resources available to veterans and military-connected students. The university also assists students transitioning to college, exploring opportunities to receive academic credit for military training and connecting with campus and community resources.

Oakland’s military-connected community includes more than 170 student veterans, 13 National Guard members and 109 military dependents. Veterans Support Services staff work to help these students use their earned education benefits to pursue their academic and career goals.

“Veterans bring valuable experiences and perspectives to our campus community,” said Lisa Rhoades, coordinator of Oakland University’s Veterans Support Services. “We are committed to helping our military-connected students navigate the transition to college, access the resources they need and achieve their academic goals.”

Student Veterans of Oakland University, a student organization and chapter of Student Veterans of America, provides additional opportunities for military-connected students to build relationships, participate in campus activities and connect with fellow veterans.

The 2026-27 designation comes as the MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly Schools program continues to grow statewide. A record 73 institutions and training programs were selected for the program this academic year.

Celebrate Veterans Recognition Week at OU

Oakland University will celebrate Veterans Recognition Week Nov. 9-13 with activities recognizing and supporting the university’s military-connected community.

The week’s events include opportunities for students, faculty and staff to connect, participate in recreational activities and recognize the contributions of military-connected members of the OU community.

The schedule includes:

· Monday, Nov. 9: Mess Hall Monday — Free Breakfast

· Tuesday, Nov. 10: Orienteering Course

· Wednesday, Nov. 11: Push, Pull, Plank Event

· Thursday, Nov. 12: Free Breakfast with Student Veterans of Oakland University

· Friday, Nov. 13: Veterans Recognition and Scholarship Luncheon

Prospective students interested in learning more about resources and support at Oakland University can visit oakland.edu/veterans, call (248) 370-2010 or email the university’s Veterans Support Services at veterans@oakland.edu.