First Year Resources

COM 1100 is a first-year seminar course designed to help new students successfully transition to Oakland University. Students who take this course are more likely to excel academically and graduate than students who do not enroll in the course. COM 1100 is a one-credit, graded elective course taught by student services staff. Class size is 25 students to allow for meaningful classroom discussion. Talk to your adviser to see if COM 1100 is right for you!

University Lingo
In your first year, you will hear a lot of new terms. Use this collection of OU’s most common terms to help you get up to speed. We also use many acronyms and abbreviations for buildings, departments, etc. You can find an acronym list here.

Peer Tutoring
Tutoring is a free service available to all enrolled Oakland University students currently taking courses at Oakland University. Drop-in and individual appointment tutoring options are available.

Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a free program that provides organized study sessions two to three times a week for students enrolled in traditionally difficult courses. Sessions are conducted by SI leaders who have successfully completed the course and are trained by the Academic Success Center. 

Academic Support
Do you want to learn about ways to study so information really sticks? Tired of spending hours preparing for exams only to find a grade you are unhappy with? Feeling overwhelmed trying to juggling countless assignments, exams and your personal life? The staff at the Academic Success Center can help!

Writing Support
The Oakland University Writing Center is open to OU students, faculty, and staff in all disciplines at any stage of the writing process. The center provides writers with an interested and supportive audience of well-trained consultants who help both novice and expert writers explore ideas, revise drafts, and develop the skills to craft polished works.

Career and Life Design Center
Apply for an on-campus jobs and prepare for your future internship or job search.

• Explore on-campus jobs using Handshake
• Drop in to the Career Studio to work on your resume with a Career Ambassador
• Make and appointment to meet with a Career and Life Design Coach

Office for Student Involvement
OSI offers many ways to get connected to other students. Turn your passions into purpose through clubs, events, and leadership opportunities. 

• Fill out the OSI Student Interest Form and they will help connect you to student orgs, campus events, and leadership and volunteer opportunities that match your interests.
• Join one of over 300 student organizations using GrizzOrgs
• Use GrizzOrgs to find out about upcoming events sponsored by student organizations 
• Take an active role in your community with volunteer opportunities
• Learn lifelong skills through leadership development opportunities

Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI)
The mission of the Center for Multicultural Initiatives is to provide support for underrepresented students' success and to foster an appreciation for campus wide diversity. All CMI programs and services are aimed at creating a diverse, inclusive and vibrant campus. From hosting celebration months honoring the contributions of various cultures to our training programs, we move to uplift and educate on the importance of each voice in creating our OU community.

University Recreation and Well-Being
Stay strong and keep your health front and center by joining virtual and in-person fitness activities. 

• Your membership is included in your tuition
• Join a group exercise class
• Participate in Student Well-Being activities
• Don't miss out on intramural and club sports

Gender and Sexuality Center
This student-centered campus resource works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQA+ members of the OU community. 

Student Congress
Learn more, get involved, and help fellow students create the best possible experience at Oakland.

Residence Life Association
Find events, activities, and resources to get connected if you are living on campus.

Veterans Support Services
OU is a gold-ranking support service, promoting the educational, career, and personal advancement of veterans, service members, and their dependents. 

A first-generation student is someone whose parents or guardians have not completed a college or university degree. Being the first to do anything can be unnerving, but we are here to help! Watch your email for information regarding “first-gen” programming, events and celebrations throughout your first year.

Monthly Programming Coming for the 2024-25 Academic Year

• August - First-Gen Campus Kickoff
• September - Oakland University 101
• October - Guided FAFSA and Scholarship Demo 
• November - Finals Study Tables
• December - Stress Less
• January - Welcome Back - Brown Bag lunch w/ mentors
• February - Career Check-in
• March - Finals Study Tables
• April - Transitioning to Your Next Year

Detailed information on events listed available soon!