PARENT AND FAMILY INFORMATION

Oakland University understands the important role parents and family members play in their students' transition to college. Orientation is designed to acquaint you to campus resources and support services for newly admitted Oakland University students. During New Student Orientation, you and your student will attend sessions together and separately in order to meet the diverse needs of students and parent and family members.  

Your newly admitted student can register for Orientation through their admitted student portal and follow the prompts to add guests. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Orientation and New Student Programs Office at [email protected] or 248-370-4653. 

*The following information is from our current Parent/Family newsletter. If you would like to receive this newsletter to your inbox, please subscribe on the next tab.

Winter 2025 is here and the end of your student's first academic year is now in sight. We'll continue to guide them this semester, and help you stay in the loop, as they make more progress toward their degree. Here are a few important items to keep in mind as this semester kicks off:

Required Winter Appointments

Winter 2025 appointments start soon. All students must meet with their adviser before registration for the 2025-2026 academic year opens in late March. A hold will be placed on their account, and they will not be able to register or withdraw from any courses until this requirement is met. Students should schedule now to get on their adviser's calendar -- appointments fill up fast!

Before your student's appointment, we encourage them to log in to Your First Year eSpace and complete the “Planning for Second Year Registration” module. It's an effective tool that will allow them to create a first draft of their schedule to bring to the appointment.   

How to Schedule an Appointment
 
Looking for Money for the 2025-2026 Academic Year?

Now is the time for your student to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA, if not already submitted. Additionally, your student can apply for over 350 scholarships that OU awards annually through one easy application. The deadline for the OU Annual Scholarship Application is Saturday, March 1.
 
Keep Those Academic Resolutions

Now is the time to help students stay committed to the positive habits they created during the fall semester, or begin fresh with new resolutions made over winter break. Using campus resources should now be a part of your student's regular routine. Share or remind them about these important options:

• The Academic Success Center provides many resources, including peer tutoring, study groups, supplemental instruction, and academic support for improving learning and study skills.
• The Writing Center - students may have longer, more difficult writing assignments in their second semester. The Writing Center is prepared to aid students as they revise drafts and explore new ideas.
• University Recreation and Well-Being - FREE to all registered students. RecWell empowers students to manage their stress, lead healthy lifestyles and make positive decisions regarding personal health and well-being.

 
First-Gen Student Resources

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 bring challenges, but we are here to help! We offer a dedicated first-gen online discussion group that your student can access within their student MySail portal, as well as first-gen monthly programming. 
 
 
Important Dates and Deadlines
 
Additional important dates can be found on the Registrar's calendar page.

• February 22 (at 10 p.m.) - March 2 - Winter recess (classes resume March 3)
• March 1 - Deadline to apply for OU scholarships
• March 14 - Last day to withdraw from a course
• March 17 - FYAC Required Appointment deadline
• March 17 - Registration for summer 2025, fall 2025, and winter 2026 begins (based on class standing and earned credit hours)

We typically send out three newsletters each semester with tips and tricks, important deadlines to keep in mind, and connections to campus resources that will help your student succeed. Opt-in to receive our newsletter here.