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.

Welcome to the First Year Advising Center's (FYAC) newsletter for parents and families. Throughout the year we will bring you important info that will help you empower your student as they find their footing at OU. We will touch base at the beginning, middle and end of each semester to keep you in the loop about important happenings in our office and across campus.
 
 
What is the First Year Advising Center (FYAC)?
You may have heard about us at orientation this summer, but let us reintroduce ourselves. The FYAC is the main support office for students as they transition to life as an OU student. During their first year, your student is required to meet with their adviser each semester. Advisers will:

• Help with course scheduling and degree requirements
• Aid in career exploration
• Discuss academic progress and challenges 
   

Fall 2024 Drop-In Hours
New students often have questions as they begin college. That's why the FYAC is open for drop-in assistance during the first few weeks of the semester. If your student has a quick question and needs the expertise of our advising staff, we are available in-person and via phone through September 17th. 

Mark these dates on your calendar:

• September 10 - Last day to add a class on MySAIL without instructor permission
• September 11-17 - Instructor permission required to add a class
• September 17 - Last day to drop a class and receive a full 100% tuition refund
• November 5 - Last day to withdraw from a class

Additional important dates can be found on the Registrar's calendar page 

 
Help your student get connected
Research shows that students strongly connected to the college they attend have a higher chance of being successful in their classes and beyond. Share these important tips with your student:

• Free tutoring is available via drop-in or appointments at the Academic Success Center. Encourage your student to go early to stay ahead in their courses.
• Meet one-on-one for academic support to improve time management, organizational and study skills, and test-taking preparation.
• Find social and major-related organizations to join using GrizzOrgs

 
We're on Instagram
Encourage your student to follow our FYAC Instagram account. We post tips and tricks on how to thrive in your first year, along with reminders about important events and deadlines. It's an easy way for your student to keep up with everything they need to know. 
 
 
Important Newsletters
Orientation and New Student Programs sends out a regular monthly newsletter with tips, fun facts and important events for freshman. Encourage your student to check it  out the first Friday of every month!

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.