First Year FAQs

You can identify your assigned academic adviser on your MySAIL account. Log in at the top right of the screen with your NetID and password. Find the "Academic Profile" widget. You will see your Academic Adviser listed in this box.  

All students with an assigned adviser in the First Year Advising Center are required to meet with their adviser at least once per semester. Students will not be able to register for next year’s courses during March registration unless this requirement is met.

Once you’ve attended New Student Orientation, you can schedule an advising appointment by following the directions provided. During key registration times, drop-in hours are available to help answer time-sensitive questions.

Appointments are a collaborative conversation with your academic adviser focused on your questions, goals and decisions. Parents, guardians or guests can attend appointments with you, but due to federal privacy laws, your academic adviser will request your written permission at the beginning of the appointment before the guest(s) join. Parents/guardians can often be helpful support; we encourage you to take the lead in these conversations.

A complete list of all undergraduate majors is available on the Academic Advising website. Select a major from the list to view the Major Requirements and Sample Schedule, which outline the requirements for your program. Your academic adviser will go over these requirements with you during your appointments and can answer any questions you have.

Meeting with your academic adviser is the first step to exploring majors and careers! Your adviser can connect you to courses and on-campus experiences that help you learn more about your interest areas. We also recommend utilizing PathwayU to better understand your interests, values, personality and workplace preferences.

Meeting with your academic adviser is the first step when making changes to your program of study. They will review degree requirements and your current/future schedule to help you make an informed decision. Your adviser will also assist you in completing the Change of Curriculum Form to process requested changes.

The Important Dates Calendar for each semester includes deadlines for adding, dropping, and withdrawing from courses, payment due dates, final exam dates, university closures and more.

We encourage you to consult your academic adviser by appointment or email before making any changes to your schedule. During key registration times, drop-in hours are available to make connecting with an adviser easier. Make note of the deadlines to add, drop and withdraw from courses on the Important Dates Calendar for the appropriate semester. 

Students can drop courses through the first two weeks* of the fall and winter semester. When a course is dropped, it is removed from the student’s schedule and any tuition paid for the course is refunded.

Once the deadline to drop a course has passed, students have the option to withdraw from a course through the 9th week* of the semester. After a withdrawal, students are no longer registered for the course and a W appears on their transcript to note the course was attempted. No tuition is refunded for withdrawn courses.

*Courses that are less than a semester long or held in the summer have different drop/withdraw deadlines.

Knowing what textbooks to buy: Required textbooks and course materials are listed on the course syllabus. If faculty have provided their textbook information to the Oakland University Online Bookstore, the information will also be available in MySAIL by clicking on the blue "Buy Books" box in the Courses widget. (Note: most classes, whether online or in-person, will have a required textbook.)

Difference between required and recommended textbooks: Faculty may list both required and recommended textbooks in MySAIL or the course syllabus. Focus on purchasing required textbooks first, as those are necessary for the course. Talk to your professor if you have questions about the recommended textbooks.

Different textbook formats: Some textbooks come in different formats, like a bound book, e-book, loose-leaf packet, etc. Choose the option you're most comfortable with that fits within your personal budget. You can't go wrong with any of these options!

Where to buy textbooks: We recommend using the Oakland University Online Bookstore. Textbooks can be shipped directly to you or picked up on campus in the Oakland Center. 

Problems purchasing textbooks: If you experience issues, like shipping delays or out of stock textbooks, reach out to your professor to let them know. You can also check the course reserves in Kresge Library, as there may be an extra textbook that you can use until yours arrives. If you are having difficulty affording textbooks, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at 248-370-2550 or [email protected] to inquire about funding resources.

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is ready to answer any questions about your university financial matters. Visit them in 120 North Foundation Hall, or contact them via phone (248-370-2550) or email [email protected]. 

Reaching out for help is a smart and proactive step!

Start by talking with your professor during the office hours noted on the class syllabus. They can help clarify course material and suggest study strategies to help you.

Take advantage of free peer tutoring through the Academic Success Center, or schedule an appointment with an Academic Coach to receive individual support with time management, learning strategies and more. If you need support with writing, no matter the course, visit the Writing Center for assistance.

If the challenge continues, meet with your academic adviser to review your academic plan and explore options like pass/fail, withdrawing, or retaking the course. 

Students who have a disability that substantially limits a major life activity can register with Disability Support Services by completing the online registration form. You will be contacted to set up your first appointment to discuss whether you may be eligible to receive accommodations. 

OU takes great pride in being a Healthy Campus, offering many services for students.

The Oakland University Counseling Center provides up to four individual counseling sessions free for students, with an additional 11 sessions at a reduced rate. Support groups are also available surrounding topics such as academic success, self-esteem and neurodiversity.

The UWill Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (833) 646-1526. Students can also access three sessions with a licensed therapist by registering with UWill.

University Recreation and Well-Being, located in the Recreation Center, offers fitness classes, intramural and club sports and well-being programs. Program registration, facility hours, and facility schedules are always available on the Rec Well portal.

If you’re thinking about living on campus, University Housing is your go-to resource. They manage all on-campus housing options, including residence halls, student apartments and Greek Cottages. You can explore room types, costs and move-in details on the University Housing website, where you’ll also find a list of Frequently Asked Housing Questions to help you get started.

Submitting your housing contract is quick and easy, and the Housing team is happy to help along the way. You can reach them in person at 448 Hamlin Hall, by phone at (248) 370-3570, or by email at [email protected].

COM 1100 is a one-credit, graded elective course that supports first-year students in transitioning to college life. The course emphasizes academic success strategies, community building and engagement with campus resources. Many students consider it an excellent foundation for their college journey.

Most first-year students transition to an academic adviser in their major at the end of the first year, provided they have declared a major and are in good academic standing (2.0 cumulative GPA or higher). This transition typically takes place in May. Students will be contacted by their new academic adviser when they are assigned, and will also be able to see their name and contact information in the “Academic Profile” widget in MySAIL.