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PARENT AND FAMILY INFORMATION

The First Year Advising Center will make sure your student has a smooth transition to Oakland University. But don’t worry — we also know that it is important for you to stay in the loop.  We offer a variety of resources for family members to stay updated and involved with your student's success.

Parent and Family Orientation

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. 

Parent and Family Resources

*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 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
  • Facilitate connections to appropriate campus resources 
Dates and deadlines
  • Fall 2025 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 16. 

  • Mark these dates on your calendar 
    September 9 - Last day to add a class on MySAIL without instructor permission
    September 10-16 - Instructor permission required to add a class
    September 16 - Last day to drop a class and receive a full 100% tuition refund
    November 4 - 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:
Opportunities for fun and involvement
Welcome Week is here, and it’s the perfect time for your student to connect, celebrate and feel at home on campus! Encourage them to take part in these key events:
  • View the Banners in North Foundation Hall: Signed by parents, family and friends during Orientation, these banners are a reminder of the support behind them as they begin this journey.
  • Student Success Celebration: Thursday, September 4th from 11 am - 1 pm
    Discover the amazing resources to help them succeed at Oakland University while enjoying games, music, snacks and prizes! Students can travel outside between North Foundation Hall and Wilson Hall for a full experience!
  • Grizz Fest: Tuesday, September 9th from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Students should stop by for a can’t-miss OU tradition filled with music, games, and opportunities to connect with student organizations and community partners.
These events are designed to help your student start strong, meet new people and find their place in the OU community.

We're on Instagram
Encourage your student to follow our FYAC Instagram account. You can follow too! 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 (and you) to keep up with everything they need to know. 
 
Subscribe to Parent/Family Newsletter

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.

Campus Resources

Below is a list of campus resources available to your student. If there is a department or resource you can't find, please reach out to [email protected] and Orientation and New Student Programs can help direct you.

 

First Year Advising Center

North Foundation Hall, Room 101
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3227
[email protected]

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Orientation & New Student Programs
North Foundation Hall, Room 101
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(248) 370-GOLD
[email protected]

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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