For Students

Welcome to Oakland University’s General Education Program!

Students who graduate from Oakland University must complete their major degree program and the General Education Program. You can monitor your progress toward degree completion by reviewing your graduation requirements in Degree Works.

For a detailed list of the approved courses, graduation requirements, and other important information, please review:

General Education Catalog

Talk to your academic adviser if you have any questions about General Education - either through the First Year Advising Center or through the school or college that offers your major.

If you believe you took a course or have a unique circumstance that could meet the learning outcomes of the General Education Program in an alternative way, a Petition of Exception or a Transfer Course Review Request may be options for you.

1. Meet with your academic adviser to determine if submitting a Petition of Exception (POE) or a Transfer Course Review Request (TCR) is right for you. Students must submit requests at least two semesters before graduation to allow time for evaluation and any necessary adjustments to their schedule.
2. Petition of Exception form submission:
   • In your rationale, provide a justification for your request. Be sure to:
     • Provide the course syllabus.
     • Include a comprehensive and clear explanation of how you have met the learning outcomes of the General Education requirements in an alternative way. Provide details on how your experiences or coursework have helped you achieve these outcomes.
   • Select the area of General Education in which you are requesting an exception. NOTE: Students who grew up in a multilingual environment and/or have extensive experience with a non-English language and culture should consult the Guidelines for General Education Language and Culture Petitions
   • Route the form to your academic adviser, who will review it and forward it to the General Education Committee.
3. Review process: The General Education Committee will review the request, which typically takes about eight weeks. Students will be notified once a decision is made.

Students interested in transferring to Oakland University should contact the Office of the Registrar for complete transfer information.