About Us
Each year, more than 3,000 graduate students choose Oakland University to pursue advanced degrees that provide an exceptional educational foundation. From the moment you begin your application, through admission, rigorous academic coursework, specialized areas of study and hands-on research opportunities, you’ll find support at every step. OU is committed to preparing students for successful, fulfilling careers across a wide range of industries. Whether on campus or online, our graduate programs foster intellectual growth, professional development and the achievement of personal and academic goals, culminating in a proud and well-earned graduation.
Brandy A. Randall, Ph.D.
Dean, Graduate School and Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)
As Dean of the Graduate School, Brandy A. Randall, Ph.D. provides academic leadership, advancing graduate, professional and continuing education programs. Dr. Randall guides these academic units through strategic planning, program innovation and student success initiatives. With a background in developmental psychology and extensive experience in higher education administration, Randall has established herself as a visionary leader committed to fostering excellence and inclusivity in graduate, professional and continuing education.
As Dean, Dr. Randall has achieved significant milestones, including the development and implementation of policies on credit for prior learning and the launch of digital badging for non-credit and for-credit activities. She steers Oakland University's graduate Strategic Enrollment Management strategy as part of the SEM Steering Committee and served on the 2024 Oakland University Strategic Planning Leadership Team, co-leading the Academic Offerings and Innovation Theme Team to shape the university’s direction for the next seven years. Dr. Randall also established the Graduate and Professional Students Advisory Council to amplify graduate student voices and collaborates with the Graduate School Advisory Board to drive strategic advocacy and implement Graduate School objectives. Committed to maintaining relevance and effectiveness in graduate education, she works with the Graduate Council to regularly revise policies, reviewing at least four each year.
Before joining Oakland University, Dr. Randall held leadership roles at North Dakota State University, where she was instrumental in curriculum development, mentorship and student engagement initiatives. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a B.A. in Psychology from Creighton University. Her dedication to advancing graduate, professional and continuing education exemplifies her commitment to empowering learners and faculty while fostering innovation and growth in higher education.
Mission
The Graduate School seeks to make OU the university of choice for graduate students and a national leader in graduate education. The Graduate School partners with Oakland University's academic units to provide a rich environment for graduate student success that fosters leaders in discovery, innovation, and creative endeavors. The School in collaboration with the schools and college recruits, retains and graduates engaged professionals whose work impacts the state, the nation and the world.
The Graduate School carries out its mission by:
- Fostering integrity, excellence and freedom of inquiry in graduate education
- Creating a rich and diverse intercultural and international community of scholars
- Providing high standards and clear policies for graduate education
- Providing personalized services and resources for graduate students and faculty
Role
As the administrative arm of Graduate Council, the Graduate School has responsibility for ensuring the highest standards in student admission; for providing academic records management, academic standing and degree services for currently enrolled students; and for the authorship, maintenance and oversight of graduate policy and standards that promote high quality in educational programs and curricula.
The Graduate School works with faculty, academic departments, and the deans of the College and schools to recruit and develop a graduate student body across the disciplines and professional fields reflective of academic strength and the University’s commitment to diversity, and designs programs to support student achievement and success.
The Graduate School also partners with departments and University governance in program review, accreditation, registration, and evaluation efforts conducted locally and by external authorities, and thereby contributes to the ongoing campus-wide commitment to retention.
Profile of Responsibilities
Commitment to Quality
- Graduate Council — academic policies and procedures
- Graduate program and curriculum
- Course catalog and development
- Graduate academic program review
- Graduate student progress, retention and degree completion
- Graduate academic faculty and program services
Graduate Recruitment and Admission
- Prospective graduate students
- Graduate recruitment
- Graduate admission services
- Graduate guest services
Graduate Student Progress
- Graduate readmission and program transfer
- Plan of study
- Transfer of graduate credit
- Petition of exception
- Graduate assistants and fellowships
- Leave of absence
- Academic standing, probation and dismissal
Graduation
- Dissertation and thesis service
- Manage the application to graduate
- Approve final graduate degree audits
The Graduate School team is your dedicated partner throughout your graduate journey at Oakland University. Whether you're applying, registering for classes, securing a graduate assistantship, seeking additional professional development, or preparing your thesis or dissertation, we're here to support you. From your admission application and your first class to your application to graduate and commencement, our staff is here to help you succeed.
Please visit our Future Students page for information and to schedule an appointment with our Pathways Advisors. Or, email [email protected].
Please use the following contact form in regard to questions/concerns/problems including registration, graduation, program transfers, credit transfers and more.
For all other questions, please call (248) 370-2700.
Please visit our Thesis and Dissertation page for detailed instructions and resources. Or, email [email protected].
The Graduate School publishes regular newsletters for current students, OU faculty and staff, and alumni. Each edition highlights news, events, and achievements from across our graduate community.
- Want to share your news? Submit your content using this news form.
- Want to stay connected? Sign up for our email list using this connection form to receive future newsletters.
Brandy A. Randall, Ph.D.
Dean, Graduate School and Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)
(248) 370-3169
Claire Rammel
Assistant Dean
Graduate curriculum, retention and academic services
[email protected]
(248) 370-4053
Grayson Athens
Graduate Student Services
(248) 370-4052
Dawn Dotson
Graduate Student Services
(248) 370-2558
Adam Panchenko
Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services for SHS, SON and OUWB
[email protected]
(248) 370-2653
Michelle Smith
Budget Manager, Graduate Assistant Agreements Processing, and Payroll
[email protected]
(248) 370-4048
Molly Swiatowy
Graduate Student Services Coordinator for SEHS and SECS
[email protected]
(248) 370-4805
Graduate School Advisory Board
The Graduate School Advisory Board's mission is to support OU's Graduate School by contributing to the development of its strategic direction and implementation of strategic objectives.
The Graduate School Advisory Board is an invitation only position facilitated by the Dean of the Graduate School. This position will support the work of the Graduate School and provide mission-based leadership and strategic advocacy. The Dean-Board relationship is a partnership.
The Advisory Board Members will serve a three-year term and will be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. Board meetings are held quarterly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings.
Darrell Whitney
- Michael Antaran
- Amy Butler (deceased)
- Beth Benson
- Andrea Bittinger
- Susan Bowyer
- Chris Delgado
- Napoleon Harrington
- Ryan Mostiller
- Emily Olling
- Debbie Pruent
- Caryn Reed-Hendon
- Laura Tack
- Beth Talbert
Graduate and Professional Student Advisory Council
The Graduate & Professional Student Advisory Council (GPSAC) was established in Winter 2024. The Council meets with the Graduate School Dean Brandy Randall to provide insights into the graduate and professional student experience at Oakland University. Additionally, the GPSAC assists with developing professional development and social programming relevant to our student body.
Graduate School
586 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2700
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Graduate School
586 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2700
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
