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Three Oakland University students posing with the Grizz bear mascot

Active Grizzlies

Don’t Just Go Here. Belong Here.

Want to meet new people, try something new, and make the most of your OU experience? Active Grizzlies makes it easy, and you can earn prizes along the way! Open to all Oakland University students, Active Grizzlies connects you with activities and events across campus designed to help you MOVE, CONNECT, and THRIVE.

Registration for the 2026–27 Active Grizzlies program is now closed. Interested in participating? Join the Active Grizzlies Waitlist to be contacted if additional spots become available.

HOW IT WORKS:
Every 30 days, this page will feature a new lineup of campus activities. Then:

  1. CHOOSE IT: Pick the activities that interest you.
  2. DO IT: Attend 3 different activities during each 30-day period.
  3. SCAN IT: Scan in as an Active Grizzlies participant at each activity to receive credit.
  4. EARN IT: Complete activities, reach milestones, and earn custom prizes!
The More You Participate, the More You Win!

Each 30-day challenge features a new lineup of activities and a new opportunity to work toward your next reward. Choose what interests you, scan the Active Grizzlies QR code at the "You Did It. Now Scan It." station when you participate, and keep moving through the prize levels!

Be sure to keep the following in mind: For your completed activities to count toward your reward, they must be 3 different activities. In addition, you can complete as many activities as you'd like during each 30-day challenge, but only 3 completed activities will be added to your Active Grizzlies total per challenge.

  • Challenge 1 (Begins 9/16): Complete 3 activities → Active Grizzlies T-Shirt
  • Challenge 2 (Begins 10/17): Complete 3 more activities (6 total) → Owala Water Bottle
  • Challenge 3 (Begins 1/7): Complete 3 more activities (9 total) → OU Blanket
  • Challenge 4 (Begins 2/8): Complete 3 more activities (12 total) → Active Grizzlies Champion Hoodie & Recognition

ACTIVE GRIZZLIES CHALLENGE 1 EVENT LINEUP

Below is the first 30-day lineup of Active Grizzlies events, happening September 16 through October 16! Events are divided into three categories, making it easy to explore different ways to get involved, meet new people, and support your well-being.

MOVE
Get active and try something new! Move events are all about getting your body moving through fitness, recreation, sports, and other active experiences.

CONNECT
Find your people and get involved! Connect events give you opportunities to meet other Grizzlies, build community, explore campus, and make new connections.

THRIVE
Take care of you! Thrive events focus on your overall well-being, with opportunities to recharge, learn something new, build healthy habits, and support your personal growth.

Interested in becoming an Active Grizzly? Join the waitlist!

Event/Activity When Where Description
General Rec Center Use Varies Rec Center & Aquaitc Center Drop by the Rec Center for a work out, lap swim, drop-in sports, and more!
Group X Class Varies Varies Choose from 20+ Group X classes!
Visit TreeRunner Adventure Park to climb, play mini golf, or play in the bounce forest Varies TreeRunner Adventure Park Stop by TreeRunner to have some fun on OU's campus. Students get discounted climbing rates M-TH HERE or Fri-Sun HERE. See website for other activity pricing.
Hit Range Balls Hours are 7 a.m.–8 p.m. in September, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. in October, and weather permitting in November. OU Golf and Learning Center Hit the OU driving range with friends! Small buckets for $5 and large buckets for $12. Bring your Student ID.
Fire Truck Pull

September 23

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Rec Center Circle Drive Gather a team of 5 & compete to pull a fire truck in the fastest time.
Fitness Court Workout

September 24

11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fitness Court in front of the Rec Center OU Rec Well Personal Trainers will take you through the seven zones of the Fitness Court for a 30-minute full body workout!
7v7 Rec Well Sports Flag Football League Registration Deadline: September 24 at 12 p.m. Recreation Outdoor Complex Game days and time are assigned after registration
7v7 Rec Well Sports Outdoor Soccer League Registration Deadline: September 24 at 12 p.m. Recreation Outdoor Complex Game days and time are assigned after registration
Rec Well Sports 2-Person Golf Scramble Registration Deadline: October 5 at 12 p.m. Katke Golf Course Game days and time are assigned after registration
Push-Up for a Purpose

October 6

11 a.m.-1 p .m. & 5-7 p.m.

11a.m. at Elliot Tower, 1p.m. at the Rec Center Complete 132 push-ups to raise awareness for suicide prevention, break the stigma around mental health, and show your strength and support.
Bench Press Competition

October 8

6-9 p.m.

OU Rec Center – Annex A Prizes awarded to male, female & non-binary heaviest & best-ratio lifts.
Goat Yoga

October 12

12-1 p.m.

Grassy Area between OC & Library Drop by, relieve some stress, and do some yoga...with goats!
Rec Well Sports October Ironman Competition Registration Deadline: October 15 at 12 p.m. OU Rec Center & Aquatic Center Swim: 2.4 miles (3.86 km)
Bike: 112 miles (180.25 km)
Run: 26.2 miles (42.20 km)
Participants have the full month of October to complete the challenge! (10/1-10/31)
Event/Activity When Where Description
Check out an item from the Library of Things Varies Kresge Library Service Desk Visit the Library of Things to borrow useful items like tools, electronics, games, kitchen equipment and more for free!
Use the Makerspace Varies Kresge Library Visit the Makerspace to create, design and learn with free access to 3D printing, sewing, Cricut projects, art tools, workshops and more!
Gender and Sexuality Center Community Nights Weekly on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. 104J North Foundation Hall Attend a Community Night to connect with others, build community and learn more about diverse queer identities and experiences!
Supplemental Instruction September 3 - December 7 Academic Success Center Supplemental Instruction is free, peer-led study sessions included in your course schedule for difficult courses. Attend SI to practice course material, learn effective study strategies for exams, and achieve academic success.
Study Groups and Conversation Corners September 3 - December 7 Academic Success Center Interested students can view the schedule to find the group they're interested in and are invited to join us at their convenience; no appointment or registration is needed.
The Pursuit of Happiness

September 10 - November 22

Tuesday-Sunday 12:00-5:00

Oakland University Art Gallery Art gallery openings, gallery talks, films and artist panels are some of the events hosted by the OU Art Gallery.
Drop-In Tutoring

September 14 - December 7

Ongoing

Academic Success Center Free peer tutoring is available to all registered OU students. You can drop in* for tutoring at any time it’s offered for supported courses you are enrolled in
Honolulu Blue Tailgate Watch Party (Detroit Lions v Buffalo Bills)

September 17

7 p.m. - Until End of Game (8:15 p.m. Kickoff)

The Habitat, OC Join your fellow Grizzlies to cheer on the Detroit Lions on the big screen!
OU Women's Soccer Club vs. Eastern Michigan

September 19

10:00 a.m.

Stadium Field, Recreation Outdoor Complex Cheer on the OU Women's Soccer Club!
Rec Well Sports College Football 27 PS5 Tournament Registration Deadline: September 21 at 12 p.m. Grizz Den in the lower level of the OC Connect with others through a Rec Well Esports tournament. Sign Up and we'll schedule the games!
Fire Truck Pull

September 23

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Circle Drive in front of the O'rena Gather a team of five and race to pull a fire truck in the fastest time—all while supporting the OU Food Pantry.
ExplOUrations: Week 1

September 24

5 - 6:30 p.m.

Gold Rooms AB, OC Explore the leader in you and build your resume by attending the Leadership Exploration Series.
OSI Bonfire

September 25

6-8 p.m.

Bonfire Pit, Recreation Outdoor Complex by P-11 Join the Office For Student Involvement Staff for a bonfire to kick off the academic year!
OU Women's Soccer Club vs. UM Victors-Maize

September 27

10 a.m.

Stadium Field, Recreation Outdoor Complex Cheer on the OU Women's Soccer Club!
Fall Career Fair

September 29

12-3 p.m.

Upstairs in the OC Connect with employers and explore job and internship opportunities at the Fall Career Fair. Dress professionally and bring your resume!
Engineering and IT Career Fair

September 30

12-3 p.m.

Upstairs in the OC Explore opportunities in engineering, computer science, IT, and management information systems. Dress professionally and bring your resume!
Loteria Night

September 30

6-8 p.m.

Oak View Hall Lobby Play Lotería (Bingo), enjoy sweet treats, and celebrate Mexican culture while connecting with fellow Grizzlies!
ExplOUrations: Week 2

October 1

5-6:30 p.m.

Ballroom C, OC Explore the leader in you and build your resume by attending the Leadership Exploration Series.
OU Volleyball vs Wright State - Throwback Show Night

October 2

6 p.m.

OU Credit Union O'rena Bring your student ID and enjoy throwback Show Night. Fans can enjoy themed in-game entertainment, music, and more!
OU Women's Soccer Club vs. UM Flint

October 2

7 p.m.

Stadium Field, Recreation Outdoor Complex Cheer on the OU Women's Soccer Club!
SPB: Cedar Point HalloWeekends Trip

October 3

7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bus trip to Cedar Point

Join your fellow Golden Grizzlies for this fun trip!

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, 9/16 at 9 a.m. at the OSI Service Window, lower level of the Oakland Center. Tickets are $50 for students and $60 for guests (add $1 for credit card). One guest per student; guests must be 18+. All participants must ride the bus. No refunds.

OU Football Club vs. West Virginia

October 3

2 p.m.

Stadium Field, Recreation Outdoor Complex There is Football at OU! Grab your friends, bring your Golden Grizzly spirit, and come cheer on the OU Football Club!
Rec Wel Sports Madden 27 PS5 Tournament

Registration Deadline: October 5 at 2 p.m.

Grizz Den in the lower level of the OC Connect with others through a Rec Well Esports tournament. Sign Up and we'll schedule the games!
OU Men's Soccer vs Green Bay

October 7

2 p.m.

OU Soccer Field Bring the Golden Grizzly energy! Grab your friends, bring your student ID, and cheer on OU Soccer!
Arts at Noon, Hispanic Heritage Month Performances and Events

October 8

12 p.m.

Varner Recital Hall Free lunchtime performance celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through music and performance.
ExplOUrations: Week 3

October 8

5 - 6:30 p.m.

Gold Rooms AB, OC Explore the leader in you and build your resume by attending the Leadership Exploration Series.
SPB/WXOU: Harvest Fest

October 9

5 - 8 p.m.

Elliott Tower Fall foods, live student and local musical performances, pumpkin carving & painting, and local student/craft vendor tables.
OU Football Club vs. Wright State University

October 10

3 p.m.

Stadium Field, Recreation Outdoor Complex There is Football at OU! Grab your friends, bring your Golden Grizzly spirit, and come cheer on the OU Football Club!
ExplOUrations: Week 4

October 15

5 - 6:30 p.m.

Gold Rooms AB, OC Explore the leader in you and build your resume by attending the Leadership Exploration Series.
Honoring Life and Memory: Understanding Dia de los Muertos

October 15

5:30 p.m.

Ballrooms, OC Explore the history, meaning, and traditions of Día de los Muertos with representatives from the Mexican Consulate and discover how this meaningful celebration honors loved ones across generations.
Take Root Dance Performances and Events

October 16 at 8 p.m.

October 17

at 2 p.m.

 

 

Varner Recital Hall Experience Detroit’s acclaimed contemporary dance company in an evening of powerful modern dance. OU students receive free admission—bring your student ID to the Varner Box Office at least 15 minutes before the performance.
OU Football Club vs. UW-Milwaukee

October 17

12 p.m.

Stadium Field, Recreation Outdoor Complex There is Football at OU! Grab your friends, bring your Golden Grizzly spirit, and come cheer on the OU Football Club!
OU Men's Volleyball Club Tournament

October 17

1-4 p.m.

OU Rec Center Grab your student ID and come cheer on the OU Men’s Volleyball Club as they compete in a home tournament!
Event/Activity When Where Description
Academic Coaching By Appointment 1100 Wilson Hall or Virtual Academic Coaching is an opportunity to explore effective strategies for academic success and is tailored to students’ individual experiences based on your unique needs.
Drop-In Pet Therapy Ongoing – Fall Semester OU Rec Center Take a "paws" in your day to enjoy the happiness and comfort from therapy dogs.
Student Wellness Coaching By Appointment OU Rec Center Student Wellness Coaching is available virtually and is a free service for enrolled OU students seeking support in making healthy lifestyle changes.

Graham Health Center Pop-Up Flu Clinics

Ongoing – Fall Semester Varies Pop-Up Flu clinics will be held around campus this fall. Click on the link for more information.
FAFSA Completion Workshop

Weekly on Thursdays, October 1 - November 19

1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

120 North Foundation Hall Join the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for a drop-in FAFSA workshop! Get hands-on help completing your FAFSA and answers to your financial aid questions.
The Wellness Fix (Healthy Living Support Group) September 14 - December 4 The OC Meeting Rooms (varies) The Wellness Fix helps you reduce stress, improve sleep, build healthier routines, and find more balance in everyday life.
The Freshman Playbook (First-Year Student Support Group) September 14 - December 4 The OC Meeting Rooms (varies) The Freshman Playbook is your low-stress guide to unlocking campus life, making real friends, and dodging the ultimate rookie mistakes.
The College Decoder (First-Gen Student Support Group) September 14 - December 4 The OC Meeting Rooms (varies) The College Decoder is your ultimate insider's space to share the real first-gen experience, ditch imposter syndrome, and master the "hidden curriculum" of higher ed.
Beyond the Surface (Men's Support Group) September 14 - December 4 The OC Meeting Rooms (varies) Beyond the Surface is a fresh, real-talk space designed for members to drop the act, ditch the stress, and navigate modern life on their own terms
Social Confidence 101 (Social Anxiety Support Group) September 14 - December 4 The OC Meeting Rooms (varies) Social Confidence 101 is your no-judgment testing ground to practice real-world communication, ditch overthinking, and set healthy interpersonal boundaries.
The Study Lab (Academic Success Support Group) September 14 - December 4 The OC Meeting Rooms (varies) The Study Lab is your ultimate campus strategy experience to test out science-backed focus techniques, reduce test anxiety, and kick procrastination for good.
Gender Together (Gender and Sexuality Support Group) September 14 - December 4 Gender and Sexuality Center (104J NFH) Gender Together provides a safe, supportive space for all gender identities and expressions to connect and discuss how gender impacts everyday life.
Neurodivergent Support Group September 14 - December 4 The OC Meeting Rooms (varies) Connect with others in a welcoming community that celebrates neurodiversity, encourages authentic connection, and shares strategies for thriving in a neurotypical world.
Graduate Student Support Group September 14 - December 4 The OC Meeting Rooms (varies) Will not meet until October. Check back for details or register so you can be contacted. This group is designed for graduate students to explore imposter syndrome, burnout, work-life balance, self-care, and navigating academic and professional challenges.
Know Your Numbers: Flexibility

September 23

12-2 p.m. & 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Rec Center, Lower Lobby Discover what your body can do! Join our personal trainers and fitness assistants for free fitness testing focused on flexibility, strength, and functional fitness. Complete tests, earn raffle tickets, and enter for chances to win prizes, including three free personal training sessions at the end of the semester.
Rock Your Mental Health October 5 - November 5 All Over Campus Take a break and discover painted rocks hidden across campus waiting to brighten your day! If you find one, scan the QR code on the back of it to claim your prize at the Wellness Corner in the Rec. Center.
Banned Books Fair Library Event

October 6

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Kresge Library

(Nyberg Room (242 KL)

Bring your OU ID to explore challenged and banned books at the library! Check out titles, discover new reading recommendations, and grab some free giveaways!
Graham Health Center, Love Respectfully

October 8

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hamlin Hall This is an annual campus health initiative focused on promoting healthy relationships, consent, and sexual well-being

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