First Year Advising Center
North Foundation Hall, Room 121
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester,
MI
48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3227
FYAC@oakland.edu
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Orientation & New Student Programs
North Foundation Hall, Room 105
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(248) 370-GOLD
gold@oakland.edu
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

First Year Resources
These resources empower first-year students to achieve academic success, get connected to the university and learn how to successfully get back on track academically.
New to virtual learning and looking for some strategies to help? Watch our study tip videos to get started. Click on the topic you are interested in to open the Youtube video.
- Managing your time and energy in college
You have probably heard that learning how to manage your time is an essential component of college success. But what if you are used to completing things at the last minute? And what if you tend to procrastinate? Don’t worry! This workshop will give you all the tips you need to manage your time like a pro. - What Successful College Students Do
Do you ever wonder if there is a secret recipe to college success? In this session, our academic coach will discuss how successful students approach studying and managing their time, and how their mindset helps them stay motivated and focused when challenges appear. - Create a Plan for Success: Tips for Online Learning
This fall, you are likely enrolled in one or more online courses. In this workshop, you will learn the ins and outs of online courses, the best way to stay motivated and on track, and how to utilize campus resources to assist with your learning. - Prep for College Sciences: Tips and Tricks from OU Science Professors
If you are majoring in a science, technology or health field, this workshop is for you. Two OU Biology professors share information on how science courses in college are different from high school and how you can be successful. - Smart Strategies for College Math: Tips and Tricks from an OU Math Professor
Nervous about taking Math in college? An OU Math professor shares information about Math courses at OU and reveals tips for successfully completing them.
Course Goals:
- Explore personal strengths, abilities and interests and how they contribute to their college experience.
- Learn skills for successfully navigating the college environment.
- Learn about OU campus resources and how to use them.
- Build positive relationships with peers, faculty and staff.
Students may register for this class during orientation or any time before the start of the fall or winter semesters. If you have questions, reach out to your adviser for details.
“This class established a positive atmosphere where all students could feel comfortable with themselves and others. I think it helps students communicate and become more open minded.”
“I loved this class! The activities were fun and interesting. It was one class that I always looked forward to. I wish I could keep this class both fall and winter semester. I will truly miss it!”
“COM 1100 was a great experience for me. Through discussions and other fun activities, I learned what it takes to be a successful student at Oakland University. After this course, I knew what I had to do to reach my goals.”
“I was able to explore my major and decide further what I wanted to do with my life.”
Looking for strategies to help boost your success in the classroom? Need help finding study techniques that work? Academic coaching services might be a great fit for you!
Academic coaching will help you:
- Develop research-based study methods that are efficient and effective
- Improve your time management so you can achieve better balance between academics and your personal life
- Learn how to leverage various university resources to maximize your learning
- Successfully transition from high school learning to college learning
- Create an individualized plan to organize your semester
Academic coaching is a judgement-free zone for you to discuss your academic challenges and accomplishments. Students can expect to meet with the academic coach for 30 minutes, 2-5 times, depending on your needs and goals.
Here's how to make an academic coaching appointment:
First-year students
- To schedule an appointment with our Academic Coach, log in to the online scheduler using your NetID and password.
- Select "Search Availability”
- Select “Academic Coaching” in the drop down Center menu on the left of your screen.
- Enter date and/or time range based on appointment preferences. Select “Search.”
- Select the appointment you would like to schedule
- Add your phone number (required) and any notes you want to share with your adviser about the reason for your visit (optional). Select “Save.”
Upperclassmen
Email The Tutoring Center at tutoring@oakland.edu and include your name, phone number, and topics you would like to discuss in academic coaching.
What to do before your appointment
- After scheduling, you will receive a confirmation email to your OU email account. The appointment time will also appear on your Google calendar which is linked to your OU email account.
- You will receive an email reminder via your OU email account two days before your scheduled appointment.
- To get the link to your virtual appointment, follow these steps in order:
- 5 minutes before your appointment login to your OU email
- At the time of your scheduled appointment log in to the online scheduler
- Click on the blue box labelled “Enter ONLINE APPOINTMENT” to open up your Google Meet with your coach.
- If you need to cancel or change your appointment time, log-in to Advisor Trac and click on the "X" after the appointment information in the Upcoming Appointments section on your Main Menu. You can then schedule a different appointment time if needed.
Late Arrival Policy
If you are more than 5 minutes late for your appointment, you will have to reschedule.
No Show Policy
Students who miss their academic coaching appointment more than twice will be locked out of the appointment system, and will need to contact The Tutoring Center at tutoring@oakland.edu to schedule an appointment.
Guest policy
To ensure the privacy of students, other participants such as friends and/or family should not be present during the appointment. We want time to focus on your success and any questions you might have.
The academic support you receive while living on campus empowers you to succeed in and out of the classroom. You’ll learn how to study better, how to manage your time effectively and how to make decisions that affect you positively. For details on how they are providing support this fall, visit Student Housing's Academic Support webpage.
The FYAC Back On Track Plan is a starting point to get you headed in the right direction academically this winter. Make your way through each step and be sure to complete the plan at the end.
Stop by our upcoming virtual drop-ins hours in December and January:
Monday, December 21 | 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday, December 22 | 9 am - 5 pm
January 4 - January 12 | 9 am - 4 pm daily
Attend virtual drop-ins December 21 or 22 where financial aid advisers will be on hand.
Not available during these drop-in times? Please contact Student Financial Services by calling (248) 370-2550.
Review important financial aid and scholarship policies:
- COM 1100 - If you did not enroll in COM 1100 in your first semester, it’s not too late. This 1-credit course is offered in winter 2021 and will help you connect with other students, learn time management and study strategies and help you refine your major and career goals.
- Academic Coaching - Meet with an academic coach to learn effective strategies for online learning and enhance your time management skills.
- Peer Tutoring - Make tutoring part of your weekly study routine, especially in your most challenging courses, by attending drop-in or appointment tutoring sessions.
- Major exploration with your FYAC adviser - Meet with your adviser to explore majors/careers that might be a good fit for your skills and interests by utilizing Focus2OU.
- Wellness Coaching - Meet with a wellness coach to find new ways to manage your stress and health.
- Counseling Center - Make an appointment with one of our campus counselors or attend a support group to better understand yourself and learn how to manage your mental health.
Complete your Back On Track Plan
Once you have identified a resource to commit to in the winter semester, complete your Back on Track Plan. You'll need to sign in to your official OU account to fill out the form.
What are the next steps after I submit my Back On Track Plan?
Your adviser will email you in early January to schedule an appointment to review your plan together.
- Fill out the OSI Student Interest Form and they will help connect you to student orgs, campus events, and leadership and volunteer opportunities that match your interests.
- Join one of over 300 student organizations using GrizzOrgs
- Use GrizzOrgs to find out about upcoming events sponsored by student organizations
- Take an active role in your community with volunteer opportunities
- Learn lifelong skills through leadership development opportunities
- Your membership is included in your tuition
- Join a group exercise class
- Participate in Student Well-Being activities
- Don't miss out on intramural and club sports
- Explore on-campus jobs using Handshake
- Work on your resume with a Career Consultant