New Employee Resources - Human Resources

Congratulations on your new position at Oakland University! The campus community welcomes you to our growing team, and wishes you the greatest of success in your professional endeavors here.

As you’ll soon learn, the university offers a diverse, challenging and highly rewarding work environment with a mission-focused perspective. That you were selected to join us from a wide field of candidates seeking employment at Oakland says a great deal about your success to date and your potential to make meaningful contributions to our mission. We look forward to seeing you grow with us.

Please feel free to contact Human Resources with any questions you may have, and we wish you the best of luck in your new career opportunity.

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Being New at OU

We understand that your new position will come with a lot of questions. We're here to help you navigate! Your department and coworkers are there to help you learn your role and support you but you are sure to have some questions for us. Here are some common questions and answers:

How do I set up my NetID/Oakland Email account?

You will set up your NetID and password at your new hire orientation. Please ensure you have your new hire paperwork completed as this is necessary for account creation.

Where can I find the Oakland University directory?

The Oakland University Directory for faculty and staff phone numbers and campus addresses may be accessed from the top menu of any OU page.

How do I update my campus address in the directory?

Please update your campus address and phone extension using OU's SAIL system. Visit the Campus Address Lookup feature to find the address of each building on campus.

Where can I find more information about my benefits?

Please check out the benefits page for information about medical, dental, optical, retirement and other benefits of being an employee at OU.

What is SAIL?

SAIL is the online portal for employees to manage their personal information, view or update your address(es), phone number(s), e-mail address(es), and marital status; name change and social security number change information; change your PIN, Security Question and Answer; customize your directory profile. You will also use SAIL to access Leave Reports and view information on your earnings, benefits, deductions, beneficiaries, pay history, direct deposit, tax forms, OU position history since 1999, and more.

How do I prepare my leave report?

You will need to log into the SAIL system to prepare your leave report.

When do I get paid?

Salaried employees and faculty are paid once per month on the last working day of the month. If you have enrolled in direct deposit, your paycheck will be distributed to your accounts at the start of the day. Hourly employees are paid every other week on Fridays.

How can I see my pay stub?

You can see your electronic pay stub via the SAIL system. Go to SAIL and log in with your NetID. Once you've logged in, click on Employee > Pay Information > Pay Stub to access your electronic pay stubs. If you need a different format to print, you can contact the Payroll Department.

How do I view my address, benefits, vacation or other information?

You may view this information via the SAIL system. Once you've logged in, click on Employee tab. There are several options to choose from depending on what information you would like to access.

Where do I pick up my GrizzCard?

Faculty and staff members may obtain their GrizzCard by visiting the ID Card Office, 149 Oakland Center, which is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and extended hours during the first week of fall and winter semesters. Your first GrizzCard is free. Replacement cards cost $10. More information is available at the OU GrizzCard website.
Faculty and staff must show a picture ID (driver's license, passport, state ID) and the Verification of Employment Form that was received at your New Employee Orientation on your first day.

What do I do in an emergency?

The Oakland University Police Department is on duty 24/7. In an emergency, dial 911 from any campus phone. When using a cell phone, dial 248-370-3331 for emergencies or non-emergencies.
You should also register for the OU Emergency Notification System, which will send you a text message and/or voice mail when there is an emergency school closing or other urgent announcement from OUPD. Each building has a map of the floor posted in an obvious place in the hallway. As you become familiar with your surroundings, take time to locate the map and become aware of the nearest exits for your work station.

I cannot access my Grizzly ID, E-mail, or SAIL account. Whom should I contact?

If you have any questions or problems with setting up your account, please contact the Help Desk at 248-370-4357. Help Desk hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday.

Around Campus

In 1957, Alfred Wilson and Matilda Dodge Wilson donated their historic estate and $2 million to plant the seed for progress by establishing a satellite school, named Michigan State University - Oakland. That seed would grow into what Oakland University has become today, a epicenter of opportunity with state-of-the-art facilities to support our students, faculty, and staff. Take some time to explore our campus and everything we have to offer.

Where are the best places to park around campus?

Oakland University provides convenient parking on a first-come, first-served basis for students, faculty, staff and guests. There is no charge for parking.

Are there dining options on campus?

There are several options for dining on campus.

What's the best way to get involved in the OU community?

The nicest part about working at OU is that you have the opportunity to get involved in many different areas. Like sports? Take in a Golden Grizzly game or meet. Enjoy the arts or theatre? Meadow Brook Theatre or the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance offer outstanding performances throughout the year. Exercise at the Recreation Center, practice your golf swing at either of OU’s wonderful golf courses …the list is endless.

You can also become more involved with your employee groups by joining the AP Assembly or the AP Association, or becoming more involved with your union. Your union representative should contact you within the first few weeks of employment.

Are there any discounts available to me as an employee?

Many of Oakland University's business partners offer OU employees a discount on their products and services. Visit our new and improved employee discount page for more information.

There are also local discounts available to OU employees. Visit the GrizzCard Local OU Discounts page for more information.

Is there one source for news and events at OU?

The Oakland University Website is your best source for news and events. The home page will have the most current information but in case you miss something there, you may also go to the News at OU page, or the Campus Calendar page.

What should I wear?

There is not a formal dress code policy on campus. In most cases your job will dictate the type of apparel you should wear. You should direct this question to your supervisor.

Does OU offer childcare options for employees?

At the Lowry Center for Early Childhood Education, located in OU's Pawley Hall, our enthusiastic and well prepared teachers work closely with university faculty to provide children and families a wide range of educational resources that focus on their special needs and interests. As a lab school, we provide a setting for OU students in education and related fields to complete assignments and practice teaching experiences, and for faculty and students to complete research. At Lowry, our goal is for learners of all ages to have meaningful and challenging experiences that foster active participation and celebrate diverse cultures and abilities.

Technology Resources

In an environment where so many employees work to some extent on a computer, have a phone, and need access to technology or accounts - a degree of set up needs to happen before you can function in your role. Our Help Desk is here to make sure you're able to be productive with technology and our resources as soon as possible.

Who do I contact for computer issues?

If you have questions you may contact the Helpdesk from any on-campus phone by dialing HELP (4357) or by checking the Helpdesk website.

What kind of training is available for computer programs I need to know?

Our mission is to provide the tools and resources needed for Oakland University employees to effectively and efficiently perform their jobs. Our area is responsible for training on new technologies, web development, desktop applications, Banner, employment issues and management skills. These responsibilities are met through classroom/laboratory trainings, one-on-one trainings, online courseware, and presentations from outside experts. We also have a library of professional development books, videos, and courses for faculty and staff use. Please view our Learning and Org Development page for additional information and current offerings.

OU and the Community

Oakland University is located in Oakland County located in southeast Michigan. One of the most prosperous counties in the United States, Oakland County is home to Fortune 500 companies, year-round recreation, entertainment, shopping, and cultural and social opportunities. Together, all this makes Oakland County a great place to live, work and go to school.

What diversity or multi-cultural experiences does OU offer to the community?

Our community is widely diverse, and the university proudly celebrates this fact. Events hosted throughout the year honor Black History Month and Hispanic Celebration Month, to name a few, and our Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, along with the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, continually work to broaden awareness of the benefits of cultural interaction and exchange. For faculty and staff, several Employee Resource Groups promote the interests of their respective constituencies. These are volunteer, employee-managed groups that are open to all OU employees.

What sports teams does OU have?

There are a total of 16 teams between the men’s and women’s sports teams many of which have won league championships over the years. We are very proud of our Golden Grizzly athletic teams.

What does the Recreation Center have to offer?

The mission of Campus Recreation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals in the Oakland University Community by offering programs, services and facilities that support healthy lifestyles. Whether you are looking for state of the art exercise equipment, a group exercise class or a lunch hour opportunity to learn more about organic foods, the recreation center is the place to be.

What is there to do in the area?

Oakland University is situated in central Oakland County. The area's rolling hills, wetlands and woodlands provide beautiful neighborhoods and plenty of year-round recreation. The surrounding community also offers an abundance of entertainment, cultural and social opportunities. For more information, see OU's About the Community page.

Does OU have an affiliation with any credit unions or banks?

Oakland University and the Oakland University Credit Union have partnered together to give you a great banking experience right here on campus. The Oakland University Credit Union is located in the Oakland Center across from the card office. Faculty and staff receive their first box of checks at a discounted rate and the Oakland University Credit Union has provided several ATM’s for your convenience around campus. For more information visit the Oakland University Credit Union website.