August 18, 2020
Oakland University’s First Year Advising Center, in collaboration with OU’s College and Schools, is hosting Campus Kickoff events to welcome new students to campus. Since the Summer 2020 orientation programs were all virtual, the Campus Kickoffs were created to provide students an in-person experience on campus before classes begin.
“We wanted new students to get excited about coming to OU, to meet other new students and our student leaders and to feel welcomed personally to our community,” said Sara Webb, senior director of First Year Success at OU. “While we aren't able to allow visitors, and masks and social distancing are enforced, our Orientation Group Leaders have done a wonderful job of connecting with new students and getting them excited about being a Golden Grizzly!”
Students are grouped in the kickoffs based on academic major. Each kickoff includes a welcome from a school/college Dean or representative on the Oakland Center patio, a visit to the ID card office to pick up GrizzCards, a trip to the OU Bookstore to pick up pre-ordered textbooks and a mini-tour of campus from an Orientation Group Leader. The experience is carefully coordinated to comply with public health regulations.
Danielle Mansour is one of the Orientation Group Leaders who introduce students to various campus buildings and landmarks, including the Elliott Tower, Kresge Library, Recreation Center and North Foundation Hall – a hub of student services offices like the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, The Tutoring Center, Student Financial Services and First Year Advising Center.
“I explain what each building is and what that building has to offer,” said Mansour, a junior biology major. “I inform students of the safe, inclusive and diverse environment that Oakland University cultivates. I also tell them about the extensive amount of virtual services that OU is offering during this time.”
For more information on OU’s First Year Advising Center, visit oakland.edu/fyac, email [email protected] or call (248) 370-3227.