New Students

It is highly recommended to request certification before the following dates in order to ensure timely processing between OU and the VA. Please keep in mind that we are here to assist you throughout the process but you must also take ownership of your benefits.

• Fall Semester: August 10
• Winter Semester: December 10
• Summer Semester: April 10

You will initially be certified by the number of credits you are taking. At the end of the add/drop period, we again certify you with the tuition amount based on your schedule.

• For Chapters 30, 1606, and 35, the monthly stipend will be paid directly to you.
• For Chapters 31 (VR&E) and 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill©, tuition is paid to OU. Please keep in mind if your Chapter 33 benefits are less than 100% you are responsible for the remaining balance. It is encouraged that you consider all your options, such as a payment plan, FAFSA and OU grants and scholarships.

Remember, you are required to notify Veteran Certification every time you add or drop a class. Failure to do so may result in adjustment to your certification that you may not realize. If you have questions, please let us know and we can discuss this with you before you adjust your schedule.

Oakland University has been approved by the Michigan State Approving Agency to certify veterans and/or beneficiaries eligible to receive GI Bill® benefits.  We accept various credits including  College Level Examination Program credits (CLEP), and military education courses based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.

For more information regarding transferring credits, please contact your academic adviser or the Office of the Registrar or visit the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer page. Note, OU accepts a maximum of 60 credits for CLEP.

OU also accepts transfer coursework completed in the U.S. Armed Forces and U.S. Armed Forces Institute with the following conditions:

• Course content must be comparable to those for which OU typically grants transfer credit.
• The American Council on Education (ACE) must recommend credit grants for particular courses.
• Credits must be acceptable to the appropriate academic department at OU.
• Request Joint Services Transcripts (formerly AARTS and SMART transcripts) from https://jst.doded.mil.

Veterans at Oakland University receive many benefits including:

• priority registration.
• four free electives for undergraduate Veteran students; review of American Council on Education credit for military courses
• in-state tuition rates to any veteran or dependent, using VA educational benefits, regardless of residence.
• no late payment penalties for Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 recipients when VA tuition payments are received after a bill due date.
• no penalties in case of deployments or federal orders requiring service members to relocate outside of their geographical area.
• access to Student Veterans of Oakland University, a recognized student organization that brings together veterans for social and volunteer activities

Contact  [email protected] for the required forms mentioned below.

Apply for Admission
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
(800) OAK-UNIV | [email protected]
East Wilson Hall, Rm 2000

• Apply as a freshman if you have never attended college. Apply as a transfer student if you have attended any college, including the Community College of the Air Force.
• Submit all transcripts, including military transcripts.
• Order JST transcript at jst.doded.mil.
• Once you've been admitted, your transcripts, including military training, will be evaluated and credit may be granted based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.

Apply for Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits
Complete the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) at vets.gov/education/apply to apply to use the following benefits:

• Chapter 31 - Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
• Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Chapter 35 - Dependent Education Assistance Program
• Chapter 1606 - Selected Reserves Montgomery GI Bill (National Guard/Reserve members)

For more information regarding VA Veteran Readiness & Employment, contact the Detroit Regional VA Office at (800) 827-1000.

Visit OU’s Veterans Support Services Office
(248) 370-2010 | [email protected]

Vandenberg Hall, Rm 112

• Information about using your GI Bill
• Information about VA work study opportunities
• On-campus support and local veteran resources
• Student Veterans of Oakland University (OU's chapter of SVA)
• Events and programs for veterans
• Connecting to other veteran students, faculty and staff

Sign Up for Orientation
First Year Advising Center
(248)  370-3227 | [email protected]
101 North Foundation Hall

• If you have taken military courses but no college or university courses, you are considered a first-year student. Sign up for first-year student orientation at oakland.edu/newstudents.
• If you have taken college or university courses in the past, you are considered a transfer student. Sign up for transfer student orientation at oakland.edu/tso.

Visit the Veterans’ Certification Office
(248) 370-4010 | [email protected]
112 Vandenberg Hall

• Submit your DD-214, Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) or Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Receive priority registration
• Certify to utilize VA education benefits

Consider Your Financial Plans
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
(248) 370-2550 | [email protected]
120 North Foundation Hall

• Complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov to be considered for federal, state and/or OU's need-based financial aid
• To maximize your financial aid award package, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible beginning January 1 for the upcoming school year
• Include Oakland University's federal code of 002307 on your FAFSA
• View financial aid awards and associated requirements on your MySAIL account.

Apply for Graduate Admission
Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning
(248) 370-2700 | [email protected]
520 O'Dowd Hall

• Select your program of interest.
• Review the graduate admission criteria.
• Submit the online graduation application.
• Submit supplemental applications and supporting documents, if applicable.
• Check your admission status on MySAIL.

Apply for Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits
Complete the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) at vets.gov/education/apply to apply to use the following benefits:

• Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill
• Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Chapter 35 - Dependent Education Assistance Program
• Chapter 1606 - Selected Reserves GI Bill
• Chapter 1607 - Reserves Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

For more information regarding VA Vocational Rehabilitation, contact the Detroit Regional VA Office at (800) 827-1000.

Visit OU’s Veterans Support Services Office
(248) 370-2010 | [email protected]
112 Vandenberg Hall

• Information about using your GI Bill
• Information about VA work study opportunities
• On-campus support and local veteran resources
• Student Veterans of Oakland University (OU's chapter of SVA)
• Events and programs for veterans
• Connecting to other veteran students, faculty and staff

Attend Veteran Jump Start
Veterans Support Services
(248) 370-2010 | [email protected]
112 Vandenberg Hall

• Meet with campus and outside resources
• Connect to academic and campus life
• Socialize with other veterans
• Interactive veteran campus tours 

Visit the Veterans’ Certification Office
(248) 370-4010 | [email protected]
112 Vandenberg Hall

• Submit your 00-214, Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) or Letter of Eligibility
• Receive four free elective credits
• Sign up for priority registration
• Certify to utilize VA education benefits
  • Submit plan of study
  • Transfer GI Bill benefits to Oakland University from previous institution (if applicable)
• Point of contact for students approved for vocational rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

Meet with Your Faculty Adviser
Each degree student is assigned a faculty adviser upon admission to a graduate program. Faculty advisers help students develop a plan of study and select graduate courses that adhere to program curriculum, and discuss career options and alternatives after graduation. Graduate students must comply with the policies, procedures and degree requirements published in the Graduate Catalog (oakland.edu/gradcatalog).

Consider Your Financial Plans
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
(248) 370-2550 | [email protected]
120 North Foundation Hall

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.gov to be considered for federal, state and/or OU's need-based financial aid
• To maximize your financial aid award package, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible beginning January 1 for the upcoming school year
• Include Oakland University's federal code of 002307 on your FAFSA
• View financial aid awards and associated requirements on your MySAIL account. 

Disability Support Services
(248) 370-3266 | [email protected]
103A North Foundation Hall 

Students who have a physical, psychological, sensory and/or learning disability may be eligible for services and accommodations. Services may include: readers; scribes; alternative testing; sign language; interpreters; scanned textbooks; and assistive technology such as JAWS, Kurzweil and Dragon Naturally Speaking. Students with disabilities should make an appointment six weeks in advance of when they require services.

First Year Advising Center
(248) 370-3227 | [email protected]
121 North Foundation Hall

OU's First Year Advising Center (FYAC) is the first stop for all incoming first-year students and undecided transfers. In addition to orientation, the FYAC provides: academic advising for all first-year, undecided and re-deciding students; programs and events for first-year students; and major exploration and career counseling for all undergraduate students.

Graham Health Center
(248) 370-2341
Graham Health Center (West Wing)

OU's Graham Health Center provides convenient, affordable, high-quality health care right on campus. Complete health care services are provided, including physical exams; and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses and minor injuries. Over-the­counter medication and supplies can be purchased without an appointment. Most insurance is accepted (except Tricare). Student health insurance is available.

OU Counseling Center
(248) 370-3465
Graham Health Center (East Wing)

Talking to a therapist or counselor may help ease the transition to civilian life and college. All university students are entitled to six free counseling ses­sions at Oakland's Counseling Center (subsequent sessions are $12 each). Medication may also be helpful in alleviating some trauma symptoms.

Student Veterans of Oakland University
[email protected] | search "Student Veterans of OU" on Facebook

Connect with other student veterans of OU through social interaction and events, community service, and veterans' advocacy. The group also helps veterans transition to campus and civilian life while building camaraderie through service to others.

The Tutoring Center
(248) 370-4215 | [email protected]
103 North Foundation Hall

The Tutoring Center (ITC) offers a variety of no-cost services and programs to help students become independent learners and achieve their best academically. Services include: walk-in and appointment tutoring; Supplemental Instruction (SI); and study skills handouts and self-paced materials to further support development of effective study habits.

University Housing
(248) 370-3570 | [email protected]
448 Hamlin Hall

University Housing offers a variety of living arrangements for students. In addition to traditional residence halls, the Ann V. Nicholson Student Apartment complex and George T. Matthews Apartments allow for greater independence and provide free amenities such as cable, Internet and laundry facilities.

Writing Center
(248) 370-3120 | [email protected]
212 Kresge Library

The Oakland University Writing Center is a free service that offers support in all stages of the writing process for students enrolled at Oakland University or any of its satellite programs. Highly trained peer consultants can help students to: comprehend assignment goals; organize thoughts; generate clear and concise theses; gain control of grammar and mechanics; locate and employ appropriate resources for research projects; and much more.