New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is divided into 3 required parts:

(For Summer/Fall 2025 admits)

1. Your New Student Orientation will introduce you to your first year at OU and you will register for your first year courses. New Student Orientation is approximately 4 hours long. Be prepared to stay for the entire session. 
2. At your Campus Kickoff, you will visit campus, meet other new students, locate your classes, and explore student service spaces. You will sign up for a Campus Kickoff during your New Student Orientation. 
3. At the New Student Welcome on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, you will celebrate the start of the year with all new students and attend Convocation and Academic Open Houses. You are automatically registered for this event as the last required step in your Orientation process.

Complete the pre-orientation checklist

• Submit SAT/ACT scores — While we did not require your test scores for admission, submitting your scores before your orientation may open opportunities for OU scholarships and would assist in determining your math placement, if needed.
• Complete Placement Tests — You are required to complete the Writing Placement Questionnaire to determine your first writing course. If you have an intended major in math/science, health sciences, education, business or engineering, you are strongly encouraged to complete the math placement exam if you do not have SAT/ACT scores. Visit shandongzhongyu.com/courseplacement for more information on placement testing.
• Review the pre-orientation module in the “Your First Year” eSpace. You will need your NETID and password to login to eSpace. eSpace is a great source of guidance and has answers to frequently asked questions about orientation and beyond. We will be using it throughout your first year, so get familiar with it!
• Be sure to submit a photo for your student ID. You will get an email from the Oakland University ID Card Office that has the subject "Oakland University ID Card Online Photo Submission." This has a unique link just for you, so be sure to look for that email to submit your photo. Questions about your student ID can be sent to [email protected].

Orientation Sneak Peek registration will be available in March 2025.

The First Year Advising Center will provide admitted first year students, along with parents and family members, a sneak peek to their upcoming orientation experience by sharing the inside scoop on OU majors and first year courses.

Students will learn:

• What courses are recommended in the first year for their major
• Information about OU placement tests needed before orientation
• How incoming college credit or AP/IB scores will be used in determining their course recommendations
• How to get a head start on selecting course options before orientation and more!

While students are not able to register for courses during this program, they will learn what to expect during New Student Orientation so they are more prepared for the registration process.

We can’t wait for you to experience OU’s campus and get to know more about the resources available in your first year at our Campus Kickoffs! To register for a Campus Kickoff, you must first attend a New Student Orientation and log in to your admitted student portal to select a session. 

NOTE: The Campus Kickoffs are student-only events. No guests are allowed.

 Campus Kickoff Details

• Connect with an Orientation Group Leader (OGL) and meet other classmates
• Visit campus resources/offices and also check out the location of each of your classes prior to the start of the semester
• Pick up your student ID and visit the bookstore

Changing your date

If you wish to cancel or reschedule your Campus Kickoff date, please contact our office at 248-370-4653. 

 Let us know if you have questions

Please do not hesitate to contact Orientation and New Student Programs at (248) 370-4653 or [email protected] with any questions.

New Student Welcome is a celebration with all other new students for the academic year. No registration needed!

Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Athletic Center O'rena
Parking: Lot P1 or parking structure P29 and you will be directed to the O'rena

Event details:
During New Student Welcome, you will:

• Attend New Student Convocation
• Attend an academic open house specific to your major
• Celebrate the start of the year with all new students
• Wear your black and gold (and comfortable shoes)!

If you have any questions about this event, please contact us at 248-370-4653 or [email protected].

Prior to your Orientation, you will receive an email from Oakland University ID Card Office ([email protected]) with instructions on how to submit a photo for your OU ID Card. Please locate this email as it has a unique submission link just for you!

You must submit a photo following these guidelines:

• Should be cropped slightly above head to middle of chest.
• Must be taken against a plain white or tan background.
• Must be a color photo with bright, even lighting and no shadows on the face.
• Must not include sunglasses or hat.
• Must be positioned directly facing the camera.
• Eyes should be open and looking at the camera.
• Cannot be blurry or include social media photo filters.
• Smile!

By using your GrizzCard, you are also agreeing to the terms of the GrizzCard/GrizzCash Policies.

Your GrizzCard will be available for pickup within two business days after submission approval. Cards can be picked up at the ID Card Office in room 149 of the Oakland Center. When picking up your GrizzCard, you will need a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID or high school ID.

If you have any questions, please contact the [email protected] or (248) 370-2291.