Oakland University offers more than 300 student organizations to choose from and an abundance of event, leadership and volunteer opportunities to be a part of. With the ability to get students involved in the OU community, the Office for Student Involvement (OSI) oversees the organizations to enable student success.
“The Office for Student Involvement is where you can find any information about any organization or club that you need to know about,” Katie Zvonek, a graduate assistant at the OSI, said. “It is also a place where if there’s not an organizational club, we can help you get that started.”
Jean Ann Miller, the senior director of OU’s OSI, explained that when you further your ability to network with others in your school community, you connect with peers, faculty and alumni. It will enhance who you are and what you want to be as you finish your academic career at Oakland.
“It really enhances your OU experience by getting you involved,” Miller said. “It gives you a sense of identity and belongingness. 84% of OU students are commuters, so it’s important to have that connectedness.”
What are the benefits of getting involved on campus?
Gaining knowledge and skills to seek a career in a professional field is the main motivation for attending college.
Joining student organizations not only furthers the ability to gain knowledge and skills but also increases the ability to gain experience in teamwork, leadership, networking, resume building and making lasting friendships – to name a few.
Each student organization entails something different, but the overall goal is to get involved and build a sense of community within the college experience.
Patrick Stoddard, the president of OU’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA OU), gave insight into the benefits this organization has done for him throughout his college career.
“The biggest benefit has been the network I’ve built. It offers avenues for personal growth, networking and skill development outside of the traditional classroom setting,” Stoddard said. “Plus, it’s a great way to make lifelong friends, give back to the community and leave a lasting impact on the campus.”
What if I don’t know where to start?
Start by going to the OSI page and connecting with any OU students who work and volunteer in the department. Students can also contact Jean Ann Miller, the senior director of OSI, Aidee Breton, the accounting clerk for OSI, or Jennifer Yetter, the programming assistant for OSI.
Zvonek explained she enjoys helping college students who don’t know how to get involved or where they want to get involved.
“It’s okay to not have all the answers, it’s okay if you don’t know where you belong yet, you can belong in our office, and we’ll help you from there,” Zvonek said.
Is it ever too late to join an organization?
No, it is never too late to join, but the sooner students join in their college career, the better. If students start in their freshman or sophomore year, this allows them to network and engage with students and professionals while getting their feet wet to see what fits their interests best.
“For all the students at Oakland, I’d encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore the plethora of organizations available. Even if you’re unsure about where your passions lie, getting involved can be a path to discover them,” Stoddard said. “The connections, experiences and memories you make now will benefit you long after graduation.”
If students come across a specific organization in their interest, they can go to GrizzOrgs and email the president for more information.
“Don’t hesitate – your next big opportunity might be just around the corner,” Stoddard said.
Stay up-to-date on weekly events and ways to make a college experience last a lifetime at OU by following the OSI Instagram page, @osi_ou.
For additional information on how to get involved in the OU community or about joining an organization or starting their own, students can email [email protected] or stop by the office located in the basement of the Oakland Center in room 49.
