Oakland University has grown at an extraordinary rate in recent years. To better serve the expanded student body, Oakland University is considering a number of proposals that would directly affect students. OU Student Congress and the student liaisons to the Board of Trustees are looking for student opinions and views on some of these crucial campus development proposals.

These proposals include a variety of campus and student life improvements such as Upper Fields enhancements, an Honors College renovation, new student housing and improving tailgating events. Your input on these proposals will help guide the Oakland administration and Board of Trustees on these very important decisions.

Please take the time to read over the following proposals and stop by the OU Student Congress office on the lower level of the Oakland Center to take a 5-10 minute survey about your opinion on these proposals. You can also scan the QR code (above) with your smartphone to take the survey online. Students who participate in the survey will be entered to win a reserved convenient parking spot on campus.

New on-campus housing

To meet the increasing demand for on-campus housing, there is a proposal to construct a new residence hall located across from Hamlin Hall. The new building will include lounge areas, study spaces, and other amenities as well as rooms for 450-600 students.

Upper field improvements

The Upper Fields are located across from the on-campus apartments. The proposed improvements include construction of a competitive/recreational track, eight tennis courts and two turf fields. All spaces will have lighting. The complex will be available to the entire OU community, intercollegiate track teams and intramural and club sports.

Honors college facility improvements 

OU’s Honors College is located in Vandenberg Hall and serves to inspire high academic achievement, support research and encourage campus, community and international involvement.

The purpose of improving Honors College facilities would be to allow for expanded operations, increased visibility and higher engagement with the university as a whole.

Student life and events improvement

The Madnezz is an annual event hosted at Oakland University to celebrate “Midnight Madness” as the ceremonial start of the basketball season. This year’s Madnezz included an alcohol-sanctioned tailgate, free food, an introduction to the basketball teams and a series of performances/activities in the O’rena. There are currently efforts to improve these campus-wide social events and attract a higher student attendance.

Your opinion as an Oakland University student is influential and will help shape a cohesive presentation for the next Board of Trustees meeting where some of these proposals will be discussed. Please take a few moments and fill out the survey at the OU Student Congress office, share your thoughts with us and be a force for change.

Also, mark your calendar for Monday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. for the next OU Board of Trustees meeting that will be held in the Elliot Hall Auditorium when these campus improvements will be discussed. Student attendance at these meetings is highly encouraged.

Thank you for your time, if you filled out the survey. If not, go do it. And please feel free to contact either of us with any further questions or other matters of concern.

Jessica Drogowski and Ben Eveslage are student liaisons for the Board of Trustees.