Related Links
Commencement Address
Athletics Center O'rena,
Oakland University
569 Pioneer Dr
Rochester, MI 48309
Commencement Map & Parking
We recommend that you allow at least 30 minutes to park and walk to the O'rena. Parking is first come, first served. There are various parking lots and structures and some require a short walk to the O'rena. We strongly encourage that disabled guests be dropped off at the main entrance to the O’rena (main entry) which is accessible to people with disabilities.
Directions
Northbound travelers follow:
- I-75 North to Exit 79, University Drive East goes directly to Oakland University. Go straight to the roundabout taking the first right, follow the signs to parking near the O'rena in lots P29 (Parking Garage), P26, or P16.
- I-75 North to 59 East, Exit 77, Take the Squirrel Road exit North to the first entrance to Oakland University, follow signs to parking near the O'rena in lots P29 (Parking Garage), P26, or P16.
Westbound travelers follow:
- M-59 West to Squirrel Road Road North, to Oakland University, follow signs to parking near the O'rena in lots P29 (Parking Garage), P26, or P16.
PARKING SPACES ARE AVAILABLE in multiple locations. Arrive early for best parking.
Eastbound travelers follow:
- M-59 East to Squirrel Road North, follow to Oakland University, take the first entrance and follow signs to parking near the O'rena in lots P29 (Parking Garage), P26, or P16.
Southbound travelers follow:
-
I-75 South to Exit 77 follow M-59 East, take the Squirrel Road North exit, go North to Oakland University, take the first entrance and follow signs to parking near the O'rena in lots P29 (Parking Garage), P26, or P16.
Parking:
- ARRIVE EARLY. Parking is first come, first served. Please allow for at least 30 minutes to park and walk to the O’rena.
- Disabled guests are encouraged to be dropped off at the north entrance to the O’rena (main entry) which is handicapped accessible.
- Review the parking lot map; overview is available on the website designating the location of parking lots, garage next to the O’rena and accessible parking.
- Guests need to show hang tag or emblem on license plate for entry to accessible spaces.
- General signage will be posted to direct you to parking areas.
- Parking will be managed by OU Athletics and OU Police Department personnel.
- Please exit the O’rena facility promptly following each ceremony to allow for transition time between ceremonies.
Disability Assistance
The O’rena and recreational facilities are both accessible to people with disabilities.
There are nearly 100 seating accommodations in the arena where family members may
sit next to or nearby. Disabled guests need to have someone with them to assist to
and from the seating area.
- For graduates, the recreation center is accessible to and from the check-in area as well as the arena seating area. Staff volunteers will be available to assist.
- Sign language interpreters will be present at both ceremonies.
- For questions/concerns, please contact Disability Assistance at (248) 522-3481.
Prohibited Items at O'Rena:
- All bags and purses
- Cameras with a lens longer than 6”. Camera bags not allowed.
- Containers of any kind (e.g. coolers, thermoses, cups, cans, flasks).
- Aerosol and spray cans.
- Animals (except service animals consistent with University policy).
- Flags and flagpoles.
- Banners, posters, signs, or display boards greater than 12”x12” in size.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Noisemakers (e.g. whistles, air horns, boom boxes, bullhorns, kazoos, sirens, thunder sticks).
- Tripods and selfie sticks.
- Weapons and utility tools.
- Balloons, balls, projectiles, and other potentially dangerous objects.
- Laser pointers.
- Any item that is prohibited by University policies or ordinances; any item that may obscure or obstruct the view of other attendees; or any item that causes a disruption to the event.
- Any device that may interfere with and/or distract a patron, audio or audio/visual telecast or recording of the event or any technology-related service provided in the facility.
Permitted Items at O'Rena:
- Clutch Purse (6.5 inches X 4.5 inches)
- One (1) Gallon Clear Plastic storage bag
- Medically needed items (e.g. insulin pumps, oxygen equipment).
- Wallets.
- Cell phones and pagers.
- Compact umbrellas.
- Note: Strollers are permitted, but are subject to search. All diaper bag items must be in a clear plastic bag. Strollers must be kept on the concourse level.
- Flowers
Web Accessibility Statement
Although we strive to make our content fully accessible, we know some barriers remain. We welcome your feedback. Please let us know if you encounter inaccessible content on the OCC Website. Read our more detailed web accessibility information.
Contact Information
Auburn Hills
Anne Palmer
Phone: (248) 232-4136
Ordering (cap, gowns, etc.)
Auburn Hills Bookstore
Phone: (248) 232-4320
Orchard Ridge
Nicole Sanders
Phone: (248) 522-3699
Ordering (cap, gowns, etc.)
Orchard Ridge Bookstore
Phone: (248) 522-3420
Highland Lakes
Julie Baker-Mcveigh
Phone: (248) 942-3064
Royal Oak/Southfield
Kim Combs
Phone: (248) 246-2611
Ordering (caps, gowns, etc.)
Royal Oak Bookstore
Phone: (248) 246-2420
Disability Assistance
Michelle McLane
Phone: (248) 522-3481
For the hearing impaired,
please use Michigan Relay
Phone: (800) 649-3777
Co-Chairs
Steve Linden
Ken Faulk
Phone: (248) 232-4136
Ordering (cap, gowns, etc.)
Auburn Hills Bookstore
Phone: (248) 232-4320
Nicole Sanders
Phone: (248) 522-3699
Ordering (cap, gowns, etc.)
Orchard Ridge Bookstore
Phone: (248) 522-3420
Highland Lakes
Julie Baker-Mcveigh
Phone: (248) 942-3064
Kim Combs
Phone: (248) 246-2611
Ordering (caps, gowns, etc.)
Royal Oak Bookstore
Phone: (248) 246-2420
Michelle McLane
Phone: (248) 522-3481
For the hearing impaired,
please use Michigan Relay
Phone: (800) 649-3777
Co-Chairs
Steve Linden
Ken Faulk