Five Campus Resources You Need to Know

There are typically two types of college students: those looking to get the most out of their college experience and those that won't look for campus resources until they need them. Either way, Student Essentials has you covered! Here are five FREE resources you need to take advantage of during your Oakland Community College experience:

1. Academic Support Center
Students who seek help early have greater college success than those who wait. In other words, asking for help is not a sign of failure! The Academic Support Center (ASC) provides programs and services designed to help OCC students achieve their academic goals including tutoring, study skill seminars, placement testing. Each campus has its own ASC office and a complete list of tutoring dates will serve you well before important exams, midterms and finals.

2. Scholarships
The OCC Foundation, a non-profit organization created to help obtain the funding needed to advance the mission of the College and its students, gives more than $180,000 in scholarships to students every year. The Foundation helps support countless students achieve academic success while enhancing educational quality and access via scholarships, equipment and program development. Scholarship application deadlines are traditionally before the start of each semester, but familiarize yourself now and plan ahead!

3. Student Counseling
Having an experienced ear and access to additional resources can be very helpful for challenges big and small. Oakland Community College counselors have graduate degrees in counseling, psychology or related fields and most are licensed professional counselors through the State of Michigan. They can help you develop a personal plan of success by assisting with educational planning, college transfer information, career exploration and college procedures.

4. The Library
Information literacy skills are essential for student success. OCC's library services are free to all students, available on all campuses and accessible online 24/7! Access their expertise searching electronic databases, finding good web sites and evaluating information for research papers by visiting one of five campus libraries or Ask a Librarian at the 24/7 online chat service.  Your Raider One Card serves as your library card allowing you to check out materials and make print outs or copies.  Renew books online, request items from another campus library and access electronic materials with your MyOCC ID and PW. Library computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis with MS Office Suite 2016 for student use. Ask your instructor about extra credit for free library seminars!

5. Building Connections
With classes spread across five campuses, building connections and increasing your leadership skills are easier than you think. Join one of the many OCC student organizations and clubs as an opportunity to make life-long friends and connections.

These resources are here to help you succeed but they only work if you take advantage of them. Stay tuned for our next newsletter for more!