Mandatory Counseling

For Students New to College

OCC is here to support you in achieving your educational and career goals. Meeting with a counselor early in your college career is one proven way to increase first-time college student success. To ensure you get a strong and successful start, OCC now requires counseling for all students who have never attended college. These appointments are individually focused to assist you in saving time and money in achieving your goals. We are excited to meet you and assist you in preparing for a successful college experience, clarifying your goals and partnering with you on your way to a successful career.

Why do I need to sign up for a mandatory counseling appointment before I start classes?

Your counselor is one of your best all-around resources on campus with connections to – and knowledge about – many of the programs and people that can help you achieve success. Mandatory Counseling is both a requirement for class registration and an important opportunity for your counselor to meet you, learn about your personal and academic goals and help you chart a path to success.


Do I need to participate in mandatory counseling?

With thousands of students entering our doors each year, our experience shows counseling to be an easy – and important – step to ensuring student success. Starting in July 2018, we now require all students entering college for the first time to sign up.


How do I satisfy my mandatory counseling requirement?

A Counseling hold was placed on your record to remind you to see a counselor. You are unable to register until you have completed Mandatory Counseling. The hold will be removed after you have completed an in-person Mandatory Counseling appointment.

Schedule an appointment by calling (248) 341-2270.


How can I prepare for my counseling appointment?

Check out our How to Prepare for Your Counseling Appointment Guide to make sure you have completed all of the required steps to make the most of your appointment. 


How do I make an appointment for this mandatory counseling session?

Schedule an appointment by calling (248) 341-2270.


What happens if I don't satisfy the counseling requirement?

If you have not seen an OCC counselor by the appropriate deadline, you will be restricted from registering for any courses and unable to get a jump start on classes that fill early. Once you meet with a counselor, you will have an effective plan and the hold is removed. Plan ahead! Attend your mandatory counseling appointment before the deadline. Do NOT wait until the deadline to get your hold lifted.

Get Registered Before Winter Break!

Counselors are available for Drop-In in-person sessions Dec. 16 - 20 at Auburn Hills, Royal Oak and Southfield offices.

Join a waitlist

Contact a Counselor

Counseling phone number: (248) 341-2270

Service Hours (by appointment only)

  • Monday, Thursday & Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Onsite & Virtual Services)
  • Tuesday & Wednesday: 8:30am - 5pm (Onsite & Virtual Services) 
    • 5:00 - 7:00pm (Virtual)
  • Wednesdays counselors are available for same day drop-in sessionsJoin a waitlist.
  • Saturday (see dates below): 8:30am - 12:30pm (Virtual Services Only)
    • First two Saturdays in January & September
    • Entire months of July, August & December

Locations

Auburn Hills Campus
2nd Floor B Building
Email a Counselor @ Auburn Hills
Fax (248) 232-4355

Highland Lakes Campus
2nd Floor of Woodland Hall
Email a Counselor @ Highland Lakes
Fax: (248) 942-3055

Orchard Ridge Campus
1st Floor of M Building
Email a Counselor @ Orchard Ridge
Fax: (248) 522-3696

Royal Oak Campus 
1st Floor of B Building
Email a Counselor @ Royal Oak
Fax: (248) 246-2455

Southfield Campus
2nd Floor of A Building
Email a Counselor @ Southfield 
Fax: (248) 233-2740