English as a Second Language

What is ESL?

The ESL program helps second language learners improve their skills in speaking, reading, and writing the English language.

OCC offers four levels of combined writing/reading courses, four levels of combined grammar/listening courses, and three levels of speaking courses. These are credit courses that follow the semester plan.

OCC’s ESL classes follow the College calendar. Courses are offered during the fall and winter semesters. Accelerated courses are offered in the first part of the summer semester. Classes start at the end of August, the beginning of January, and the beginning of May.

In addition, Royal Oak and Orchard Ridge campuses offer lower level, non-credit courses called the Bridge Class for students who are not ready for the lowest level of our credit program.

ESL Placement Testing:

OCC uses the Duolingo English Test. (DET) The placement test ensures you are enrolled in the class that can best help your needs.
DET is very different from many other tests. It is important to prepare for the test. Preparation is the first step to success.

You will not need to pay for the DET. You will use a special OCC coupon code.

You can use TOEFL or IELTS to test out of ESL courses. Visit ESL Placement and review the Exemption for specific information.

For specific information about how to take DET, go to MyOCC and log in with your OCC username and password. Select the Students tab under “Pre-registration Steps,” and select “Duolingo ESL Placement.” Follow the instructions from there.

Registration

NOTE: Students on F-1 visas must work with the International Student Advisors to complete the process.

All students must complete several steps in order to register for classes.

STEP 1: CREATE AN ADMISSIONS ONLINE APPLICATION

Go to apply. Select 'Create An Admissions Profile'. Complete the Application for Admission. Confirmation emails are sent when the application is received and again when processed. Allow two (2) business days for processing. NOTE: Fall and winter semesters have application deadlines. Plan Ahead!

STEP 2: SET UP A MyOCC ACCOUNT & OCC STUDENT EMAIL

After you receive confirmation that your application has been processed, you will need to log into your MyOCC Account. Be sure to add your Secondary Email on the Change/Add Email screen - this will allow you to reset your own password if needed. Once logged in to MyOCC, sign in to Student Email to ACTIVATE your required OCC STUDENT EMAIL account.

STEP 3: COMPLETE THE PLACEMENT PROCESS

It takes time to get prepared, take the test, and get results. Start this early.

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION - ONLINE

This can feel complicated. Just do your best.

STEP 5: MEET WITH A COUNSELOR

Make the most of your counseling appointment. OCC now requires Mandatory Counseling for all incoming first-time college students. Complete your application and placement testing before coming in! Call for an appointment with a counselor at one of the campuses or set up a ZOOM meeting!

STEP 6: REGISTER FOR CLASSES VIA MyOCC

Log into MyOCC, Select Students
Go to Registration
Click Register for Sections

STEP 7: PAY YOUR BILL

You can pay via:

STEP 8: GET YOUR RAIDER ONE CARD

The Raider One Card is your Official OCC Student ID. It serves as your Student ID, Library Card, Copy/Print Card, and iROC Cash for Raiders Store and Cafe purchases. Your first card is free, replacement cards cost $10. Your official OCC Student ID can be picked up at the Business Office.

STEP 9: VISIT THE D2L SITE FOR YOUR CLASSES

GO TO CLASS!

CONTACT INFORMATION & SERVICE HOURS

Auburn Hills Campus
Ask a Counselor @ Auburn Hills
2nd Floor of B Building
Phone: 248.232.4350
Fax: 248.232.4355

Highland Lakes Campus
Ask a Counselor @ Highland Lakes
2nd Floor of Woodland Hall
Phone: 248.942.3050
Fax: 248.942.3055

Orchard Ridge Campus
Ask a Counselor @ Orchard Ridge
1st Floor of M Building
Phone: 248.522.3450
Fax: 248.522.3696

Royal Oak Campus
Ask a Counselor @ Royal Oak
1st Floor of B Building
Phone: 248.246.2450
Fax: 248.246.2455

Southfield Campus
Ask a Counselor @ Southfield
2nd Floor of A Building
Phone: 248.233.2750
Fax: 248.233.2740

Service Hours:

Mon - Thur 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Onsite & Virtual Services)
Tue & Wed: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (Virtual Services Only)
Fri: 830 am - 5:00 pm (Virtual Services Only)