Does Oakland University Welcome African American Students?

Oakland University is a higher education institution located in Oakland County, Michigan. The university prides itself on its small campus feel, tight-knit community, and dedicated students. It offers 140 undergraduate degrees, all of which provide hands-on training in the classroom, lab, and field.

Oakland University has a diverse student population, with 68.3% of students identifying as White, 8.44% as Black or African American, 6.5% as Asian, 4.41% as Hispanic or Latino, 3.79% as Two or More Races, 0.211% as American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0869% as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

The university has an active Black Alumni Chapter, which is an unincorporated, non-profit, volunteer-based chapter of the Oakland University Alumni Association. The chapter exists to enrich and engage the lives of African American alumni, students, and friends, promoting Oakland University and fostering a culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Black Alumni Chapter works closely with the university to address initiatives such as assisting with the establishment of university endowments, planning and facilitating key initiatives, and fostering connections with the alumni community.

Oakland University also offers various opportunities for African American students to get involved on campus, including student clubs, health and counseling services, free tutoring, residential and dining programs, study skills seminars, and recreation. The university also celebrates African American History Month annually, with various events and activities to recognize the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture.

In terms of admissions, Oakland University offers admission to Michigan high school graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, as part of the Michigan Assured Admission Pact (MAAP). The university also has specific admissions criteria for first-year students, including a completed admission application, a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.5, and SAT or ACT scores (optional for students with a GPA of 2.5 or above).

Therefore, Oakland University not only accepts African American students but also has a dedicated community and support system in place for them, with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Oakland University's African American History Month

The origins of African American History Month date back to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson designated the second week of February, chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, as "Negro History Week". The week gained popularity across the United States, with mayors endorsing it as a holiday. In 1969, the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University expanded the observance from a week to a month. The first celebration of African American History Month took place at Kent State University in February 1970. In 1976, the United States government officially recognised the expansion of Negro History Week to African American History Month.

• African American Celebration Month Opening Ceremony
• MLK Day of Service
• BLACK HAIR: POLITICS, DISCRIMINATION AND THE CROWN ACT
• FAMILY FEUD AND JEOPARDY GAME NIGHT!
• DIVERSITY IN MEDICINE: AFRICAN AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT PANEL
• BRINGING BELONGING TO DEI IN PHYSICAL THERAPY
• WINTER CAREER FAIR
• TASTE OF AFRICA
• AACM BOOK CLUB: ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE
• BLACK WOMEN ROCK AWARDS (CLOSING CEREMONY)

In addition to the events hosted by Oakland University, the city of Oakland, California, also has a rich history of Black culture and pioneers. The Oakland Museum of California features an exhibit dedicated to the Black Power movement, and the city is home to the African American Museum and Library, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in California and the West.

Oakland University's Black Alumni Chapter

The Oakland University Alumni Association (OUAA) Black Alumni Chapter is an unincorporated, non-profit, volunteer-based chapter of the Oakland University Alumni Association. It was established in 1974 as the Black Alumni Association (BAA) to broaden access to opportunities and promote equity for Black students. The group focuses its efforts on recruitment and retention and engaging in purposeful dialogue with senior university leadership to strengthen the university's overall cultural competence with respect to Black students and staff.

The Black Alumni Chapter has a rich history of fostering a sense of community and belonging for African American students at Oakland University. In 1968, a group of enterprising Black students founded the Association of Black Students (ABS) to provide African American students with a community and help them fulfill their educational, cultural, social, and political needs and interests. ABS sponsored the first Black History Week in February 1969, which later became Black Awareness Month in 1976.

The Black Alumni Chapter continues to build on this legacy by organizing events, establishing scholarships, and fostering connections with the alumni community. They work closely with the university to address initiatives such as assisting with the establishment of university endowments, planning and facilitating key initiatives, and bridging gaps to help students fulfill their academic goals.

The chapter's mission is "to enrich and engage the lives of Black alumni, students, and friends to promote Oakland University and foster a culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion." The ongoing commitment and contributions of the Black Alumni Chapter are critical to the success of Black students and alumni, both now and in the future.

Oakland University's financial aid for African American students

Oakland University offers a range of financial aid options for its students, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study jobs. The university is committed to helping students and their families navigate the cost of education. Here is a detailed overview of Oakland University's financial aid offerings for African American students:

Scholarships:

Oakland University offers various scholarships to its students, and in 2022, 98% of undergraduate students received financial aid through scholarships. The university has a priority deadline of March 1 for fall, December 1 for winter, and July 1 for summer to be considered for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and do not require repayment. The university also offers first-year student merit scholarships with different award amounts based on high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores. International students are generally not eligible for OU scholarships, except where reflected.

Grants:

Grants are another essential component of financial aid at Oakland University. These are typically need-based and do not require repayment. The university encourages students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for grants. OU also offers need-based grants for entering first-year Michigan residents with financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.

Loans:

Oakland University also provides loans as part of its financial aid package. Loans are based on financial eligibility and must be repaid after graduation. Federal loans, such as the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants, are available for students with demonstrated financial need.

Work-Study Jobs:

The university also offers work-study jobs and campus employment opportunities as part of its financial aid program. These positions allow students to earn money while attending the university and can provide valuable work experience.

External Scholarships and Grants:

In addition to the financial aid offered directly by Oakland University, African American students can explore external scholarships and grants from various organizations. For example, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the oldest organization dedicated to the educational advancement of African Americans and offers grants, scholarships, and fellowships. Other organizations like the National Black Nurses Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the American Psychological Association also provide grants and scholarships specifically for African American students in their respective fields.

Federal and State Grants:

African American students at Oakland University can also take advantage of federal and state grant opportunities. The Federal Pell Grants, for instance, provide up to $5,500 annually for students with financial need. The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Smart Grant are other examples of federal grants that stimulate enrollment in technology-related degree tracks.

In summary, Oakland University offers a comprehensive range of financial aid options for African American students, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study jobs. Additionally, there are external scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities available from organizations and government agencies committed to supporting the educational advancement of African Americans.

Oakland University's African American student clubs

Oakland University offers a variety of clubs and organizations for African American students to join and connect with one another. Here are some examples:

Association of Black Students

The Association of Black Students at Oakland University hosts several events throughout the year, including "The Great Debate" and a Black History Month celebration in February. The Association aims to provide a platform for discussing and celebrating the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans.

Black Student Nursing Association

The Black Student Nursing Association (BSNA) is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the nursing profession. They host various events, such as "Family Feud and Jeopardy Game Night!" and participate in initiatives like the MLK Day of Service.

Black United Students

Black United Students at Oakland University played a pivotal role in expanding African American History Week to a month-long celebration in February, also known as African American History Month. This expansion occurred in 1969 at Kent State University, and it gained recognition from the U.S. government in 1976.

Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS)

MAPS is a student-led organization that specifically caters to pre-medical students. They host events like the "African American Medical Student Panel" during African American History Month, providing a platform for minority students pursuing medical careers.

Oakland University Sociology Club

While not exclusively an African American student club, the Oakland University Sociology Club welcomes students from all majors. They aim to provide a forum for discussing sociological topics and building camaraderie among like-minded individuals.

These are just a few examples of the African American student clubs and organizations present at Oakland University. These groups offer opportunities for students to connect, engage in meaningful discussions, and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Oakland University's African American student retention

Oakland University has a strong commitment to celebrating the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. The Black Alumni Chapter (BAC) of the Oakland University Alumni Association is a critical partner in this effort, working to enrich and engage the lives of African American students and alumni. The BAC focuses its efforts on recruitment and retention and advocates for inclusion, diversity, and equity.

The BAC has a long history of partnership with the university, addressing initiatives such as assisting with the establishment of three university endowments, planning and facilitating key university initiatives, bridging gaps so students can fulfil their academic goals, fostering connections with the alumni community, and strengthening cultural competence.

The Center for Multicultural Initiatives at Oakland University also plays a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion. It hosts an annual African American Celebration Month, which includes various events such as the MLK Day of Service, a Diversity in Medicine panel, and a Taste of Africa cultural event.

In terms of student demographics, Oakland University's student population in 2022 was 68.3% White, 8.44% Black or African American, 6.5% Asian, 4.41% Hispanic or Latino, 3.79% Two or More Races, 0.211% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0869% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Oakland University was 75% in 2022, which is slightly lower than the average for similar Doctoral Universities (84%). The graduation rate for Oakland University in 2022 was 31% within 100% of the normal time, 56% within 150%, and 60% within 200%.

Frequently asked questions