OU offers resources to help students in need reach their educational goals

From financial hardship to food insecurity, many students face barriers and obstacles outside of the classroom that can make it very difficult for them to be successful students inside the classroom.

With that in mind, Oakland University is committed to providing students with the resources they need to overcome those obstacles and reach their educational goals.

"Students need to know we are here to help them troubleshoot any obstacles that arise," said Michael Wadsworth, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Diversity and dean of students at OU. "For example, the Dean of Students Office helps students connect with appropriate offices and agencies on and off campus. As student advocates, we are constantly striving to help students succeed."

Some of the resources available to OU students include:

• The Student Emergency Relief Fund (Office of the Dean of Students): Provides financial assistance through the Office of the Dean of Students to help students pay for unforeseen emergency expenses. Students may apply for these funds by following the process outlined on the Dean of Students website. When approved, the funding is provided directly to the student.

• The Health Emergency Fund (Graham Health Center): Provides funds to help students pay for basic medical expenses at the Graham Health Center when students are unable to do so. For more information, visit www.oakland.edu/ghc.

• The OU Counseling Center Emergency Fund (OU Counseling Center): Provides funds to help students offset the costs of counseling appointments at the OU Counseling Center. For more information, visit www.oakland.edu/oucc.

• The OU Golden Grizzlies' Pantry: Helps students tackle the barriers related to food insecurities by providing food and community resources. For more information, visit www.oakland.edu/osi/pantry.

• In addition, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships remains committed to helping students and their families navigate the cost of an Oakland University education. To learn more, visit www.oakland.edu/financialaid.

"We understand that students can experience unexpected financial hardships," said Nicole Boelk, director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at OU. "Students should connect with the Financial Aid Office when these issues arise to discuss both financial aid options and other resources that may be available within the OU community and with external partners that may also have financial assistance available."

All of these services are free and available to currently enrolled OU students, and a recent funding boost provided by a one-time grant of $300,000 from the Michigan Department of Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) program helped to ensure that the university will be able to continue to provide these services to students in need.

"We are very thankful that the state of Michigan provided the opportunity for the 'Sixty by 30" grant," said Wadsworth, referring to an initiative by the state of Michigan to have 60% of working-age adults obtain a college degree or skill certificate by 2030. "The result is students who are in need will receive much needed assistance to help them in their educational journey at OU."

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