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Personal & Educational Success Resources
Students at OCC may experience life challenges that impact their ability to succeed in the classroom. Whether it be financial struggles, family and job responsibilities, health needs, or other factors, life challenges can sometimes get in the way of achieving your academic and professional goals. Below are some resources to consider, to find support that allows you to focus more on academic achievement.
- Speak with an OCC Counselor for assistance with referrals.
- OCC Scholarships and Financial Aid provide financial support to students.
- Career development and job resources can be found via Career Services and Cooperative Education, Counseling, Work Study positions, Michigan Works! job assistance, and the MiTalent jobs database.
Free SMART Bus Rides
SMART bus rides are now free for OCC students with a valid student ID. Simply show your OCC One Card when boarding any SMART fixed-route bus and ride at no cost (SMART Flex Zones are not included).
Free SMART Bus rides with student IDHotlines & Helplines
- Oakland County Mental Health: 1 (800) 341-2003
- Suicide Prevention: 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) – National Suicide Prevention Hotline
- Domestic Violence: HAVEN (248) 334-1274 / 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233) – National Domestic Violence
- Human Trafficking: 1 (888) 373-7888
- Mental Health: 1 (800) 950-NAMI (6264) – National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Addiction: 1 (866) 210-1303 – Michigan Addiction Hotline
- Veterans Hotline: 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) – Press 1 after dialing
- LGBTQ Friendly Hotlines: 1 (866) 488-7386 – Trevorline or Text START to 678678
- COVID, human-caused or natural disasters: 1 (800) 985-5990 – Disaster Distress Helpline
- Eating Disorders: 1 (800) 931-2237 (not 24 hrs)
Nearly all students can benefit from lower-cost textbooks and technology:
- Students and instructors are eligible for free Microsoft Office 365 software, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, and classroom tools. You will need to enter your OCC email address. OER (Open Educational Resources) – Open textbooks are free online learning materials. Some OCC classes may include an OER textbook, when possible.
- Discounted rates on additional software are available to students enrolled in specific courses.
- Additional need-based technology assistance for those that qualify ***Free and Low-Cost Internet Access from AT&T Access
- COMCAST - COVID-19 Response
- Low-Cost Internet and Computer – Apply online or call (855) 846-8376.
- Cell Phones: Assurance Wireless, (888) 898-4888, Safelink Wireless, (800) 723-3546
- The Michigan Public Service Commission and Connect Michigan, in cooperation with other organizations has published an interactive map of Free Drive-up Hotspots in Michigan.
- Oakland County - OLHSA website (Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency) (800) 482-9250, Offers a wide range of services for immediate and long-term needs
- United Way 2-1-1 - Call 211, click for Live Chat, email, or search the database.
- Community Partner Locator - MI-Bridges - Need to enter full address to search.
- The Pink Fund - Provides financial support to help meet basic needs for breast cancer patients.
- HOPE Shelter – Emergency Shelter in Pontiac, phone (248) 499-7345
- Lighthouse of Oakland County – Emergency Food, Utilities, Housing in Pontiac, phone (248) 920-6000
- Open Door Outreach Center – Emergency Services in Waterford Township, phone (248) 360-2930
- C.A.R.E.S of Farmington Hills - Community Action Resources Empowerment Services, phone (248) 882-7800
- Salvation Army – Meals, Financial and Seasonal Assistance in Farmington Hills, phone (248) 477-1153
- Open Hands Food Pantry and Garden: phone (248) 546-1255. Located inside St. John's Episcopal Church, 26998 Woodward Avenue at 11 Mile
- Royal Oak First United Methodist Church: Lunch Program (Mon. through Fri. 10:30 to 11:30am) and Little Free Pantry (always available). Located across from the OCC Royal Oak Campus on 7th Street between Washington and Lafayette at 320 W. 7th Street
- Common Ground Sanctuary – 24/7 Resource and Crisis Assistance, Call or Text (800) 231-1127
- Royal Oak Public Library and Oakland County Times: Resources for Those in Need 2020
- South Oakland Shelter – Emergency Shelter and Housing Help in Lathrup Village, phone (248) 809-3773
- Food: Double Up Food Bucks (866) 586-2796, Gleaners Food Bank (866) 453-2637, Forgotten Harvest (248) 967-1500, My Neighborhood Mobile Grocery (Gleaners)
- Childcare: Early Childhood Programs (800) 482-9250, Free Pre School (844) 456-5437, Child Care Search Click to search, Child Care Council (248) 333-9545
- Housing: Emergency Housing (248) 928-0111, Rental Resources (855) 646-7432, Housing Resource Center (248) 269-1335, Mortgage and Property Tax Help (866) 946-7432
- Utilities: THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund) (800) 866-8429, St. Vincent de Paul (313) 393-2930, Water Bill Assistance
- Transportation - Connectors, shuttles, unlimited monthly bus passes: Smart Bus (866) 962-5515.
RideShare sites coordinate carpooling among individuals (866) 510-7665. - Healthcare involves many resources - Medical, Dental, Mental Health, MSP Clinic. You can find extensive resources via the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.
- For additional mental health referrals, please speak with an OCC Counselor. There are local community resources and free clinics to provide support.
- Alcohol Addiction – Here’s Help!!
- Mental Health Resources
- Oakland Literacy - Adult literacy help.
- Legal Assistance - Scroll down to community organizations. (248) 858-0012
- Financial management resources:
- Use free tax assistance and avoid rapid refund or high cost services: Accounting Aid Society (313) 556-1920, Free Tax Preparation Resources
- Use traditional or community banking and avoid check cashing or payday lending
- Use non-profit debt counseling (such as GreenPath (800) 550-1961) and avoid for-profit bankruptcy organizations.
- Immigration Resources:
- Welcome Mat Detroit: This site can be viewed in different languages.
- Michigan Immigrant Rights Center
- Informed Immigrant
- National Immigration Law Center
- OCC Veteran Students
Contact Information
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule your appointment in MyOCC or by calling (248) 341-2270.
Counseling & Advising services unavailable at our Southfield campus. Visit us at one of our other campuses or virtually.
Appointment Hours
- Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays: Same-Day Drop-In Counseling & Advising | Reserve your spot in line to view current wait times
- 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Please note: Highland Lakes has virtual services only on Friday
- Saturday (see dates below): 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)
- First two Saturdays in January
- Entire month of July (except July 5)
- Entire month of August (Same-Day Drop-In Counseling & Advising | Reserve your spot in line to view current wait times)
- Entire month of December