Counselor’s Role
Your counselor will:
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- Help You Explore: Encourage you to explore your interests and connect them to your goals.
- Guide You: Help you understand OCC’s degrees, programs, transfer plans, and policies.
- Assist with Scheduling: Explain the courses you need and help you schedule classes.
- Refer Resources: Point you to resources that can help you succeed.
- Promote Self-Advocacy: Encourage you to take responsibility for your success.
Your Role as a Student
You should:
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- Schedule Appointments: Meet with your counselor to discuss and update your goals.
- Be Prepared: Bring questions and any necessary materials to your sessions.
- Check Your Email: Regularly check your OCC email for updates from your counselor.
- Make a Plan: Work with your counselor to create a plan that reflects your goals.
- Plan for Transfer: If you’re planning to transfer, discuss requirements and deadlines with your counselor.
- Stay Engaged: Actively participate in counseling and follow through on recommendations.
Before Meeting with a Counselor
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- Plan Ahead: Schedule appointments early and come prepared.
- Review Your Progress: Check your degree progress and previous counseling notes.
- Prepare a Class List: Make a list of classes you want to take, with backup options.
- Balance Responsibilities: Consider how your personal life affects your academic performance.
- Know Important Dates: Be aware of add/drop deadlines.
- Phone Appointments: Be sure to log in to your account via computer.
- Be Ready: For phone or virtual appointments, be in a quiet space with materials ready.
During Your Counseling Session
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- Stay Engaged: Be ready to discuss your goals, course selection, and any concerns.
- Schedule Follow-Ups: Plan follow-up appointments to review your progress.
- Discuss Changes: Meet with your counselor before dropping a course.
- Prepare for Virtual Sessions: If meeting on Zoom, log into OCC platforms and be ready to share your screen.
Types of Appointments
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- Drop-In Appointments: On Wednesdays, you can talk with a counselor without an appointment. Just join the
waitlist.
- Scheduled Appointments: Book a phone, online, or in-person session by calling (248) 341-2270. Have your
Student ID ready.
Quick vs. In-Depth Appointments
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- Drop-In: Quick questions, course hold information, course drops, registration issues, and
referrals.
- Scheduled: Degree checks, long-term planning, academic/career goals, and first meetings with
a counselor.
Personal Counseling Services
OCC offers short-term personal counseling (4-5 sessions per semester) to help you
achieve your academic and career goals. Counselors are licensed professionals and
follow strict confidentiality rules. Sessions require your active participation, including
completing homework and possibly working with other professionals.
Note: OCC’s counseling is not long-term, and you may be referred to outside resources
as needed.
Confidentiality
Your personal counseling confidentiality records are confidential, stored electronically,
and only accessible to authorized college staff. They can only be released under certain
conditions like a court order or if required by law.
Additional Resources for Success
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- Transfer Student Resources
- Student Handbook
- Key Policies and Procedures
- Information on Academic Standing
- OCC Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Placement Testing
- Disability Services (ACCESS)
- Athletics
- Veterans Services
- Diversity & Inclusion
- International Students
Emergency Contact Information
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- Call 911: For any medical or mental health emergency.
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or call 988
- Common Ground: 1(800) 231-1127
- Disaster Distress Hotline: 1(800) 985-5990 or text RESTORE to 741741 for crisis support.
Mission Statement
The counselors at OCC are dedicated to helping you make important choices about your
education, career, and life. Our goal is to support your success and create an environment
that helps you grow.
