Oakland ACE Update
November 7, 2025
Important Dates Fall 2025
November 24-29: OCC Closed-No OCC or Seminar Classes
December 15: OCC Classes End
February 27: Summer Schedule Available
Semester End Updates
As we move into November, our students are entering one of the busiest and most rewarding parts of the semester. Most students enrolled in 15-week courses have just a few short weeks remaining before wrapping up their college classes and final grade checks have been completed. Please note that there will be no OCC classes or ACE seminar sessions November 24–28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Finals week at Oakland Community College begins December 15, with grades posted while our students and staff are on winter break. Students can see their Winter 2026 schedules in MyOCC and should continue to check to ensure classes are scheduled and have not been cancelled.
In ACE Seminar, students are continuing meaningful work connected to their future plans:
- Grade 13 students who applied to college are beginning to hear back with exciting admission decisions.
- Grade 12 students are launching a college research project to explore their postsecondary options.
- Grade 11 students are taking a deep dive into career interests and pathways that align with their strengths and goals.
It’s an exciting time of year filled with reflection, growth, and planning for what’s ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement—it truly makes a difference in your student’s success.
OCC Winter Semester and Summer Planning Updates
The Oakland Community College academic calendar for Winter 2026 is now available. We know family schedules fill quickly, so we want to be sure you have these dates to plan ahead. Please review the OCC academic calendar alongside your high school’s schedule as you make family travel and spring break plans.
There are differences between high school and college spring breaks. While students and families may still choose to take time away during their high school’s break, students must be careful with their winter semester absences if they know they will have a conflict such as spring break travel. Staying proactive and communicating early with instructors helps ensure that coursework stays on track.
Summer registration dates are also out. If you’re considering taking a summer course, your Early College Student Success Coordinator (ECSSC) will guide you through the process during Seminar. Some students take summer classes to focus on one subject—like math or science—that they anticipate will be more challenging. Others use summer as a chance to explore new interests or retake a class where they didn’t earn a C– or better.
In most cases, students who take summer courses pay tuition through their MyOCC account but still register through their ECSSC using the OCC Drop/Add form.
Please see the academic calendar here: https://www.oaklandcc.edu/academic-calendar/
Introducing the Oakland ACE Student Leadership Council
We’re excited to announce the formation of the Oakland ACE Leadership Council—a new group of student leaders who will partner with ACE staff to help shape the future of our program.
Leadership Council will meet virtually with staff to share ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate on ways to improve the Oakland ACE student experience. In addition to offering input, members will take an active role in co-designing and leading key events such as:
- New Student Orientation in the summer
- College and Career Fairs
- Experience Oakland ACE
- Student tours and information panels for prospective students and parents
Participation in the Leadership Council program is a meaningful commitment—but one that comes with outstanding benefits. Members will strengthen their career-ready skills in problem solving, communication, collaboration, and personal management. Students interested in fields such as education, business, marketing, public relations, human services, event planning, or teaching are especially encouraged to apply. These experiences not only build confidence and leadership but also stand out on college applications, entrance essays, and resumes as evidence of initiative and career exploration.
Service as a Leadership Council member will count toward MEMCA service hours, can be listed on student resumes, and successful participants can look forward to a strong letter of recommendation from Dr. McKay recognizing their leadership and contributions to the program.
Details about how to apply will be shared soon in Seminar and through your Early College Success Coordinator.
Complete this form to express interest: https://forms.gle/X7E3LwkCboZwUG8X9
An initial interest meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on December 10 at 1:30PM. https://oakland-k12-mi-us.zoom.us/j/6429500018
I will record the meeting and have AI notes on so that anyone who cannot make it to the information meeting can get the information. After hearing more information we will ask students to make a commitment to be part of the club for the Winter 2026 and Summer 2026 semesters by 12/19.
Update on the Lawrence Technological University (LTU) Pathway
Last year, Oakland ACE signed an agreement with Lawrence Technological University (LTU) to expand opportunities for our students, particularly in the southwest quadrant of the county following the closure of the OCC Highland Lakes campus. LTU agreed to hold classes at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses if we reached a minimum enrollment of seven students. Although we did not meet that threshold last year, we are adjusting our approach for 2026–2027 to open this option to all Oakland ACE students. Please note that each school district must agree to participate through a written agreement. We are in the process of securing agreements from each district and will update our website and newsletter in early January with a list of participating districts.
Students who are able to take classes online or on LTU’s campus will now have the opportunity to pursue this pathway. In late February, students will receive an update during Seminar with more details about the LTU option.
Students who choose the LTU pathway will continue attending their weekly Seminar. LTU is partnering with us to develop an Associate of General Studies degree consisting of 60 credits. Those interested will eventually apply directly to LTU, take placement exams for English (or transfer OCC English credits), and meet with an LTU advisor alongside their Early College Student Success Coordinator to plan courses.
Please note that LTU’s admission criteria differ from OCC’s. LTU requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and submission of SAT or ACT scores, whereas OCC requires a 2.0 GPA and does not require test scores.More information about the LTU pathway for the 2026–2027 school year will be shared in late February.
To learn more about LTU’s Early College programs, visit their Early College page.