Oakland Community College: A Hub for Education and Community Enrichment

Oakland Community College (OCC) stands as a public community college committed to "Excellence Empowered." Since its establishment in 1964, OCC has played a vital role in providing accessible and quality education to the residents of Oakland County and beyond.

The Genesis of OCC

The establishment of OCC was the result of collaborative efforts and visionary planning. In August 1960, an advisory council comprising 85 citizens from Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties advocated for the creation of five community colleges within the six-county region. This call was echoed by a commission of Oakland County residents in June 1962, which proposed the construction of three campuses across the county, financed by a millage.

In June 1963, voters approved referendums to establish OCC and its board of trustees. With funding secured, the Board of Trustees acquired three campus sites and appointed John Tirrell, from the St. Louis Junior College District, as OCC's first president. The first site was a disused Nike missile base in Pontiac Township (now Auburn Hills), purchased from the National Bank of Detroit for $247,000. A second site, the disused Oakland County Tuberculosis Sanitarium in Waterford, was also acquired and renovated.

Early Years and Expansion

Classes commenced at the Auburn Hills and Highland Lakes campuses on September 11, 1965. The initial enrollment of 3,860 students exceeded expectations, marking a record for the largest opening enrollment of any community college in the United States. In December, ground was broken on OCC's third campus, Orchard Ridge, in Farmington Township.

The locations of the campuses initially sparked controversy, as their placement in the outer suburbs made them less accessible to residents in the southeast of Oakland County. To address this, a new campus opened in Southfield in 1980, replacing a temporary location in Oak Park. Later, the Southeast Campus System expanded with the purchase and remodeling of buildings at a site in Royal Oak.

Campus Locations and Features

OCC has multiple campuses, each with its own unique features and offerings:

Auburn Hills Campus: Located off M-59 in Auburn Hills, near Chrysler Headquarters and I-75, this campus features a new Science & Computer Science building with modern facilities for the CIS department and science programs. CIS expanded in the first floor suite showcasing the technologies within adaptable labs.
Highland Lakes Campus: Situated at Cooley Lake and Hospital Roads in Waterford Township, this campus opened in 1965 in the former Oakland County Sanitarium, a tuberculosis hospital built in 1927. Additional buildings were added in the early 1980s, and two were expanded in the mid-2000s.
Orchard Ridge Campus: Located along I-696 between Orchard Lake and Farmington Roads in Farmington Hills, this campus opened in 1967. It houses OCC's award-winning culinary program, with three restaurants open to the public on certain days. Orchard Ridge is also home to Oakland Early College, an early college high school operated by the West Bloomfield School District.
Royal Oak Campus: OCC's Royal Oak campus, opened in 1982, consists of a single large building in downtown Royal Oak, bordered by Main Street, Washington Avenue, 7th Street, and Lincoln Avenue.
Southfield Campus: Located along the Lodge Freeway (M-10) near the former Northland Center.
Former Pontiac Location: OCC previously had operations at 17 S Saginaw Street in downtown Pontiac.

Restructuring and Consolidation

In November 2022, OCC announced a three-year plan to restructure and consolidate operations, citing declining enrollment and a changing job market. This plan involves the closure of the Highland Lakes campus in the fall of 2026, as well as the closure and sale of the Bee Administration Center, with administrative offices relocating to the campuses.

Athletics

The OCC athletic teams, formerly known as the Raiders, became the Owls in February 2024. They compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA). Men's varsity sports include basketball, cross-country, and golf, while women's varsity sports include basketball, cross-country, and softball.

Oakland Community College Royal Oak Campus

The Oakland Community College Royal Oak Campus, established in 1982, has been a cornerstone of education in downtown Royal Oak. Situated in a single, sizable building, the campus is strategically positioned, bordered by Main Street, Washington Avenue, 7th Street, and Lincoln Avenue, making it easily accessible to students from various parts of the city and beyond.

Location and Accessibility

The Royal Oak Campus's central location in downtown Royal Oak provides students with convenient access to a variety of resources and amenities. Its proximity to major streets like Main Street and Washington Avenue, as well as 7th Street and Lincoln Avenue, ensures easy commuting options for students, whether they prefer public transportation, driving, or biking. The campus's location also allows students to take advantage of the numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that Royal Oak has to offer, creating a vibrant and enriching college experience.

Academic Programs and Offerings

The Royal Oak Campus offers a wide range of academic programs and courses to meet the diverse needs and interests of its students. These programs include associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer programs, providing students with multiple pathways to achieve their educational and career goals. The campus also offers a variety of support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, to help students succeed in their studies and prepare for their future careers.

Community Engagement

The Royal Oak Campus is deeply engaged with the local community, partnering with businesses, organizations, and community groups to provide students with valuable learning opportunities and contribute to the economic and social well-being of the city. The campus hosts a variety of community events, such as workshops, seminars, and cultural performances, that are open to the public, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Impact on Downtown Royal Oak

The presence of the Oakland Community College Royal Oak Campus has had a significant positive impact on downtown Royal Oak. The campus brings a steady stream of students, faculty, and staff to the downtown area, supporting local businesses and contributing to the city's economic vitality. The campus also serves as a hub for community engagement, attracting visitors and residents to downtown Royal Oak for various events and activities.

Future Vision

As Oakland Community College continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its students and the community, the Royal Oak Campus remains committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a vibrant learning environment. The campus is constantly exploring new ways to enhance its academic programs, support services, and community engagement initiatives to ensure that it remains a valuable asset to the city of Royal Oak and the surrounding region.

Read also: Meet the OCC Trustee Candidates

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