Oakwood Live! October 1-4, 2025
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WHAT IS OAKWOOD LIVE?
What Is Oakwood LIVE?
Oakwood (OU) LIVE is an annual on-campus experience at Oakwood University, designed for high school seniors and juniors to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of university life.
Step into a 4-day campus adventure that gives you an unforgettable glimpse into life at Oakwood University!
During Oakwood LIVE, you’ll:
- Sit in on real college classes
- Explore academic programs and meet inspiring faculty
- Connect with current students and make new friends
- Experience the excitement of campus life and activities
- Cheer at thrilling sporting events—or even try-out for teams like baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, and soccer
- Join the music! Sit in on a choir rehearsal or minister with the OU Live Mass Choir
- Worship with us during Friday night’s powerful student-led service and concert, a highlight of the Oakwood experience – AYM Release!!
This is more than a campus visit, it’s your chance to live Oakwood life for yourself and discover if this is the place where your future begins!
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OU LIVE SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
OU LIVE SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025:
08:00 – 07:00PM Registration Check-in & Badging – BCBLC
10:00 – 03:00PM Campus Tours (Top of Each Hour)
03:30 – 04:45PM Welcome & OU LIVE 2025 Kick-Off!
05:15 – 06:30PM Chaperone Orientation & Reception – REQUIRED
07:00 – 08:30PM Prayer Meeting – Door Open at 6:45PM
09:00 – 10:30PM “Fun Social Event”
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025:
08:00 – 05:00PM Registration Check-in & Badging – Cunningham Hall 2nd Floor Lobby
09:50 – 11:15AM OU LIVE University Chapel
01:00 – 05:15PM School Open House/Department Showcases/Sporting Events & Try-outs/Enrollment Workshops/Campus Tours
08:00 – 10:00PM Concert: CHOIRS OF OAKWOOD!!! Doors Open at 7:30PM
Friday, October 3rd, 2025:
08:30 – 12:00PM Registration Check-in & Badging
08:30 – 12:00PM Academic and Enrollment Fair
10:00 – 11:00AM Acceptance Decision Release & Celebration
11:00 – 06:30PM Sports Tryouts & Games/Choir Rehearsals
07:30 – 10:00PM AYM Release – OU LIVE 2025 Edition!!! Doors open at 7:15PM
Saturday, October 4th, 2025:
11:00 – 01:30PM Worship Service
03:30 – 05:00PM Service Project – REACH Ministries: “Rise Against Hunger”
07:00 – 11:00PM Women’s and Men’s Basketball Games
OU LIVE ENDS – THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING OU LIVE 2025!
Sunday, October 5th, 2025:
06:30 – 08:30AM Breakfast is available in cafeteria for purchase as needed.
10:00AM CHECK-OUT/DEPARTURE FROM CAMPUS
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WHAT’S NEW?
There have been some IMPORTANT CHANGES we want to highlight for OU LIVE 2025:
- All High School Seniors registered to attend OU LIVE are required to submit their admission applications and current transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable) before their arrival.
- DEADLINE: Admissions Applications and transcripts must be submitted by September 18th to qualify for the one-time $500 OU Live Scholarship and guarantee on-site Decision Release and announcement. Students who do not meet the minimum acceptance criteria or have not submitted all necessary documents will not be announced during OU LIVE as additional committee review is required and processing cannot be completed without the required documentation.
- High School Juniors are welcome to attend OU LIVE; however, due to campus housing capacity limitations priority must be given to seniors only. Juniors must attend with a chaperone and make alternate housing arrangements off campus – a courtesy hotel block has been reserved to offer an affordable alternative. Despite this restriction, all paid registrants will have priority access to all OU LIVE events and meals.
- Transportation will be provided to and from the OU Designated hotels (only) on a scheduled basis. Please plan accordingly for trips outside of those destinations and scheduled shuttle trips to and from campus.
- Due to past challenges with receiving timely payment. We no longer accept Checks, Money Orders, ACH or other forms of payment for the event registration fee (group or individual). Payment must be submitted via the OU LIVE Registration form with Credit or Debit Card.
• Sponsored Chaperone Hotel Accommodation Limits:
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- One OU sponsored male chaperone for every 10 male student attendees.
- One OU sponsored female chaperone for every 10 female student attendees.
*Consideration may be made for a mixed group of 10+ or more students
- Registration Check-In will be in the Bradford Cleveland Brooks Leadership Center (BCBLC) Banquet Room on Oakwood University’s Campus – Opposite building from the Oakwood University Church.
- Registration Check-In will CLOSE at 7:00PM on Wednesday, October 1st.
- Parties arriving after Registration hours, will be served the following day. Please plan your arrival time accordingly, as student guests cannot enter the Residence Halls or OU Designated hotels without checking-In at event registration.
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REGISTRATION STEPS - INDIVIDUAL
REGISTRATION STEPS
Individual Registration:
- Each attendee must submit their own registration and fee with unique contact information and details. This includes any party (i.e., younger siblings, other relatives or guests) attempting to participate in activities, meals, or events. Do not use a parent/chaperone email address or mobile number. This information is used to contact you with important updates and in cases of emergency.
- If you are a student, please indicate if you are attending with or without a Chaperone – Select correct option on form. Individuals, family members, or current undergraduate students under the age of twenty-four years cannot chaperone. If you are traveling without a chaperone, an OU (Oakwood University employee) chaperone will be assigned.
- If you are a Junior, you may not attend without a chaperone. Due to housing capacity limitations, priority must be given to seniors only. Consequently, you must attend with a chaperone and make alternate housing arrangements off campus – a courtesy hotel block has been reserved to offer an alternative. Despite this restriction, all paid registrants will have priority access to all OU Live events and meals.
- Transportation will be provided to and from the OU Designated hotels (only) on a scheduled basis please plan accordingly for your housing. Individuals needing pick-up or drop-off to Huntsville International Airport must complete the necessary Form in advance. The University will not provide transportation from or to any other airport destination.
- The Registration Fee is Non-Refundable. However, you may transfer your fee to another party. Please notify Admissions on 256-726-7356 of this change immediately, and we will assist the new attendee with submitting their own separate registration. Admissions must assist with this process, or they will be prompted to submit another payment.
- High School Seniors registered to attend OU LIVE are required to submit their Admissions Applications and Current Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
- Click Here to Apply For faster processing, upload your transcript to your application. However, if you are having difficulty, you may send it to: admissions@oakwood.edu.
- Please type: “Full Name – Transcript” in the subject line, but bear in mind that we will be receiving a high volume of emails daily.
- Completing an application does not require that you attend Oakwood but presents an option and allows you to receive your preliminary scholarship offer.
• IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Application and transcripts must be submitted by September 18th to qualify for the one-time $500 OU Live Scholarship and on-site decision release.
• Late Registration: A $25 fee will be added for late registration after September 18th at 11:59 PM CST
• Please ensure that the names entered for the event registration match the legal names listed on transcripts. This consistency aids in tracking event attendees and processing scholarship decisions. We recommend that each attendee complete their own registration to ensure accuracy.
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REGISTRATION STEPS – GROUP (2+ Individuals)
REGISTRATION STEPS – GROUP (2+ Individuals)
Head Chaperone
If you are coordinating a group of adults and students you are considered the “Head Chaperone, and you must register FIRST. To begin this process, you must assemble a list of all (including other chaperones) individuals attending with your group.
- You will be required to submit this list of names during your registration process and specify if they are a student or chaperone attendee.
- In the registration form, you will be prompted to create a “unique” Chaperone ID to identify your group in the system. You must share this ID with your group attendees and limit this information to your group alone.
- Each member of your group must register individually and enter the Unique Chaperone ID you have created, or they will be prompted to pay.
- Payment may be submitted by the group coordinator (“Head Chaperone”) for all members of your group. However, individuals within the group may also submit individual payment.
- All payments must be submitted by credit or debit card via the registration form. To ensure financial integrity, we will no longer accept Checks, Money Orders, ACH or other forms of payment.
- Registration Fee is Non-Refundable. However, you may transfer your fee to another party, but they must submit a separate registration and Admissions must be notified of this change immediately: 256-726-7356 or oakwoodlive@oakwood.edu. Admissions must assist with this process, or they will be prompted to submit another payment when attempting to register.
- If you are traveling with a High School Junior, please plan accordingly for their housing. Due to campus housing capacity limitations priority must be given to seniors only. Consequently, they must attend with a chaperone and make alternate housing arrangements off campus – a courtesy hotel block has been reserved to assist with those needs. Nevertheless, all paid registrants will have priority access to all OU Live events and meals.
- EACH registrant attending with a group (i.e., family, school, church, or other organization, etc.) must submit an individual registration with unique contact information and details. A group is defined as two or more individuals attending the event (family members included – create a name for your family group)
Attending With a Group | Non-Chaperone
If you are attending with a group, but you are NOT the Head Chaperone or Group Coordinator, that person must register first and create/provide their “unique Chaperone ID” to you and all other members in the party – this ID links all of the members of your party to one group.
- You will need the First and Last Name of the Head Chaperone and their “Unique” Chaperone ID when completing registration. If the Head Chaperone paid for all members of the group, it will be important to enter this ID to avoid making a second payment.
- If you are an attending adult, you are considered a Chaperone, although you may not be the Head Chaperone or Group Coordinator – please indicate as such.
- If you are a student DO NOT USE Parent/Chaperone information (i.e., email, mobile number, etc.) or a single email/mobile number for the registration process.
- Please make the appropriate selection on your event registration indicating that you are attending with a group – Your Group Coordinator (Head Chaperone) must include you on their roster for verification purposes.
- Registration Fee is Non-Refundable. However, you may transfer your fee to another party, but the Head Chaperone must notify Admissions of this change and the new individual must submit a separate registration and Admissions must be notified of this change immediately: Call: 256-726-7356. Admissions must assist with this process, or they will be prompted to submit another payment when attempting to register.
- All High School Seniors registered to attend OU LIVE are required to submit their Admissions Applications and Current Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
- Click Here to Apply For faster processing, upload your transcript to your application. However, if you are having difficulty, you may send it to: m.
- Please type: “Your Full Name – Transcript” in the subject line; however, please bear in mind that we will be receiving a high daily volume of emails during this period.
- Completing an application does not commit you to attend Oakwood but offers an option and allows you to receive your preliminary scholarship offer.
- IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Application and transcripts must be submitted by September 18th to qualify for the one-time $500 OU Live Scholarship and On-Site decision release.
- Late Registration: A $25 fee will be added for late registration after September 18th at 11:59 PM CST
- Please ensure that the names entered for the event registration match the legal names listed on transcripts. This consistency aids in tracking event attendees and processing the OU LIVE scholarship. We recommend that each student complete their own registration to ensure accuracy.
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HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS
HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS
Sponsored Chaperone Hotel Accommodation:
- Oakwood University hotel chaperone accommodations will be provided to Chaperones that satisfy the following criteria:
- One OU sponsored male chaperone for every 10 male student attendees.
- One OU sponsored female chaperone for every 10 female student attendees.
*Consideration may be made for a mixed group of 10+ or more students
- High School Seniors will be hosted on campus by current Oakwood University students in their respective residence halls. Guests should come prepared with Sleeping bags (for the floor), sheets/blankets, towels, and personal toiletries.
- As a student guest in our Residence Halls, once you have received your rooming assignment, you are NOT PERMITTED to swap Oakwood student host rooms. Doing this causes confusion and compromises your safety in the event of an emergency.
- You may indicate if you have a preferred host that you would like to be assigned to; however, they must be registered and approved to host a guest during OU LIVE. We cannot make guarantees but will do our best to honor your preference.
- If you are a Junior, please plan accordingly for your housing. High School Juniors are welcome to attend OU LIVE; however, due to campus housing capacity limitations priority must be given to seniors only. Juniors must attend with a chaperone and make alternate housing arrangements off campus – a courtesy hotel block has been reserved to offer an affordable alternative. Despite this restriction, all paid registrants will have priority access to all OU Live events and meals.
- OU LIVE Chaperone and Courtesy Blocks booking reservations are guaranteed based on the deadlines below and room availability.
- Early arrivals will not be accommodated for transportation, meals, or housing.
- Transportation will be provided to and from the OU Designated hotels on a scheduled basis (only). Please plan accordingly for trips outside of the destination and scheduled shuttle campus trips.
- Hotel accommodations are not available for bus drivers; they are only available to Chaperones (who meet the criteria). Please plan accordingly.
- Special Needs: At Oakwood LIVE we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for each student. To facilitate this, we kindly ask that any student requiring additional support be accompanied by a chaperone. The university residence halls are primarily designed for independent students, requiring little supervision. If you recognize that this setting will not be the most suitable environment for your student attendee, please make alternative housing plans to support a pleasant and safe experience for them. This will help us ensure that your student can fully participate and enjoy their visit to campus.
- All participants are to check-out of the Residence Halls no later than 10:00 AM on Sunday, October 5th, 2024. All Chaperones are expected to Check-out of OU Sponsored Hotels (and otherwise) to meet their student attendees for departure as they must vacate the Residence Halls by 10:00 AM.
OU LIVE Hotels:
Chaperone Hotel – Courtesy Block Rooms Available
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Huntsville – Space Center (Recent Construction)
5101 Governors House Drive, SW | Huntsville, AL 25805
Front Desk: 256-873-6962
Booking Rate: $134.00 USD – Rates Per Night (Includes Breakfast)
Last Day to Book at This Rate: Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
Chaperone Hotel – Courtesy Block Rooms Available
Candlewood Suites – Huntsville Research Park (New Construction)
219 Exchange Place | Huntsville, AL 35806
Front Desk: 256-210-1570
Book Here: Oakwood Live
Courtesy Block Booking Rate: $89.00 USD/King Suite – Rates Per Night (No Breakfast)
Last Day to Book at This Rate: Sunday, September 14th, 2025
Courtesy Block ONLY for Self-Booking
Courtyard by Marriott – Huntsville (Newly Renovated)
4804 University Drive, NW | Huntsville AL
Front Desk: 256-837-1400
Book your group rate for Oakwood Live 2025
Courtesy Block Booking Rate: $109.00 USD/King – 119.00 USD/Double – Rates Per night
Last Day to Book at This Rate: Sunday, September 07, 2025
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE TAXES OR FEES.
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STUDENT PACKING LIST
WHAT DO I BRING – STUDENT
This event is a four (4) night stay: storage will be limited, please plan accordingly.
- Clothing:
- Comfortable outfits for the day (casual and appropriate for the college environment)
- Pajamas or sleepwear
- Underwear and socks
- Comfortable shoes (walking shoes and/or formal shoes)
- Light jacket or sweater (in case it gets chilly or rains)
- Church/Vespers Attire for Prayer Meeting and Sabbath Worship Service
- Personal Items:
- Sleeping Bag, Pillow, and Blanket (if staying in the Residence Halls)
- Towels and Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel, etc.)
- Hair products, brush or comb
- Personal medications (i.e., asthma pump, epi-pen, insulin, etc.)
- *Spending money (optional for additional purchases)
- Technology:
- Smartphone and charger
- Portable charger
- Miscellaneous:
- Valid ID or student ID
- A small purse that can be worn on your person or backpack for carrying personal items
*Students will have options to make purchases at the University Market, Treehouse Bistro, and Oakwood Farms Market as well as concessions at the basketball game – personal spending money may be considered. However, we advise that you leave your valuables at home, as the university will not be responsible for theft, damage, or loss.
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CHAPERONE PACKING LIST
WHAT DO I BRING – CHAPERONE
Clothing:
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- Church/Vespers Attire for Prayer Meeting and Sabbath Worship Service
- Comfortable shoes for lots of walking
- Light jacket or sweater (in case it gets chilly or rains)
Personal Items:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
- Medications (personal)
Administrative Materials:
- List of students and their contact details
- Emergency contact information
- Critical Medical Information for students
- Student transcripts (if they have not been uploaded in advance – *may not qualify for OU LIVE Scholarship)
Technology:
- Smartphone and charger
- Laptop or tablet (if needed)
- Portable charger
Miscellaneous:
- Valid ID (Government Issued)
- First Aid Kit (basic supplies)
Additional Tips:
- Communication: Ensure students and chaperones have a way to stay in touch (e.g., a group chat).
- Travel Essentials: If traveling by air, include travel tickets, student passports, or boarding passes.
- Health & Safety: Consider any necessary items for health protocols, such as masks or hand sanitizer.
- We advise that you leave your valuables at home, as the university will not be responsible for theft, damage, or loss.
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CHAPERONE RESPONSIBILITIES
CHAPERONE RESPONSIBILITIES
Initial Check-in of all participants in your group immediately upon arrival. Please ensure that each of your participants move through the event registration process and receive all of their materials and wristband. Take special note of the Registration end-time on the day of your arrival to ensure that you are able to check into your housing accommodations and receive your event materials and badge for meals.
- Establish a group chat with assigned participants upon arrival.
- Required to meet and check-in with your assigned attendees at least 3 times daily.
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- Ex. Before mealtimes (Blake Center – food tent), before or after worship services
- Perform at least one random “in-person” check-in daily to ensure that students are actually on campus as expected and perform ongoing “accountability check-ins”; however, ensuring curfew (nightly) and check-out are MANDATORY at the end of the event.
- Chaperone rounds at curfew are mandatory to make sure participant(s) are present and accounted for in their assigned room accommodation.
- Ensure that you have Emergency contact information for each participant in your group.
- Provide a direct mobile number where you can be reached by the OU Live Chaperone Coordinator and attendees that are part of your group.
- Chaperones will be housed within a 3.5-mile radius of the University. You may be responsible for providing your own transportation to and from campus should you be called to address an emergency (i.e., medical, disciplinary or otherwise) matter for any one of your student attendees.
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TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT STIPULATIONS
Oakwood University wants to make your OU LIVE experience a pleasant one. We pledge our support to guests to offer this experience to as many prospective “Oakwoodites” as possible! However, there are important planning details that you should know as it relates to your trip to OU LIVE 2025:
Airline Discount Requirements:
Air travel assistance up to $100/per ticket will be available to groups of five (5) or more traveling on the same flight by a commercial airline. A minimum distance of 1,200 miles round trip is required.
- Assistance is based on one-third of the ticket cost, not to exceed the stipulated $100 limit per ticket.
- The last day to submit all airline receipts for reimbursement is Friday, October 3rd, 2025, by 12pm (No Exceptions).
- If you have not previously received a reimbursement for OU Live, you will need to complete a W-9 Form for payment to be processed – only one (1) check will be issued per group. You may inquire at the Registration Check-in Desk.
Charter Bus Discount Requirements:
Invoice assistance for Charter Bus groups of thirty (30) students or more are eligible for travel assistance of up to $2,500, not to exceed the actual costs.
- Bus companies should be paid prior to your arrival – we will not pay your driver. All reimbursements will be made out to the participating school.
- Please allow up to 30 Days to receive your reimbursement following the close of this event.
- Please Note: Hotel accommodations are not available for bus drivers; they are only available to Chaperones (who meet the criteria). Please plan accordingly.
Additional Considerations:
- Early arrivals will not be accommodated for transportation, meals, or housing.
- Any receipts/invoices submitted after 12pm, October 3rd, 2025, will not be reimbursed.
- All emailed receipts should be submitted to ljohnson@oakwood.edu. The subject line should clearly read: “OU Live Travel Receipt.”
- Submit all airline receipts and bus invoices to Admissions before your arrival or in person by Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at 12:00pm, to receive the reimbursement – you may submit your receipts to the event registration team, which will be in the Millet Activity Center on Friday until 12:00pm Noon.
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