Frequently Asked Questions

Joining the OBA Network
Am I eligible to join the OBA Network?

Membership is available to:

  • Alumni and students of all Saïd Business School degree programmes
  • Alumni and students of all Saïd Business School postgraduate diploma programmes
  • Eligible participants of Saïd Business School Executive Education programmes
  • Alumni of all University of Oxford degree programmes
What are the benefits of joining the OBA Network?

The OBA Network has over 27,000 members in more than 150 countries, providing valuable opportunities to connect with your peers.
Here's a summary of the benefits you can enjoy:

 

OBA Network Benefits

 

Alumni Students
School
degree
School
diploma
Other
degree
-holding
Oxonians
School
Executive
Education
(in person)
School
degree
School
diploma
OBA LinkedIn Group
OBA Webmail      
 Library Databases      
 OBA Chapters    
eNewsletter 
 Events*

Careers Support          

 

*Please note that invitations to certain events may be based on programme, matriculation year, geography and other factors at the discretion of the event organiser 

I want to join the OBA Network, but I don't know my alumni number. Where can I find it?

Your alumni number is stated at the top of emails you receive from the OBA Network. You can also request your alumni number and we will email it to you.
Please note that online Executive Education participants do not have alumni numbers. 

How can I change my contact/employment information?

You can do this through the update your details page.

OBA Newsletters and Communications
How will I hear about upcoming events and School developments?

The OBA eNewsletter is sent monthly and will update you with the latest news and events. Keep your details up to date to ensure you receive it. You can further tailor your communication preferences at any time.

You can also:

Why am I not receiving the monthly OBA eNewsletter or other emails from the Alumni Relations Office?

Sometimes our emails can end up in junk folders, so please ensure you add alumniupdates@sbs.ox.ac.uk and alumni@sbs.ox.ac.uk to your safe senders list.

It is also possible that your contact details may be out of date or you may have chosen an alternative address to have our communications sent to so please check we have the correct email address for you.

Please also check your mail preferences in-case you have opted not to receive one or more of our communication types.

How do I get a Class Note published?

We love to share news about our alumni achievements and help you make useful connections across the network. If you'd like to submit your news for us to share, please contact Grace Robinshaw.

OBA Webmail
Can I register for an OBA email address?

You can request a lifelong email address if you have completed a degree, diploma or in-person Executive Education course from Saïd Business School, and you are opted-in to the OBA Network.

How do I register for an OBA email address?

Please complete the Webmail Registration form to request an OBA webmail account. 

How do I login to my OBA webmail?

All webmail accounts are hosted by 365 and you can login via the 365 Portal.

Please remember the login details to access your webmail are not the same as your OBA username and password to access the OBA Network website.

How do I reset my OBA webmail password?

Please contact the IT Service desk by emailing it@sbs.ox.ac.uk or phoning them on +44 (0) 1865 288868 to reset your password. 

How do I set up OBA webmail on different devices?

Please read our Webmail Support Guide for information on how to setup your account different devices.

I've read the webmail information but I am still having trouble - can you help?

Our IT Service Desk are available by phone on +44 (0) 1865 288868, or by emailing it@sbs.ox.ac.uk

The team are available 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (UK Time) and happy to help with webmail enquiries. Requests outside of these times will be followed up on the next working day.

OBA Chapters and Ambassadors
What are the roles of the Regional Chapters?

OBA Chapters are led by dedicated and engaged alumni volunteers who support and co-ordinate various events and activities for all OBA Network members living in their particular region. 

Am I eligible to join a Regional Chapter and if so how can I join?

All OBA Network members are eligible to join regional Chapters. Once you have logged in to the OBA Network visit your Chapter Membership page where you can join and manage your membership to all the Chapters.

There isn’t a Chapter set up in my region. What can I do?

If your region doesn't currently have representation by an OBA Chapter there may be a Regional Alumni Ambassador in your area. Visit the Alumni Ambassadors section to find out more.

OBA Events
I have an event I would like to publicise. How can I do this?

Please contact Grace Robinshaw if you wish to publicise an event.

If there is a regional Chapter in your area, contact your local Committee Chair with details of your event.
If you would like to add your event to the Events section of the OBA Network website please contact alumni@sbs.ox.ac.uk


What sort of events are held for OBA members?

OBA members can expect a variety of events throughout the year, including:

  • Alumni town halls
    An opportunity for alumni to hear about latest developments at the School from staff, faculty and peers. 
  • OBA Reunion weekend
    Reunions are held every Autumn for celebrating classes. Each class celebrates quinquennially (every 5 years) based on their course finish year (e.g. 2001-2002 students celebrate in 2007, 2012, etc.).
  • Targeted OBA events held in Oxford and around the globe, catering for specific courses, industry sectors and locations.
Careers
How can the School support my career development?

The School's Career Development Centre is available to postgraduate degree alumni to support you in your career journey. You can access their services through the online careers portal OSCAR.
Additionally, degree and diploma alumni have access to a range of academic databases through the OBA Network.

All OBA Network members can benefit from peer-to-peer networking opportunities and discounts on additional courses (conditions apply).

How can my organisation recruit Oxford Saïd alumni?

You can contact our Career Development Team for a consultation on your business needs and read more about how you can recruit our high calibre graduates.
Individual OBA Network members can also promote opportunities to their peers in the OBA LinkedIn group (open to OBA Network members only, applicants will be verified before approval).

Academic documents and verification
How can I get a digital copy of my transcript/degree certificate/degree confirmation letter?

Most students and alumni can access these documents through the eDocuments service.
Read more about academic transcripts and degree certificates and confirmation letters.

How do I order a physical copy of my degree certificate?

If your ceremony was held in the last three months please do not place an order but email the Degrees Ceremonies Office.

Otherwise please place your order for certificates with the University online shop.
Read more about degree certificates and letters.
How can my prospective employer/institution verify my education?

Degrees and diplomas -

The easiest and quickest way to verify your education for a third party is through the eDocuments service. Further options and information can be found here.
The Saïd Business School Alumni Relations Office is unfortunately unable to fulfil education verification requests.
Executive Education -  Contact the Alumni Relations Team.
Executive Education, online -  Requests should be sent to the Online Executive Education Team who will contact the relevant course provider.
Venue hire and visiting the School
Can I visit the School?

Yes, alumni and associates can exchange their My Oxford Cards for temporary access cards at reception on arrival. If you do not have a My Oxford Card, please ask reception staff to verify your identity with the Alumni Relations Office, ideally ahead of your arrival.

Temporary access is for the ground floor between the following hours:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm
Saturday, 9am to 4pm

Can I study in the Sainsbury Library?

A Bodleian Reader card is needed to access resources in the Sainsbury Library, which University of Oxford alumni can apply for here.
Alumni should report to reception on arrival and present their My Oxford Card to get a temporary access card for the School building, or ask reception to verify their identity with the Alumni Relations Office. 

Temporary library access is available during staffed hours:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 6:45pm during term time / 4:45pm out of term time

Please contact library@sbs.ox.ac.uk for further information.

Can I book a seminar or conference room at the School?
Yes, venue hire is available at both Park End Street and Egrove Park.
Bookings can be made through the Conference Team who will be happy to help with any enquiries, and alumni can benefit from a 10% discount on bookings (conditions apply).
 
University clubs
How do I become a member of the Oxford Union or the Oxford & Cambridge Club?

Membership is managed by the clubs themselves, and you will need to apply to them directly.
OBA Network membership or alumni/associate status of Oxford University does not afford automatic membership.
Please visit the clubs' websites for more information:

Admissions and recruitment
How can I help to recruit new students for the School?

Help us recruit the best and brightest by referring prospective students to our programme recruitment teams, who will be happy to discuss their future at the School.
Contact details can be found on each of our programme pages below:

I'm interested in further education at Saïd Business School

OBA Network members can benefit from preferential rates on Executive Education courses and some postgraduate degrees and diplomas at the School (conditions apply).

Contact your desired programme's admissions team for further information. 

Oxford University alumni
Am I an alumnus of Oxford University?

Separate to your membership of the OBA Network, Oxford University has two levels of graduate affiliation: alumni and associates. Your affiliation determines your eligibility for certain benefits.

Check your eligibility.

What benefits are available for Oxford University alumni and associates?

Oxford alumni and associates can both apply for My Oxford Cards, receive 15% discount at Blackwells, sign-up to newsletters, and more.
Read more about benefits for Oxford alumni and associates. 

Visas & immigration
Where can I find visa information for each stage of my studies?

You can find information from the University about visa and immigration rules before, during, and after your studies here.

You should also visit the UK Border Agency website for full details on visa categories and conditions. It's advised that you monitor this website for any changes in policy.