Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact the appropriate member of the Alumni Relations Team.

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

Membership of the OBA Network 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 150 countries, making it an excellent opportunity to make contacts who live in the same city, work in the same industry and more. A summary of other benefits are below:

 

OBA Network Benefits

 

Alumni Students
School
degree
School
Diploma
Other
degree
-holding
Oxonians
Exec Ed
School
Open
School
degree
School
Diploma
OBA LinkedIn Group
OBA Webmail      
 Library Databases      
 OBA Chapters    
 Oxford Business Networks
eNewsletter 
 Events*

Alumni Careers Advisor           
 Alumni Advisory Council      
 UO Alumni Card      

 

*Please note, 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 do not have an alumni number. How can I get this?

Your alumni number can be found 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.

How do I obtain my Alumni Card?

Alumni Cards are issued by the Central University and are administered upon completion of your course. If you have lost your card you may request a replacement.

I have recently moved house/changed my email address/have a new job. How can I update my details?

You can do this yourself by visiting the update your details page or simply email us at alumni@sbs.ox.ac.uk.

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, and you may also receive additional notices and invitations based on your location and interests. To ensure you receive relevant emails from us, please update your details regularly.

You may 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?

If you are an alumnus/a of Saïd Business School, you may request a lifelong email address. Unfortunately we are unable to provide them to an Oxonian that completed a programme with another department.

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 may 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.

Help! 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.

Connecting with other Alumni
I would like to get in touch with fellow alumni in my region, how can I do this?

The OBA regional Chapters support and co-ordinate various events and activities for all OBA Network members living in their regions. Visit the Regional Chapters section to find out if there is a Chapter in your area.

We also have a growing network of Regional Ambassadors to cover areas that don’t currently have representation by a Chapter. Visit the Regional Ambassador page to connect with an Ambassador near you. 

I have an event that I would like to promote to fellow alumni in my area, how can I do this?

If you are a member of a regional Chapter, contact your local Committee Chair with details of your event. Visit the relevant Chapter page for contact details. If you would like to add your event to the Events section of the OBA Network website please contact alumni@sbs.ox.ac.uk.

I would like to advertise a position within my company to Saïd Business School Alumni. How can I go about doing this?

Oxford Business Alumni Network members and external companies can recruit top talent from Saïd Business School. Vacancies, which you post with us, can be published to various groups (alumni, current postgrads/undergrads), depending on the requirements you specify in your job description.

Contact careers@sbs.ox.ac.uk for more information.

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 OBN 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 this is a Chapter event, please contact Linda Triangolo.

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

How many OBA flagship events are held each year?

On average the Oxford there are two main reunions held each year.  These are:

  • Reunion Weekend (Oxford)
  • OBA Dinner (London)
Careers
How can the School support my job search?

You can search and apply for jobs specially targeted to Saïd alumni by visiting Careers@Saïd.

If you are a member of the OBA Directory, search the Job Board for a range of roles posted by alumni peers and by the School’s career service. 

How can the School help me recruit for my company?

Oxford Business Alumni Network members and external companies can recruit top talent from Saïd Business School. Vacancies, which you post with us, can be published to various groups (alumni, current postgrads/undergrads), depending on the requirements you specify in your job description.

There are three ways you can post a vacancy:

Degrees/Conferrals
How can I request a copy of my transcripts?
Courses that started prior to Michaelmas Term 2007

If you commenced your degree or diploma studies prior to Michaelmas Term 2007 you can request a copy of your Academic Transcript, produced by the Examination Services at the Saïd Business School below.

Oxford Saïd Academic Transcript
The transcript is free of charge.

Students on courses during and after Michaelmas Term 2007

If you commenced your studies after Michaelmas Term 2007 you should visit the degree conferrals page of the university shop to order your Academic transcript or visit official University transcript for more information.

How do I order a printed copy of my degree certificate for display?

Once your degree has been conferred at a degree ceremony either in person or in absentia, you will automatically receive a degree certificate. It will either be presented to you by your college on the day of the graduation ceremony, or posted to you.

Students who have completed an award bearing non-matriculated course (certificate or diploma) with the Department for Continuing Education will receive an award certificate from the Department.

My degree certificate has been lost/stolen/damaged. Can I request a replacement?

You can order a replacement certificate from the University at a cost of £30.

I would like proof of my degree but I have not yet formally graduated and received my certificate. What can I do?

If you have passed your examinations and have not had your degree conferred at a degree ceremony, or if you have attended a ceremony but require proof of your award to present to a third party, you can request a degree confirmation letter free of charge. The letter will confirm that you have successfully completed your course at the University of Oxford, the dates of attendance and the classification you received.

More information about degree certificates is available on the University's website at www.ox.ac.uk/students/graduation/certificates

How can my potential employer confirm I received my degree from Oxford?

Requests for information about your degree from employers, prospective employers or from other educational institutions, funding bodies or recognised voluntary organisations can be answered by the University's Degree Conferrals Office with your permission.

Requests must be made via email to Degree Conferrals (degree.conferrals@admin.ox.ac.uk). The request must include a signed release form (dated within the last year), as well as the following information:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Name of college
  • Dates of attendance
  • Degree awarded.

Appropriate requests will receive a response within seven working days.

Saïd Business School and Library Access
I will be visiting Oxford, how can I gain access to areas of the School, such as the Common Room or Library?

Please go to Reception and present your alumni card. If you do not have this, the Reception staff will confirm your alumni status with the Alumni Relations Office. You will then be able to access the ground floor and Sainsbury Library during the week (starting at 9am), and the ground floor, only on Saturdays (starting at 9am). Access cards must be returned to the front desk by 7pm on the same day (4pm on Saturday).

An OULS Bodleian Reader card is required before alumni can gain access to any information housed in the Sainsbury library. Matriculated alumni of the University of Oxford can obtain an OULS Bodleian reader’s card, by following these instructions.

I would like to utilise the Sainsbury Library while I'm visiting Oxford. How do I gain access to the Library's resources?

The Sainsbury Library is a part of the Bodleian Libraries and therefore a Bodleian Reader’s card is required before alumni can gain access. Matriculated alumni of the University of Oxford can obtain a Bodleian Reader’s card for free by following the instructions on the Bodleian Libraries website and checking the information provided for University of Oxford Degree Holders.

Library access is only available during staffed hours (Monday-Friday 9am – 4:45pm, till 6:45pm during term time) and alumni need to report to the main reception desk on arrival. Please contact library@sbs.ox.ac.uk for further information.

University Clubs
How do I become a member of the Oxford Union or the Oxford and Cambridge Club?

Membership to either of these clubs is managed directly by the club themselves. Your OBA Network membership or Oxford Alumni Card from the University of Oxford Alumni Office, does not afford automatic membership. Please visit the clubs' membership links for more information:

Admissions/Recruitment
How can I assist with recruiting students for the School?

There are many ways you can help recruit new talent for the School.

You can become an OBA Ambassador. When prospective students request to speak with alumni about a particular course, they can be matched with Ambassadors via email. Visit the Volunteer Schemes page for more information.

I am interested in further education at Saïd Business School.

Further educational opportunities are widely available for alumni interested in business and you may benefit from preferential alumni rates. Visit our Executive Education and Online Programme pages for more details.

The School's degree programmes on offer include the full-time MBA, 1+1 MBA, Executive MBA, multiple masters programmes and a doctoral programme. Visit the respective pages to find out about Open Days and further information.

Central University - Oxford Alumni
I have joined the OBA Network. Am I also eligible to join the central University's alumni association?

The main University alumni association recognises two levels of affiliation: full and associate. Your affiliation will determine whether or not you are eligible for an Oxford Alumni Card and other benefits.

Full status - awarded to matriculated undergraduate and post-graduate students.
Associate status - awarded to a range of non-matriculating students, including anybody who has completed an Open Programme Executive Education Course of consecutive 4 days or more.

Read more about eligibility for Oxford Alumni membership.

How do I join the Oxford Alumni?

Full alumni status is awarded automatically on expiration of the University card at the end of your course. You should receive your Alumni Card from your College or the School (selected courses), which includes your Alumni Number in the format 8-******** , used to register for the Oxford Business Alumni Network and for Oxford Alumni Online. If you do not know your Alumni Number, please contact us at alumni@sbs.ox.ac.uk.

What are the benefits?

As a full Oxford Alumni member, you will be able to:

  • Register for an Oxford Alumni Card, which identifies you as a member of the University's international body of alumni and carries your unique identification number. It also includes associated benefits with businesses, shops, restaurants, hotels, and more.
  • Join a University of Oxford Alumni Network such as a regional branch, Oxford10, and interest-focused and subject-related networks.
  • Participate in events with fellow Oxonians at UK or international locations.
  • Benefit from lifelong careers support and a range of career-related events and services.
  • Receive the latest news from Oxford by registering for the monthly e-newsletter Oxford Today Extra and receive your bi-annual copy of Oxford Today.
  • Access exclusive University of Oxford merchandise for alumni.
  • Gain access to the many Oxford colleges during a return visit to Oxford

Alumni with Associate status are able to:

  • Register for an Oxford Alumni Card, which identifies you as an associate of the University's international body of alumni and carries your unique identification number. It also includes associated benefits with businesses, shops, restaurants, hotels, and more.
  • Join selected University of Oxford Alumni Networks such as a regional branch, Oxford10, and interest-focused and subject-related networks.
  • Participate in selected events with fellow Oxonians at UK or international locations.
  • Receive the latest news from Oxford by registering for the monthly e-newsletter Oxford Today Extra.
  • Access exclusive University of Oxford merchandise for alumni
UK Visas
How do I find out about a visa for working in the UK after my course is complete?

If you are a current matriculated student, you can login to CareerConnect, and under the Resource Library, you can find updated information and news in the UK Visa Information. The International Student Advisory Service, University of Oxford, also gives a presentation a couple of times per academic year at the School, regarding visas if you plan to stay in the UK after your course.

If you have recently become an alumnus, you can login to CareerConnect (CC) with your newly provided CC username and password, and follow the above path to find UK Visa information.

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