INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Oklahoma City University Where You’re A Name Not A Number
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Parents and Families, Although I am beginning my first year as President of Oklahoma City University, it is not my first year of experience with this great university. My longstanding relationship with Oklahoma City University includes presenting many papers and lectures here, as well as teaching graduate and undergraduate courses as a Professor of Law and as Dean of the OCU School of Law. The connection, however, that may mean the most to those of you whose sons and daughters are considering attending our university is the one I have through my son, Joshua, who is an OCU upperclassman majoring in theatre. When it was time for Josh to begin his college search, my wife Jan and I hoped, as all parents do, that our son would find a university community that would nurture his personality, dreams, talents and career goals. We could not have been more pleased when Josh chose to attend OCU. With this university’s great faculty and campus-wide tradition of support for all students, we were confident that the education and experience our son would have at OCU would be exceptional. And we have been proven right! Now we find that Jan and I have followed Josh to OCU. So on both personal and professional levels, I invite you to give Oklahoma City University a serious review. We understand that selecting a college is a family affair and we welcome you to visit our campus and learn who we are. I am confident that you will be impressed by our commitment to caring for your sons and daughters so they graduate prepared to succeed in their chosen fields and to contribute with integrity and service to their communities and the world. We truly pride ourselves on providing a place where students are a name and not a number. Welcome! Robert Henry
President
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President Henry began service as Oklahoma City University’s 17th president on July 1, 2010, succeeding Tom McDaniel, who retired as president and accepted a new role as Chancellor. Immediately prior to assuming the responsibilities of President and CEO of Oklahoma City University, Henry served as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit.
OCU FAST FACTS • PRIVATE UNITED METHODIST UNIVERSITY ESTABLISHED IN 1904 • CONSISTENTLY RANKED AS A TOP TIER MASTER’S-LEVEL UNIVERSITY BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT • 11:1 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO • 81% OF FACULTY HOLD THE HIGHEST DEGREE IN THEIR FIELDS • ALL CLASSES TAUGHT BY PROFESSORS, NOT GRADUATE ASSISTANTS • PURPOSEFULLY SMALL ENROLLMENT OF MORE THAN 2,100 UNDERGRADUATES AND 1,700 GRADUATE STUDENTS • DIVERSE STUDENT BODY FROM 50 STATES AND 60 FOREIGN COUNTRIES Learn more about OCU @ www.okcu.edu
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OCU’s nationally-recognized programs feature broad exposure to the arts, sciences and humanities, preparing students to adapt and thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. The courses in a student’s chosen field of study provide the depth of knowledge needed to succeed in his or her chosen profession. Accounting American Studies (minor) Asian Studies (minor) Art Photography Studio Art Arts Management (minor) Behavioral Studies Biochemistry Biology Biomedical Science Business Administration Business Entrepreneurship (minor) Cell and Molecular Biology Chemistry Computer Information Systems Computer Science Dance Management Dance Pedagogy Dance Performance Economics Education Early Childhood Elementary PK-12 Certification Art Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish) Instrumental Music Vocal Music Secondary Education Certification English Mathematics Science Social Studies Speech/Drama/Debate English Entertainment Business Environmental Studies Finance Graphic Design (minor) History Humanities Information Technology Justice Studies Child Advocacy (minor) Kinesiology and Exercise Studies Liberal Studies Marketing Mass Communications Advertising Broadcasting Print Public Relations Mathematics Modern Language Chinese (minor)
French German Spanish Moving Image Arts Film Production Film Studies Music—Bachelor of Music Church Music Composition Music w/Business Administration Electives Music w/Pre-med Electives Music Education Musical Theater Piano Pedagogy Vocal Education Vocal Performance Instrumental Education Instrumental Performance Music—Bachelor of Arts Music Not-For-Profit Management and Leadership Nursing Bachelor of Science R.N. to B.S.N. Philosophy Philosophy/Religion Ethics (minor) Physics Political Science Political Science/Philosophy (Oxford Plan) Pre-Med Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Veterinary Psychology Religion Religion/Philosophy Religious Education United Methodist Certification in Christian Education United Methodist Certification in Youth Ministry World Religions Youth Ministry Research and Data Analysis Rhetoric Science Sociology Sports Business Theatre—Bachelor of Arts Theatre Performance Theatre—Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Design and Production University Studies (Undecided) Women’s Studies (minor)
www.okcu.edu/academics 3
PARENT TO PARENT…
“As an alum, I remember the small classes, the personal connection with professors and the expectations of a high level of interaction and participation by students. Based upon a similar experience for my son, Nick (’07, Finance; ’09, MBA), it is apparent that OCU continues to strive for education excellence. Professors are engaged with their students; students are challenged by their professors.” Jacque Leveridge Fiegel, ’76 OCU Parent and Alumna Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• OCU’S STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO IS 11:1. • THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN A FRESHMAN CLASS IS 17. U.S. News & World Report ranks OCU as a top-tier regional master’s level comprehensive university and includes OCU in its “Great School, Great Prices” list.
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Val•ue (val•yoo) n. 1. An amount considered to be a suitable equivalent for something else; a fair price or return for goods or services. 2. Monetary or material worth. 3. Worth in usefulness or importance to the possessor; utility or merit.
THE VALUE OF AN OCU EDUCATION LASTS A LIFETIME. You want value and we understand that. A college education is an investment that will pay tremendous dividends for years to come—for the rest of your student’s life. If OCU is the right place for your son or daughter, we will work with your family to design a financial aid package that meets your needs. More than 90% of OCU students receive some type of financial assistance. Approximately 85% of our students are awarded OCU academic merit and talent-based scholarships. In addition, your student may qualify for grants, loans and part-time campus employment.
Oklahoma City University is one of the most affordable private universities in the country.
INVESTMENT Tuition
$11,680 per semester based on 12-16 credit hour block
Housing
$1,710-$3,975 per semester based on housing choice
Meal Plan
$1,940 per semester for typical meal plan
*Standard fees at OCU are $100 per credit hour.
A PARENT’S QUESTION…
Is there information available that will take us through the steps for applying for financial aid? Yes, there is! For answers to all your questions about applying for OCU financial aid and all the types of financial aid available to your student, download Financial Aid: A Coursebook for STARS at www.okcu.edu/financialaid. The Financial Aid Coursebook will take you through the basics of understanding the financial aid process, what assistance is available and how to get it.
A UNIQUE FINANCIAL OPTION IS AVAILABLE TO YOU.
OCU offers a 4-year, fixed-rate tuition plan. Any undergraduate student can elect to freeze the undergraduate tuition block price at $12,600 per semester for 8 fall/spring semesters and the summers in between. Fees are not fixed and are subject to change. Students must elect to enroll in the fixed-rate tuition with the Student Financial Services Office prior to August 26, 2011. OCU’s exceptional value-- a high-quality, private university education for the cost of a public institution.
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A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE…
“The OCU Financial Aid staff worked with me to ensure that I could live, learn and grow at the institution of my dreams. With numerous scholarship opportunities, I was provided with several ways to afford private higher education. Working with the financial aid office and the OCU admissions office made me feel that I am truly a name, not a number to them.” MaryBeth Nelson Marble Falls, Texas
PARENT TO PARENT...
“The value of an OCU education is second to none! We feel like it was the perfect fit for our daughters. The faculty and the class sizes were wonderful. The financial aid office helped the girls out more than once. Our daughters were allowed room to grow and the chance to explore many opportunities. We would and do recommend OCU to everyone who has a child close to college age. We just don’t see how anyone could be disappointed.” Brad and Phyllis Brack Great Bend, Kansas
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The first year experience program at OCU begins with “STAR” Orientation Week. The goal is to provide students with the right experiences to start college successfully so they have the tools to finish successfully. The freshman class spends a week together in unique social and academic activities where they make friends, learn their way around campus and prepare for a successful college experience. Parents are invited to many of the orientation activities and a few events are designed especially for them. A Parents’ Brunch and Information Session gives you a chance to meet other parents and university personnel. You can ask questions and learn about what your son or daughter will be experiencing in those important first weeks away from home. Learn more about the First Year Experience @ www.okcu.edu/students
BASED ON RESULTS OF THE 2009 NATIONAL SURVEY OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT (NSSE), OCU FRESHMEN ARE MORE SATISFIED WITH THEIR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE THAN OTHER FRESHMEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
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Your student’s home away from home will be well-maintained, secure and comfortable. Students choose from traditional dormitories, apartment-style residences and a hall for students participating in OCU’s Honors Program. All residence halls are equipped with high-speed Internet, study rooms, big screen TVs, microwaves, laundry facilities, recreation equipment and all the comforts of home. OCU’s newest residence hall, Oklahoma United Methodist Hall, even has an underground parking garage and a hightech media room.
A PARENT’S QUESTION…
Do all students live in the residence halls? All undergraduate students under the age of 21 are required to live on campus unless they are approved to enroll as a commuter student living at home or with family members. Ninety-five percent of OCU undergraduates live in the residence halls.
ANOTHER PARENT’S QUESTION…
My daughter is a vegetarian. Will there be healthy choices for her in the university cafeteria? There certainly will be. Whether your son or daughter is a vegetarian, prefers a meat and potatoes diet or lives on pasta and salads, there will always be healthy, nutritious choices at every meal. Vegetarian entrees are offered daily, as well as a soup and salad bar. A chef’s station provides students with fresh, “straight-from-the-pan” meals such as pasta, stir-fry and all-American hamburgers and fries. A wide variety of main dishes, sides and desserts for every taste are served daily so that no one goes hungry! Nutritional information for each week’s menus is available online allowing students with special dietary needs to make wise choices. Want to know more about what’s for dinner at OCU? Connect to www.ocudining.com
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When students are asked to describe the atmosphere on OCU’s campus, they consistently mention the welcoming, friendly, family-like feeling that exists throughout the university. Much of that atmosphere comes from the eagerness of faculty and staff to assist students beyond the walls of the classroom. From Student Health Services to Personal Counseling to Career Services, help is available. We know that students need 24/7 support and the Student Affairs division is focused on the quality of our students’ learning and living in all areas of their collegiate experience.
ANOTHER PARENT’S QUESTION…
My son excels in almost every class but struggles with writing assignments. What if he has difficulty in his freshman English course? First, his professor will want to help him. OCU’s professors are known for their desire to help all students succeed. But there are also other support services available. The Learning Enhancement Center offers students tutoring on a one-on-one basis in many curriculum areas. A few of the more popular services are assistance with research and grammar skills and guided revision of papers. If your son needs that extra help, it is there. And if you’re wondering about cost, there is no cost to OCU students for any of the Learning Enhancement Center’s services.
ENCOURAGING HEALTHY LIVING… In 2008 with the support of the Student Senate and as part of a university-wide wellness initiative, Oklahoma City University adopted a tobacco-free campus policy. The use of tobacco, including smoking and smokeless tobacco, is prohibited on university property, including all indoor and outdoor spaces, private vehicles on campus and university vehicles. This policy applies to students, employees, visitors and vendors. More information on OCU’s Student Health Services can be found @ www.okcu.edu/students/studenthealth
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We want parents and families to stay involved throughout their students’ college years. You are always welcome on campus but a special Parents’ Weekend is celebrated each fall in conjunction with our Alumni Reunion and Homecoming festivities. Put it on your calendar and come join the fun! Sign up for the parent’s e-newsletter and get more information on parent and family activities @ www.okcu.edu/parents
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Oklahoma City University prides itself on preparing our students to be successful in boardrooms and pulpits, schoolrooms and hospitals. Our graduates are named judges, lead international companies, conduct orchestras, dance on Broadway, anchor news broadcasts and win international journalism awards. They are prepared for their careers and for life.
GETTING THE JOB DONE OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SENIORS AND FRESHMEN RANKED OCU HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE WHEN ASKED HOW THEIR UNIVERSITY HELPED THEM ACQUIRE JOB OR WORK RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS. From the 2009 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
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A PROFESSOR’S POV…
“Faculty at OCU aren’t just teachers, they are professionals who’ve worked in their fields. This enables them to share practical, “real-world” experiences with students. What could be better than taking small classes from professors who have actually ministered to churches, performed on Broadway, launched Fortune 500 companies, directed feature films or televised professional sporting events? You can’t get that one-onone exposure from a textbook or in an auditorium with 400 other students. OCU students depend on us to help them build a portfolio of skills that will distinguish them from the competition and enable them to thrive in the marketplace. We take that responsibility very seriously.” Prof. Matt Hamilton
PARENT TO PARENT... “In my position as president of a marketing company, I have assessed the talents and preparation of many students as they enter the work world and in my opinion the OCU experience, academic grounding and supportive environment is unmatched by almost any university in the country. I would rate the experience a ‘10 out of 10’ for our daughter Katelyn (Katelyn, ’08, Entertainment Business) as well as for us as parents.” Brian P. Turnbull Northville, Michigan “OCU prepared my daughter (Jessica, ’05, Dance Performance) for the REALITY of her career choice. She was given the tools to navigate the often cut-throat world of show business. The performers are sent out into the world knowing what to expect and how to market themselves as well as how to deal with the setbacks. ALL of the OCU dance grads I know are currently working in the field. They have been in commercials, on cruise ships, on athletics dance squads, in ballets and operas. They are teachers and stage performers in this country as well as overseas.” Judith Engels Grapevine, Texas
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VISIT US! A brochure can’t tell it all. We invite your family to visit us and see for yourself why Oklahoma City University is a special place. We’ll customize your visit so you and your student can speak with professors, chat with students, sit in on a class, tour facilities, eat in the cafeteria and talk with admissions and financial aid counselors. To schedule a visit, call us at 800.633.7242 or register online @ www.okcu.edu/visitors
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2501 North Blackwelder Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493
www.okcu.edu