Sooner Jump Start
INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY PROGRAM
2018 - 2019 pacs.ou.edu/sjs/
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to Sooner Jump Start
3
Oklahoma
4
2
Norman 5
Welcome to OU
6
Global Community
10
Student Life
11
Academic Excellence
12
Housing and Food
13
Colleges and Majors
14
SJS Special Services
16
SJS Program Structure
17
Schedule Services, Cost Structure
18
Admission and Transfer Requirements
19
How to Apply
20
Contact Us
21
SOONER JUMP START
Welcome to Sooner Jump Start, the international pathway program at the University of Oklahoma. As Oklahoma’s flagship pathway program, we support students in their successful transition into a university in the United States. Sooner Jump Start is a two-part program. In Phase 1, students study the English Language at OU’s Center for English as a Second Language. During Phase 2, students take 12 credits of university courses taught by dedicated OU professors. Besides providing an outstanding ESL program and OU academic excellence, Sooner Jump Start (SJS) prides itself on the thriving sense of community we create with our students. In a supportive SJS family, students enjoy assistance and guidance from graduate assistants who, as students themselves, understand the many facets of transitioning to the United States from another country. SJS also provides many opportunities for cultural experiences, field trips and shared SJS activities. We believe the quality of campus life and connection of SJS students with other OU students and the community at large is crucial to success. SJS students spend their first year (two semesters) living in the state-of-the-art campus residence halls, fully integrated into campus life with many opportunities to participate in campus-wide and community activities. SJS students also have advising and coaching services available to them, in addition to leadership opportunities and ongoing smallgroup activities. Our goal is to educate and nurture the whole student as a way to launch them into success at OU and beyond. We are proud of our program and, even more importantly, we are proud of our students. We know without a doubt they will go on to make positive differences in the world!
INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY PROGRAM
3
Oklahoma OK Oklahoma is called OK for short and has a nickname: the Sooner State!
Oklahoma City (OKC) is the state’s capital, and other major cities in Oklahoma include Norman and Tulsa.
Tulsa is famous for its art deco architecture and is often called one of America’s most livable cities.
4
The word “Oklahoma” comes from indigenous Indian languages, meaning “Red People.”
28
Oklahoma has a population of 3,790,000 (2011), ranking 28th nationwide.
Norman
“The City of Festivals”
Norman is the third-largest city in Oklahoma!
Norman is a college town with a population of 122,000.
Norman has a clean, safe and peaceful environment.
#6
Norman ranked #6 in “U.S. Cities Most Suitable for Living” by CNN in 2008. Norman also has many diverse restaurants!
INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY PROGRAM
5
Welcome to OU The University of Oklahoma is an outstanding university in the United States, famous for its excellent academic standards and strong social responsibilities. As a public state university, OU has attracted top students from more than 120 countries, and it ranks the highest among state universities in the country in attracting National Merit Scholars.
OU has three campuses: Norman, Oklahoma City (Health Sciences Center) and Tulsa.
21
There are 21 colleges at OU offering 172 majors at the baccalaureate level, 156 majors at the master’s level, 81 doctorallevel majors and 54 graduate certificates.
OU has almost 32,000 students enrolled, with more than 2,800 faculty members.
OU is a leader among all American universities in international exchange and study abroad programs. One in four OU students studies abroad.
6
Norman
Oklahoma City
SOONER JUMP campus START is a 30-minute drive from Oklahoma City, the state capital. Norman
88
OU offers programs in more than 88 countries and 220 cities on six continents!
International Student Statistics: Top 5 Countries of Citizenship: 1. China 2. India 3. Saudi Arabia 4. South Korea 5. Iran
OU is the only university in the nation, public or private, whose students have won Goldwater, Mitchell, Truman, Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright and National Security Education Program scholarships in the same year.
8%
of the total OU student population are international students!
Top 5 Majors for International Undergraduate Students: 1. Petroleum Engineering 2. Finance 3. Mechanical Engineering 4. Chemical Engineering 5. Accounting
Top 5 Majors for International Graduate Students: 1. Petroleum Engineering 2. Electrical and Computer Engineering 3. Computer Science 4. Physics 5. Chemistry and Biochemistry
7
Rankings
Journalism is hailed as a Distinguished Program by Apple.
OU’s Public Health program is ranked #37 by U.S. News & World Report.
Princeton Review: One of the best public universities in the nation in terms of academic excellence and overall value in 2015.
The College of Engineering is ranked #97 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Ranked #97 overall among “National Universities” in 2018 by U.S. News & World Report.
OU’s College of Business is ranked #76 by U.S. News & World Report.
OU’s Pharmacy program was ranked #25 by U.S. News & World Report in 2016.
Ranked as one of America’s Top 41 Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2018.
OU’s Law school is ranked #63 on the list of “Best Law Schools” by U.S. News & World Report.
8
SOONER JUMP START
Undergraduate business program and MBA ranked top 10 by the Princeton Review in 2012.
Petroleum Engineering is consistently ranked top 5 by U.S. News & World Report.
Top 20
Top 100
Top 30
Management Information Systems has ranked top 20 by U.S. News & World Report three years in a row (2006-2008).
Undergraduate Engineering Programs ranked #82 by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Library and Information Studies (postgraduate degree) within the top 28 nationally.
Severe Weather Research is ranked first in national meteorology.
Top 10
Top 3
Top 10
OU’s Meteorology program has ranked in the top 10 among graduate programs in the nation by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
OU’s Dance program has been ranked in the top 3 nationally by Dance Magazine
OU’s Architecture program was ranked in the top 10 in the South by Design Intelligence in 2011.
INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY PROGRAM
9
Global Community OU’s students come from all around the world. Each country represented at the University of Oklahoma is shown in red. OU offers more than 1,000 study abroad opportunities in 220 cities and 88 countries around the world.
10
SOONER JUMP START
Student Life International students at OU are involved on campus and in the surrounding community. They enjoy engaging in cultural exchanges with local students by joining one or more of our many student organizations on campus:
Eve of Nations is one of the state’s largest cultural events. International student groups work together to showcase their country’s fashion and traditional dances while the audience enjoys food from around the world.
OU students have many opportunities to serve the community. We know the importance of volunteering.
Students can be paired with families in Norman through The Friends to International Students program.
The SJS Mentorship Program pairs SJS students with current OU students to learn from each other throughout the semester. Together, students share their cultures, attend events and form lasting friendships.
From the African Student Association to the Society of Chinese Students and Scholars and the Turkish Student Association, there are 23 international student groups at the University of Oklahoma.
11
Academic Excellence
The 277-acre OU Research Campus (urc.ou.edu) was named the nation’s best research park in 2013 and houses cutting-edge research in fields such as weather forecasting, robotics and bioengineering.
Graduate-level assistantships through the Office of Undergraduate Research (uresearch.ou.edu) allow students to build direct relationships with faculty working in a professional setting.
Students receive individualized attention in the classroom while enjoying the benefits of attending a major research institution. OU’s research enterprises are a collaboration of university, governmental and private-sector programs.
The Tom Love Innovation Hub (ou.edu/innovationhub) offers students access to state-ofthe-art equipment and tools. The Tom Love Entrepreneurs-In-Residence program pairs student teams with industry experts in fields such as health care, energy, technology and manufacturing.
Students have access to hands-on learning environments that rival private industries, including an oil rig simulator (the only one of its kind at a university) in the Engineering Practice Facility.
The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication houses a student-run advertising and public relations agency...
12
SOONER JUMP START
...and a stock market trading floor is located in the Michael F. Price College of Business.
Housing and Food
Campus living offers unrivaled convenience, with many classes just a short walk or bike ride away. OU requires all students to reside in on-campus residence halls for at least two semesters.
Students enrolling in the summer need to live on campus for three semesters.
A full array of amenities and diverse meal plan options are a great value for students.
13
OU Colleges and Majors Michael F. Price College of Business *Accounting Business-Undecided Economics Energy Management Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Accelerated Bachelor of Business Administration/Master in Management of Information Technology (MIS)/Master in Accountancy *Finance *Management: General *International Business (choose one language as an elective) Human Resources Management *Management Information Systems Marketing-Standard Marketing-Advertising Risk Management *Supply Chain Management Sports Management Management-Standard
Extended Campus Aviation: Air Traffic Management Aviation: Aviation Management Aviation: Aviation Management Non-Flying Aviation: Professional Pilot
College of Earth and Energy Environmental Geology Geology *Petroleum Geology Geophysics Paleontology *Petroleum Engineering
College of Education
14
Early Childhood Education Education-Undecided *Elementary Education World Language Education: • French • German • Latin • Spanish Secondary School Foreign Language Secondary School Language Arts Secondary School Math Secondary School Science Secondary School Social Science
Special Education Certification: Mental Handicap/ Learning Disability Language Arts Education Mathematics Education Science Education: • Biological Sciences • Chemistry • Earth Science Social Studies Education-General Special Education
College of Engineering
*Aerospace Engineering Architectural Engineering *Chemical Engineering-Standard Chemical Engineering: Biotechnology Chemical Engineering: • Pre-Medical/ Biomedical Engineering *Civil Engineering *Computer Engineering Computer Science *Electrical Engineering Engineering-Undecided Engineering Physics Environmental Engineering Environmental Science *Industrial and Systems Engineering Industrial and Systems Engineering: Pre-Medicine *Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering: Pre-Med
Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication *Journalism *Advertising *Creative Media Production Professional Writing Public Relations
College of Arts and Science A&S Planned Program African & African-American Studies Anthropology Applied Linguistic Anthropology Arabic Archival Studies Astronomy Astrophysics Biochemistry Biology Cellular and Behavioral Neurobiology Chemistry Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chinese Classics Communication Digital Humanities Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Economics English Environmental Studies Ethics and Religion Film & Media Studies French German Health & Exercise Science Helping Skills in Human Relations History History of Science, Technology & Medicine Human Relations Human Resource Diversity and Development Human Resource Management Italian Japanese Judaic Studies Latinx Studies Letters Library and Information Studies Linguistics Mathematics Microbiology Microscopic Imaging & Technology Native American Studies Nonprofit Management Organizational Dynamics Philosophy Physics Plant Biology Political Science Project Management Psychology Public Administration Public and Nonprofit Administration Russian Social Work Social Work with American Indians Sociology Spanish Women’s and Gender Studies
College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences Environment Sustainability (BA): • Culture and Society • Planning and Management • Science and Natural Resources Environment Sustainability (BS): • Culture and Society • Planning and Management • Science and Natural Resources Geographic Information Science-BA Geographic Information Science-BS Geography (BA) Geography (BS) *Meteorology
Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts Art Art History Art, Technology, and Culture: Film/Photo/Video-Standard Art and Technology Art: Studio Arts Art: Visual Communications *Dance-Ballet Pedagogy *Dance-Ballet Performance *Dance-Modern Dance Performance *Drama Theatre: Acting Design Dramaturgy Scene Technology Stage Management *Music *Music Composition Music-Organ Music-Piano Music-Piano Pedagogy *Music-Voice Music-Wind/Percussion/String Music Education-Instrumental Music Education-Vocal Musical Theatre
College of International Studies Asian Studies European Studies European Studies: • Russian and East European Studies International Studies International Security Studies Latin American Studies Middle Eastern Studies
Pre-Health Professions
Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Communication Disorders Pre-Dental Hygiene Pre-Nursing Pre-Nutritional Sciences Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physician Associate Pre-Radiologic Tech-Nuclear Md Pre-Radiologic Tech-Rad Thpy Pre-Radiologic Tech-Radiography Pre-Radiologic Tech-Ultrasound Pre-Dentistry Pre-Medicine Pre-Optometry Pre-Veterinary Medicine Pre-Law
Note: majors with asterisk (*) are top majors nationwide.
15
SJS Special Services A goal of SJS is to provide outstanding services to our students. Our program staff make every effort to accomplish this goal. Arrival Services: • Scheduling airport arrival transportation • Obtaining a student ID card • Signing a contract with OU Housing and Food Services • Moving into the residence halls • Obtaining a local SIM card or purchasing a cell phone • Opening a U.S. bank account • Initial shopping for living necessities and supplies • New Student Orientation • Activities to help students make new friends
16
SOONER JUMP START
SJS Program Structure SJS Phase 1: English Language Instruction Placement Prior to English classes at the OU Center for English as Second Language (CESL), every student takes a placement test to determine which level they will begin their studies.* Program Progression Each semester of CESL includes two seven-week sessions.** Students advance one level per session.*** CESL classes meet for 20 hours per week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Courses include core and seminar subjects. Core Courses • Reading • Writing • Listening/Speaking • University Preparation (advanced level) Seminar Courses CESL offers a variety of seminar courses including Public Speaking, Pronunciation and Test Preparation.
SJS Phase 2 Track: Transitioning from Phase 1 to Phase 2 Students must submit an iBT TOEFL of at least 61 or an IELTS of at least 5.5 prior to the beginning of advanced level coursework, followed by successful completion of two concurrent sessions in the same semester to move to Phase 2.
SJS Phase 2: OU College Courses Students in Phase 2 are enrolled in 12 credit hours of OU coursework. These courses are face-to-face college courses selected by SJS and taught by OU instructors. The students meet in small classes where they have excellent opportunity for individualized assistance, encouraging success in their first semester of an OU degree path. The credits will become part of the students’ permanent OU college transcript. *Regardless of TOEFL or IELTS scores, students are placed in levels at CESL according to the results of the placement test. **CESL courses meet for six weeks in the summer. ***Students must successfully complete the current session to advance to the next level.
17
Scheduled Services Scheduled Services: SJS students will meet one-on-one with a SJS staff member or graduate assistant at least once during each semester to answer any questions to ensure a successful transition to university life. SJS coordinates special activities throughout the semester for students to connect with each other, to learn more about cultural activities and events that are native to Oklahoma, and to participate in volunteer programs that serve the local community. SJS provides weekly programming that is designed to build independence, character, and personal growth. The SJS Mentorship Program welcomes new SJS students to OU and assists with their transition to the university and to the city of Norman. Mentors provide a support network for students as well as guidance and encouragement related to all areas of university and American life.
Cost Structure SJS Estimated Yearly Costs of $37,500 Include: • Tuition, insurance and fees • Two sessions of CESL English classes • 12 credit hours of OU freshman college courses • Small class sizes with excellent instruction • Field trips and enrichment activities • Leadership and personal growth experiences • Involvement in local culture, traditions and community • Communication with OU students, staff and faculty • Transition services from SJS to a degree path • Gym fees and textbooks not included Note: Tuition and fees are collected on semester basis according to the student’s program of study, Phase 1 or Phase 2. To review the refund policy, please visit the SJS Policies and Procedures page online at sjs.ou.edu/policies
18
SOONER JUMP START
Admission Requirements Freshmen:
Transfer:
Students who have graduated from a secondary school and never attended a post-secondary institution. Students are encouraged to apply in their final year of study.
Students who have attempted one or more terms at a non-U.S. post-secondary institution.
“B” average or a 3.0/4.0 U.S. unweighted scale. Applicants must be 17 years of age prior to the first day of classes.*
Transfer students must meet the GPA requirements below for their academic college.
College Hours Attempted <60 Hours Academic Affairs....................................................................................... 2.50 College of Architecture............................................................................ 2.50 College of Arts and Sciences................................................................... 2.50 College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences................................................................................ 2.50 Michael F. Price College of Business...................................................... 2.75 Extended Campus / Aviation.................................................................. 2.50 College of Earth and Energy................................................................... 2.50 College of Education................................................................................ 2.75 College of Engineering............................................................................. 3.00 Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts............................................ 2.50 College of International Studies............................................................. 2.50 Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.............................................................................. 2.75 University College: Health profession majors...................................... 2.50
>60 Hours 2.00 2.50 2.00 2.50 2.75 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 2.50 2.00 2.75 2.50
English Proficiency Phase 1 Entry All English proficiency levels are considered for admission. Phase 1 placement is determined upon arrival.
Phase 2 Entry** TOEFL: 79 or higher | IELTS: 6.5 or higher Consistency across subsections will be considered for admission. Students with inconsistent subsection scores will not be considered for Phase 2 Entry.
Note: OU and SJS have the right to adjust admission requirements without notice. *The applicant’s high school class of his or her peers must have graduated by the time they move to SJS Phase II courses. **All Phase 2 Entry applicants will be required to take an assessment upon arrival.
19
1 2
How to Apply Complete your application for admission on www.sjs.ou.edu/apply Please note, SJS applicants are required to complete an OU application in addition to the SJS application.
Send in your requirement documents, including: • Official copies of your academic records • Proof of English proficiency. Applicants without a TOEFL or IELTS score can contact sjs@ou.edu for further options. • Financial Support Documents • Copy of your passport ID • Completed SJS Waiver and Releases
Application Fee: The SJS application fee ($80USD) must be paid before the application will be processed. The OU fee ($90USD) is waived for SJS applicants. Applicants who complete the OU application will need to SUBMIT the application but they DO NOT need to pay the fee. Applicants who apply through the Common App need to indicate they have a fee waiver and select the option: “You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.” The waiver will be applied as soon as we are informed they are applying to SJS.
Application Deadlines: Spring Entry: November 15 Summer Entry: March 15 Fall Entry: July 1 20
SOONER JUMP START
Contact Us
Email sjs@ou.edu
Address University of Oklahoma Sooner Jump Start 300 Kellogg Drive Norman, OK 73072-6401
Phone (405) 630-5392
Website sjs.ou.edu
Fax (405) 325-7114
Social Media
Facebook /soonerjumpstart
Twitter @soonerjumpstart
Instagram @soonerjumpstart
INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY PROGRAM
21
22
SOONER JUMP START
The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo
24
SOONER JUMP START
The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution, www.ou.edu/eoo. Printed and distributed at n o cost to the Oklahoma taxpayers.