A NEW NORMAL

During this unprecedented time in modern history, learning and working at UCO took on a new look. Offices and departments across campus mobilized in a new way, ensuring that the transition to a virtual presence was as smooth as possible.

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) ordered and provided a number of laptops, internet hot spots, webcams and headsets to support continued learning and telework efforts for students, faculty and staff. Additionally, OIT rolled out information on resources to aid in telework and classroom instruction, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and WebEx.

While faculty moved instruction to online platforms, creating new ways to teach their respective subjects, services across the university turned virtual. The Academic Advisement, Admissions, Bursar and Financial Aid Offices offered online appointments to continue helping students. The Broncho Education and Learning Lab began offering virtual peer-tutoring and supplemental instruction sessions.

In an effort to help those in need, the UCO Foundation began the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The fund offered limited emergency financial assistance to currently enrolled students who were unable to meet expenses because of temporary hardship related to the pandemic.

At the time of this publication, the fund had raised more than $100,000, with the help of more than 250 donors and matching donor funds. The UCO Foundation matched $30,000; the UCO Student Association matched $10,000; the UCO President’s Office matched $10,000; and, each dean provided money from their college’s respective Annual Funds, totaling $13,000. Funds totaling $80,000 were awarded to 342 Central students, with more than 800 students having submitted applications for review.

Students in need ranged from single mothers and student workers who lost their jobs to international students with nowhere to go and students searching for alternative living arrangements.

“Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I have lost my job of more than two years. Being in the food service industry I am unable to go back to that job until this whole pandemic is over. I now have no

Although the library’s doors remained closed, library staff continued to offer online resources including electronic Interlibrary Loan requests, virtual research consultations, research guides, tutorials, database access and more.

To help offset the effects of social distancing and the drastic change in daily life, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being facilitated virtual walk-in hours and appointments, offering counseling services to help support students during this temporary new normal.

Helping Hands

With the closure of Central’s campus, the majority of housing residents moved out of their dorms, with only those with no living alternative allowed to stay in campus housing. However, students both on- and off-campus encountered hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

income for food, rent, car payment, utilities and other basic needs. This money would be extremely helpful for being able to pay my upcoming rent and bills,” said one awardee’s application. “Being able to receive this scholarship would take a load of stress off my shoulders.”

Another awardee’s application echoed these sentiments.

“I am a single mother who recently lost her job of three years due to COVID-19. These funds would allow me to continue pursuing my dream education by allowing me to continue having internet at home for online learning for myself and my first grader. It would also provide a bit of relief for bills, allow me to figure out how to keep a roof over our heads and allow me a bit of financial help while trying to find a new job. Right now, I am unsure how I am going to balance what life has become. Being able to have a bit of relief for my son and me would be a huge blessing.”

For information on donating to the UCO COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, visit gift.uco.edu.