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Complete Central
Your Guide to Graduation TM
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What’s Inside First Things First.......................................................................................................................... 2
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Think 30!..................................................................................................................................... 3
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The Basics.................................................................................................................................... 4
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Down to Business....................................................................................................................... 6 Staying the Course..................................................................................................................... 7 Enrollment Policies..................................................................................................................... 8
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Paying for It................................................................................................................................ 9
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Study Smarter........................................................................................................................... 10
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Plan for the Future................................................................................................................... 11
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Your Steps to Graduation........................................................................................................ 12
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Graduation Checklist: 1st Year................................................................................................ 14
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Graduation Checklist: 2nd & 3rd Year..................................................................................... 16
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Graduation Checklist: 4th Year................................................................................................ 18
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Resources.................................................................................................................................. 20
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First Things First Enrollment Central - Check! Freshman FORGE - Check! Convocation - Check!
You’ve enrolled, picked up your ID, got your books and made some new friends – now it’s time to think about graduation! Sure, you’ve just started your college experience, but earning a degree takes focus and planning from the beginning. That’s where this guide can help. Here you will find all the information you need to Complete Central, including checklists for each year. Remember, you have a team of Bronchos behind you whose number one goal is to see you cross the graduation stage in a cap and gown!
Now, let’s get started! 2
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Think 30!
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As you develop your academic plan, we want you to think 30! It is a common misconception that 12 hours is a full load. Yes, 12 hours is the minimum for full-time financial aid and scholarship eligibility, but most degrees require a total of 124 hours. To earn your degree in four years, you’ll need to complete at least 30 hours each year. The good news is you can spread those hours over the fall, spring and summer semesters. You can even pick up hours between semesters with intersession courses. That flexibility means you can maintain other priorities, like a job or family, while staying on track to graduate in four years. And, that puts you closer to pursuing your dream job, Central degree in hand!
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The Basics Get Involved
Stay Connected
uco.edu/student-life Central has hundreds of ways for you to get involved. Not only will you make connections, but your involvement will help you in many ways: • Experience and embrace diversity – You’ll work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. • Graduate – Your involvement gets you invested in your education. • Get ready for your career – Employers look for graduates who have skills developed through campus involvement.
Know Your Professors Aside from being some of the smartest people you will meet, Central professors care about you! Take some time to get to know them before and after class or during their office hours. You will feel more comfortable participating in class and asking for help when you need it. You may even find a mentor that will help you long after the class ends.
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• The UCO.edu website is loaded with information. Use the search bar or A-Z index at the top of each page to locate what you need. Also at the top of each page at UCO.edu, the online directory helps you find contact information for faculty, staff and departments. • Connect with resources and services through UCOnnect ° Check your UCO email ° Check on financial aid ° Keep your contact ° Pay your tuition and fees information updated ° Enroll ° Access your courses ° View your academic through D2L records • Follow UCO on social media! facebook.com/UCO.Bronchos @UCOBronchos UCOBronchos YouTube.com/UCOBronchos Pinterest.com/UCOBronchos LinkedIn.com/company/University-of-Central-Oklahoma • Get the official UCO app for your Apple or Android smartphone
Transformative Learning
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D2L – short for Desire to Learn – is Central’s online learning portal, accessible through UCOnnect. Many of your courses may use D2L as a way to interact with your professors and fellow students, view course materials, submit assignments, and monitor your course grades.
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At Central, your education goes beyond books and lectures. Sure, you’ll learn what you need in your selected major. However, we also aim to transform students into engaged citizens through a process called Transformative Learning. We do this by infusing your Central experience with the Central Six: Discipline Knowledge, Leaderships, Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities, Service Learning and Civic Engagement, Global and Cultural Competencies, and Health and Wellness. You’ll find the Central Six incorporated into your classes and campus activities. This puts you at the center of your education, allowing you to take responsibility by committing the time, effort, and critical thought necessary to succeed.
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The Core
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There are certain classes that all Central students will take. We call these required classes “Core” because they are the foundation for your degree. The Core will help you develop the skills and knowledge you will need to be ready for the future, no matter what it brings. You may even discover a new interest by taking a course outside your major!
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Down to Business
Attendance
Dates and Deadlines You need to be aware of important dates and deadlines – like when to enroll, when you can drop or add a class and university holidays and breaks. Each August, check out the academic calendar online and add all of the relevant dates and deadlines to your calendar. At the beginning of each semester you will also want to add any important dates and deadlines from your course syllabi to your calendar.
Code of Conduct The Central community has standards and policies that protect students’ individual freedoms, promote healthy discourse on campus, and maintain order and stability. You are responsible to know and abide by the Student Code of Conduct, which can be found online.
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Some professors will take attendance and others won’t. Either way, you are expected to attend class. It’s important because you get to know your professors, learn the course material and establish a good foundation for the rest of your degree program.
Catalog The catalog includes UCO’s academic policies, details and requirements of every degree program and descriptions for each course offered. It is your responsibility to know the requirements for your degree. Everything you need to know can be found at uco.edu/catalog.
Academic Advisement
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Staying the Course
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Advisors usually see students by appointment. To schedule an appointment, log on to myadvisor.uco.edu using your UCOnnect credentials.
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Advisor Appointments
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“My Degree Plan” is an online program available to Central students that helps you plan which courses you need to take to graduate. Your advisor will work with you to stay on track using this free resource.
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mydegreeplan.uco.edu
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My Degree Plan
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Academic Advisors help you create your degree program, keeping you on track to graduate. Your advisor educates and empowers you as you design, develop, and implement your academic plan. Through your first 24 credit hours you will meet with a Freshman Advisor. After you earn 24 credit hours, you will begin seeing an advisor within your major.
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Your Advisor
Before your appointment: • Schedule your appointment early in the semester before your enrollment window opens. • Review your degree requirements and suggested semester plans at mydegreeplan.uco.edu. • Find out about classes you are interested in taking. • Think 30! During your appointment: • Review major and minor options. • Talk about your 4-year plan. • Discuss ways to enhance your Central experience through internships, study abroad, and involvement possibilities. • Ask about any policies that impact your graduation such as GPA requirements. If you need to change your schedule, consult your advisor immediately. You also should see your advisor as soon as possible if you need to retake a course or are ineligible to proceed to the next course because of grades.
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www.uco.edu/advisement 405-974-2727, advisement@uco.edu
Make the Most of Your Appointment
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Adding / Dropping classes You may need to add or drop courses after the semester begins. Pay close attention to enrollment deadlines. These deadlines determine if you can receive a refund for a dropped class and if a “W” (withdrawal) will go on your transcript. If you receive financial aid, check for any potential implications before dropping a class.
Enrollment Policies uco.edu/em/registrar
Prerequisites Prerequisites are courses that must be completed before you can enroll in a particular course. Find out about prerequisites in the course descriptions section of the catalog. Holds A hold may be placed on your account for a variety of reasons. You will need to clear the hold with the appropriate office before you can enroll. Waitlists Add your name to a waitlist if a class you want to take is full. If a space opens, an email will be sent to the next student on the list. This communication will only be sent to your UCO email address.
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Intersession and Summer courses Intersession refers to the weeks between semesters. You can enroll in accelerated courses during each intersession and/or summer so you can earn at least 30 hours each year. Repeats You may repeat courses in certain situations after earning either a “D” or “F”. This policy gives you an opportunity to better understand the course content and improve your GPA. Talk to your advisor to learn more. Complete withdrawals If you find yourself in a situation where you need to leave school don’t just quit! Talk to the staff in Enrollment Services to see if you can withdraw from your courses, allowing you to part in good standing.
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Scholarships
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Working hard in your classes and getting involved on campus can pay off! You can earn scholarships throughout your college career. Visit uco.edu/scholarships regularly for scholarship requirements and deadlines.
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Manage Your Money
uco.edu/salt
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UCO provides a FREE online program – SALT – to help you manage your money and student loans. SALT includes: • Online tools to track and plan your student loans; • Help finding scholarships, internships, and jobs; • Deals and discounts; and • Tips and guidance to help you make smart financial decisions.
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uco.edu/em/your-central-investment 405-974-2727, onestop@uco.edu
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Paying for It
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Like many students, you may need to work to pay for living and school expenses. Research shows that working 10-20 hours per week actually contributes to college success. If you have to work more than what’s recommended, carefully manage your time so school remains a priority. You may need to take summer and/or intersession courses to stay on track for graduation. Check out jobs.uco.edu for on-campus jobs. For internships and off-campus jobs, visit Career Services at careers.uco.edu.
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Financial aid can help you pay for your education. The most common types of financial aid include: • Scholarships (free money) - visit uco.edu/scholarships for a comprehensive guide to applying for scholarships. • Grants (free money) - complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA - www.fafsa.gov) to see if you qualify for grants. • Student Loans (money you pay back) - complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for various types of student loans. Be sure to only take out what you need! Expenses not covered by financial aid must be paid out-ofpocket. You can apply for aid up until the last three weeks of a given semester and still receive aid for that semester.
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Top Tips
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• Attend class • Know your instructor • Schedule regular study times • Establish a regular study area • Study short and often • Take regular breaks • Start study sessions on time
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These may seem like common sense, but we can all use a reminder to:
Stressed? Need to Talk?
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Study Smarter • Study when you are wide awake • Set a specific goal for each subject • Reward progress • Start assignments early • Study difficult subjects first • Review notes regularly
The Student Counseling Center is available to help with a wide variety of issues. It’s confidential and it’s free! You can also call the SAM hotline at 855-225-2SAM.
uco.edu/counseling, 405-974-2215, NUC 402
Tutoring Central
uco.edu/tc, 405-974-2487, tc@uco.edu When you need help, ask! Here, you can sign up for one-on-one scheduled tutoring in writing, math, biology, and chemistry or find tutors for other courses.
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Career Services
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o Start early. Don’t wait until your senior year. Meet with Career Services early and often. o Make an appointment with Career Services. Connect with resources to help you learn about yourself and select the right major to help you find the perfect career for you. Staff will critique your resume and discuss job search and interview strategies. o Review your social media presence. This is also called your “digital reputation.” Check your social media profiles to make sure they reflect you in the best light to potential employers. o Go to a meeting of a student or professional organization related to a field in which you are interested.
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Career Services Checklist
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Career Services can assist you with career exploration, professional development, internship opportunities and finding the right graduate school or job after you graduate Central.
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careers.uco.edu, 405-974-3346, NUC 338 careers@uco.edu
o Attend “Career Chats” workshops. These sessions cover various job-releated topics, helping you prepare for a professional career. o Attend Career Fairs. They are great opportunities to network and learn more about jobs and internships directly from top employers. o Schedule “information interviews” with professionals in the fields that interest you. Ask Career Services how to connect with professionals within your field of interest. o Practice interviewing. Sign up in Career Services to participate in mock interviews with industry professionals. o Use HireBronchos.com. Employers regularly post jobs and internships on the HireBronchos Online Job Board. Access the site through UCOnnect and share your resume. o Get involved on campus. You will develop leadership, teamwork, and other career-related skills that employers value. o Apply for internships. Gain experience before you graduate.
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Plan for the Future
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Time to Review: Your Steps to Graduation o Ask for help. Professors and staff want to hear from you! o Build a relationship with your academic advisor. Know him/her by name. o Think 30! Complete at least 30 credit hours each year to stay on track! o Go to class. Enough said. o Adopt good study habits, like studying 2-3 hours per week for every hour you’re enrolled. o Get to know your professors. o Take advantage of Tutoring Central when you need extra help.
o Balance your personal and academic endeavors. Use a planner and learn to manage your time. o Know your degree requirements and keep track of your progress at mydegree.uco.edu. o Check your UCO email account. It may be the only way you receive some official university communication. o Look into alternative scheduling with your advisor. If you decide to take a course at another institution ask about transfer equivalencies. o Work with career services to explore majors and careers, find internships and get closer to your dream job.
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GRADUATION CH Connect! You are now a member of an elite
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group of students working toward a bachelor’s
o Make an advising appointment at uco.edu/myadvisor for spring and summer enrollment. o Put the date and time of your enrollment window in your planner so you can get the schedule you want. o Contact Tutoring Central if you are struggling in a class.
degree. Over the next four years, you will share an incredible journey with your classmates and make memories that will create lasting bonds. Connect to your classmates and campus starting now and continue throughout your Central experience! Step out of your comfort zone and try new things taking the leap to connect will pay off.
August o Participate in Stampede Week activities during the first week of school. You’ll connect with student organizations and resources, make new friends and get lots of free stuff. Most activities are centered at Broncho Lake. o If you need to change your class schedule, check out the academic calendar for the add/drop deadlines and consult your advisor right away. o Record important dates on your calendar, like exams and assignments from your syllabi.
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October o Check midterm grades on UCOnnect. o The deadline to withdraw from a class is this month. Visit your advisor right away if you need to drop a class with a “W” on your transcipt.
November o Enroll for spring and summer o Put dates for your final exams in your planner.
December o View your grades on UCOnnect. o If you need to retake a course or are ineligible to proceed to the next course because of grades, consult your advisor.
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o During Winter Break, prepare to apply for financial aid for next year. You may need to discuss this with your parents or others. o If you need to change your schedule at the beginning of the semester, refer to the academic calendar for important dates and consult your advisor immediately. o Check out scholarship opportunities. Many applications are due early in the spring semester.
o File your FAFSA for next year. Submitting your application in a timely manner will help the Financial Aid office process your application more efficiently. o Check out midterm grades on UCOnnect in March. o The deadline to withdraw from a class is this month. Visit your advisor right away if you need to drop a class with a “W� on your transcipt.
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o View your spring grades on UCOnnect. o If you need to retake a course or are ineligible to proceed to the next course because of grades, consult your advisor. o Check to see if you earned your 30 hours this year. If not, consider an intersession or summer class to stay on track.
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o Enroll for the fall semester at your earliest opportunity. You can enroll for summer classes now too.
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o Make an advising appointment to plan for the fall semester. o Attend the spring career and internship fair. o Contact Tutoring Central if you are struggling in a class.
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ECKLIST: 1st Year
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All Year Explore! Your sophomore year is a great time to explore opportunities like undergraduate research, leadership,
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GRADUATION CHECK community service, study abroad, cultural activities and more. It’s the Central Six in action!
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Tips for Exploring o Enroll in a general education course outside your major. o Attend a new event or student organization meeting. o Find fellow students who are engaged during class and create a study group. o Talk to your professors about how they became interested in their field. o Make a list of opportunities that you want to take advantage of at Central and start checking items off your list.
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Winter Break
college experience. You may want to consider
o Check out continuing scholarship opportunities and apply for financial aid.
narrowing your involvement to a smaller number of commitments so you may take leadership
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positions. Focus on your future career early in your
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Focus! Your junior year is a time to focus
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o If you need to retake a course or are ineligible to proceed to the next course because of grades, consult your advisor.
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Summer Semester
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o Make sure Enrollment Services has received all transfer credits. (NUC 124) o If you have repeated a course, confirm with Enrollment Services that the Repeat Policy has been applied. o Be sure your address and cell phone number is updated in UCOnnect. o Attend career and internship fairs sponsored by Career Services. See a complete list at careers.uco.edu. o Stay actively involved in campus organizations to further develop leadership and communication skills. o If you are in a major that requires acceptance into the program, like nursing, review the application procedures and deadlines.
o Make an advising appointment early in the semester to plan for next fall. o Visit Career Services for assistance with developing your resume and identifying internship opportunities. Take advantage of their workshops and resources to enhance your job search, resume writing, and interview skills. o Check to see if you earned your 30 hours this year. If not, consider an intersession or summer class to stay on track.
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internship.
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o Apply for scholarships! Many are due early in the semester.
junior year by visiting Career Services to find an
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GRADUATION CHECKLIST: 4th Year All Year Contribute! Make the most of your senior year at Central. Give back to your community by serving in leadership and mentorship roles. Contribute in your classes and take time to visit with your professors. Use campus resources to create opportunities in your life after college through an
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internship, networking events and future career preparation.
Fall Semester o Early in the semester, make an appointment with your academic advisor to confirm requirements have been met and have an official degree check completed. o If you are pursuing a post-graduate program, like medical school, law school or a master’s degree, review application procedures and deadlines.
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o Work with Career Services to update your resume and cover letter to prepare for your job search. o You must apply for graduation. Details can be found at uco.edu/em/ explore/graduation_checklist.asp
Spring Semester o Attend Graduation Central to get information about the ceremony, purchase and pick up your cap and gown, select graduation announcements and learn about alumni involvement. o Do a final degree check with your advisor. o Visit the Alumni Association to learn about staying connected with UCO after graduation at uco.edu/ alumni. o Celebrate your graduation at Commencement! Congratulations!
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Want a Free UCO Shirt?
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o Meet with your advisor to select classes for the spring? o Enroll when your window opened? o Participate in at least one UCO activity (take a picture!)? After you complete these activities, come visit the Student Success office (NUC 121) to get your shirt.
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Did you:
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Resources People & Places you need to know • Academic Advisement—NUC 121, advisement@uco.edu, 405-974-2727 • Career Services–NUC 338, careers@uco.edu, 405-974-3346 • Counseling Center–NUC 402, 405-974-2215 • Disability Support Services– NUC 309, dss@uco.edu, 405-974-2516 • Enrollment Services—NUC 124, onestop@uco.edu, 405-974-2727
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• Financial Aid—NUC 141, onestop@uco.edu, 405-974-2727 • Housing & Dining—uco.edu/housing, housing@uco.edu, 405-974-2746 • Parking—NUC 309, uco.edu/parking, parking@uco.edu, 405-974-2780 • SAM Helpline- 855-225-2SAM (2627) • Student Life—NUC 424, studentlife@uco.edu, 405-974-2363 • Tutoring Central—NE corner of West Hall, tc@uco.edu, 405-974-2487 • Wellness Center—ucowellnesscenter.com, 405-974-3101 In compliance with Title VI and Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, The Civil Rights Act of 1991, and other Federal Laws and Regulations, the University of Central Oklahoma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, disability, status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures; this includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Students with disabilities who wish special accommodations should make their requests to the Coordinator of Disability Support Services at 974-2549. This publication, printed by PrintCentral/RK Black, Inc., is issued by the University of Central Oklahoma as authorized by Title 70 OS 1981, Section 3903. 1,500 copies have been prepared or distributed at a cost of $2,128. 8/2014
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See You at Commencement!
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@UCOBronchos
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www.facebook.com/uco.bronchos
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Student Success 100 North University Drive, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034 NUC 121 • (405) 974-3589 success@uco.edu • www.uco.edu
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