Officials from Meinders School of Business are offering new curriculums for students who want to run for public office.
The leadership and public administration classes will teach students either about running for public office or for a school board, depending on which track is taken.
Both classes are statewide and can be taken in person or through livestream. They will run for seven weeks on Saturday mornings from Sept. 8 to Oct. 20.
Dr. Steve Agee, dean of Meinders School of Business, said the courses will cover topics unknown to most individuals going into administrative fields, such as land usage, unionizing and eminent domain.
“There’s just a lot of misunderstanding about what it takes to be a city councilor or what it takes to be a school board member,” Agee said. “We’re going to talk about things that most people don’t even think about when they sign up to be a city councilor or municipal person or school board member.”
There are no prerequisites to enroll in the courses. Tuition is $250 per course, and scholarships are available for anyone who plans to take one of the classes.
Students who complete the course will receive a certificate in Leadership and Public Administration—Municipalities following completion.
Chandler Hardy, economics senior, said the classes will be beneficial for students who are interested in politics and public service.
“A lot of times, millennials really feel like they have a voice, but they don’t know how to use it because they don’t know the process,” Hardy said.
The courses also will cover topics like campaign finance, economic development, negotiation, and dispute resolution.
Jordan Tarter, English junior and Student Government Association president, said the classes are an essential addition to OCU.
“At a school full of so many students that are active leaders, I think it is absolutely invaluable that we have a class that teaches students the process of running for office,” Tarter said. “Anyone who is politically inclined should take this class.”
Tarter said she will tell other students interested in running for office about the classes, and university officials should do more to promote it.
“They should advertise this class like crazy,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful idea and a great opportunity.”
For more information, students may email Melissa Cory, director of communications and director of the executive and professional education center, at mcory@okcu.edu or enroll online at ocumsb.com/enroll.
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