The OCU class of 2023 is on campus and they’re ready to start the college life.
To adjust to life at OCU, freshmen students go through Stars Week, a week of activities to help incoming students get involved on campus and get to know the campus community. Stars Week included “Scooby Doo @ OKCU,” a mystery tour of campus, OKCUReads discussion groups, diversity training, the Traditions Rally, a night of performances from each Stars group based on an OCU tradition, and other events for students.
Bella Wright, undecided sophomore, is a New Student Orientation leader for this freshman class. She said the new class is adjusting well to the campus.
“They’ve been doing good, better than I did,” Wright said. “They’re not getting annoyed with us, which is awesome. They’re taking everything in stride and being super fantastic.”
Wright said the class is willing and open to talk about anything.
“They all seem to really, actually care about things that are going on. If conversation gets funny, then they are funny, but they can also talk about serious things,” she said.
Carly Pontius, dance freshman, said the university gives off positive energy.
“What I’ve noticed about the campus is that there’s just an overall environment of support here from the upperclassmen, as well as the incoming freshmen and the faculty.”
In addition to new performance students, the sports programs have recruited new faces, including Elonda Jennings, biology freshman.
“I actually got an email from the school to be recruited for the track team,” Jennings said. “We meet on the 18th for the first time.”
Jennings said meeting new people has made her feel comfortable.
“It’s cool meeting everybody, new dormmates and upperclassmen,” she said.
Sara Cobb, cell and molecular biology freshman, is also at OCU fulfilling a sports scholarship.
“I actually found this school because I got a cheer scholarship,” Cobb said. “I’m on the STUNT team.”
Cobb said she has benefitted from attending the Stars Week events.
“Just going to my Stars group and meeting new people has made this week great,” she said.
Levi Harrel, dean of students, said the class size is not any different than usual.
“There’s this aspect of all new students and traditional students, but we’re right on par with previous years,” he said.
Harrel said this group of incoming students is dedicated to the idea of well-rounded college involvement.
“These students seem very invested in the academic experience,” he said. “They really seem to be invested in getting to know how they can get involved more deeply rather than quantitatively.”
Harrel also said the freshman class has a desire to form close- knit personal relationships with their fellow colleagues.
Harrel said there is one important thing to remember in college.
“Remember to ask questions,” he said. “Ask what you don’t know, whether that be in the classroom, walking to class, in the Caf. If it’s a question you need to ask faculty, staff or another peer, don’t be afraid to ask.”
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