OCU has condensed the spring 2021 semester to continue mitigating the spread of COVID-19 while the university is open.
OCU creates first “Wintersession”
OCU will offer its first “Wintersession” of courses over winter break this year.
New law professors balance learning, levity, leniency
Two new professors began working at the OCU School of Law this year.
Gallery: Artist Talk
On Thursday, September 24th, artist Holly Wilson gave a talk on her work, Native Thoughts in Contemporary Art, at the Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery. Students attended both on Zoom and in person.
Music school changes size, form of music ensembles
The Wanda L. Bass School of Music has plans to adapt the music ensembles this semester.
School of Theatre introduces new master’s program
The School of Theatre will begin offering an MFA in screen acting next semester.
Music students respond to new recital policies
Officials from the Wanda L. Bass School of Music have decided junior and senior music recitals will not be able to have audiences this year.
Gallery: Scholar Strike
On Sept. 8, 2020, students and faculty from around the university gathered in an act of solidarity with those whom have died from police brutality in America. The OCU chapter of the American Association of University Professors provided chalk, so people could write the names of the victims on sidewalks around the quad.
Campus tech provides resources for digital learning in classrooms
Many of the schools and learning spaces across OCU recently received a technology upgrade.
Nursing school partners with online university
The Kramer School of Nursing recently began a program partnership with Mid-America Christian University.
Gallery: Black Lives Matter Demonstration
On Aug. 28th, several students and faculty members from the school of theatre assembled on the quad to demonstrate their support for BIPOC individuals and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Gallery: Involvement Fair
The OCU Student Affairs Office held the 2020 Involvement Fair from Aug. 24th through Aug. 28th in the student lounge of the Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center. It gave new and returning students the opportunity to explore the on-campus organizations they could be a part of.
Gallery: Mask Decorating
One of the final activities that new students were able to participate in was a, “make your own mask” event held outside the Great Hall. Even Starsky was able to make an appearance!
Gallery: Black/African American Affinity Space
As part of the New Student Orientation, students who identify as Black or African American had a chance to discuss their experiences with micro aggressions and the diversity and inclusion on OCU’s campus with newer students.
Gallery: Petree College Orientation
As the fall semester began, many freshmen in the Petree College of Arts and Sciences were able to participate in orientation and tours pertaining to their respective majors.
University COVID-19 guidelines affect classes
Officials from each school at OCU have adjusted the classroom experience to accommodate for new COVID-19 policies.
Campus Leadership Award honor largest number of outstanding students, faculty yet
The winners of OCU’s 2020 Campus Leadership Awards have been announced.
Annual film showcase scheduled for livestream
The film students’ annual film showcase will be livestreamed for the first time.
Maymester classes moved online
Maymester classes are going to be conducted online this year.
Professors support students during online finals transitions
Professors are adapting final exams to fit an online format.
OCU offers new Russian language course Fall 2020
A new Russian language course is being offered at OCU that has never been offered in previous years. The course will be offered in the fall 2020 semester. This class will be taught by Sabina Amanbayeva, assistant professor of English. Amanbayeva started teaching in the department about a year and a half ago. “It has…
Professor adds puppets to online instruction
While English Diction might not sound like the most fun class to some, an OCU vocal coaching instructor used puppets to entertain his students while teaching.
OCU offers credit/no-credit option
OCU officials recently decided to offer a credit/no-credit option for the spring semester due to the remote learning adjustment caused by COVID-19.
Stage Management professor named 2020 Outstanding Faculty member
Jeff Cochran, professor of stage and production management, was recently named the 2020 Outstanding Faculty Award recipient.
Student starts petition for pass/fail classes
A student started a petition to change OCU’s grading process to pass/fail for the remainder of the semester.
Education seniors move online, receive pass on field work
Education seniors will still receive teaching certification, despite not being able to continue in-person student teaching because of the coronavirus (COVID-19).