University of Oklahoma Family Guide

ONE DREAM MADE REAL BY MANY

everything you need to know to help your student navigate the college search process

Hello from the University of Oklahoma!

We are thrilled that your student is interested in pursuing education after high school. We know the college search can be overwhelming, and as higher education professionals, our goal is to make this easier for you. As you explore the options beyond high school, we hope your family considers the University of Oklahoma.

It’s an exciting time to be a student at OU. We are committed to affordability and accessibility and have invested more in scholarships and need-based aid than ever before. Additionally, OU has been selected as the No. 1 university in Oklahoma and a top-five public university in the region by U.S. News and World Report. Many factors make OU a great place to attend college, including our generous financial aid packages, robust and well-connected Career Center, and the offerings of a well-rounded student life.

You play a critical role in your student’s success, and we commend you for everything you do to help your student thrive. If you have any questions, please do not hestitate to contact the OU Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Every student is assigned an OU admissions counselor—if you haven’t already, we encourage you to find your student’s representative at go2.ou.edu/rep and start building a relationship. Through every stage of the college admissions process, we’re here to help!

Sincerely,

Jeff J. Blahnik Vice President, Division of Enrollment Management Chief Enrollment Officer

It all starts with a tour.

It’s never too early to visit college campuses. In fact, we recommend touring colleges before your student’s senior year. Starting early allows students more time to explore their options and begin falling in love with their future home.

Schedule your tour of OU’s campus at tour.ou.edu.

Places to check out on OU’s campus:

Student Financial Center

Fitness & Recreation Center

Student Life Office

Accessibility & Disability Resource Center

Campus Dining Options

Student Union

Bizzell Memorial Library

Tips for your tour

Wear comfortable shoes! Seriously. You’re going to be getting a LOT of steps in!

Encourage your student to leave an impression. As your student learns more about our campus, don’t let the nerves take them over. Encourage them to ask questions and interact with our staff. When your student speaks up, this will also impress the college representatives they meet during the tour.

Visit the community around campus. We recommend exploring Campus Corner in Norman, where you and your student can find places to eat, shop, and entertainment. We’re also a short drive from Oklahoma City, which offers broad arts and entertainment, a strong job market, and industry success.

Talk with an OU admissions counselor. Every prospective student is assigned an OU representative to help guide them through the college search and application process. Visit go2.ou.edu/rep to look up your student’s admissions counselor—they will become a valuable resource throughout the application and admissions process.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. College is a new process for many people, and at OU, one in four students are the first in their family to attend college. Throughout this entire process, we are committed to ensuring you and your student feel prepared and know what to expect. Not sure what to ask the student tour guide? Here are some suggestions for your student:

What can I be doing now to stand out on my college applications?

Can you tell me more about (academic program of interest)?

What is the cost to attend? What scholarships am I eligible for?

What advice do you have for new students?

How did you get acclimated and involved on campus?

Why did you choose to become part of the OU Family?

We have been on at least three OU campus tours. OU’s campus is home to a rich history and more than 170 majors. I recommend visiting—the worst thing your student can do is not visit a university, accept a spot, and realize it did not meet their needs. Take a tour. Talk with an admissions counselor. Connect with a professor from a major your student wants to explore. It’s worth it, and the best part is that the OU community wants to connect with you, too.”

Jet Tanner, OU Parent

Applying to OU

Incoming freshmen can apply one of three ways to the University of Oklahoma, either through the OU Application, the Common Application, or Apply Coalition with Scoir. No preference is given to one over the other; it’s totally up to the student. Just have your student pick ONE and apply!

It will take up to four weeks from when we receive your student’s completed application (including transcript and test score, if submitting) to when we provide an admission decision. The closer to our deadlines that your student applies, the longer the turnaround time.

The University of Oklahoma practices a testoptional admissions policy. This means students who apply to OU can decide the information they want to share on their application. Students do not need a test score to be considered for admission and scholarships. However, we do still encourage applicants to submit a test score to ensure accurate course placement and maximize scholarship opportunities. Learn more at ou.edu/admissions/ testscores and reach out if you have any questions!

Here are the most important application dates at OU:

AUGUST 1 Application opens at apply.ou.edu

NOVEMBER 1 Early action admission deadline Final scholarship admission deadline

DECEMBER 15

FEBRUARY 1

Final admission deadline

All applications are thoroughly read by an admissions counselor and are evaluated holistically regardless of application type. We understand that students are so much more than letters or numbers on a transcript, so our application is divided into four categories:

Academic rigor. This includes test scores (encouraged), GPAs, class rank, and school rigor. Rigor is not the only thing that we consider, but it is very important as we want to ensure students are capable of succeeding at our institution. Don’t wait for the perfect test score to apply. Students can always send us new scores through April 30 of their senior year and we’ll take the highest score for admission and scholarship consideration!

Involvement. We want to see that students are already involved and will contribute to our campus. We look at everything students are currently involved in: school organizations, sports teams, jobs, youth groups, recreational hobbies, etc. The key here is for your student not to leave anything out. 1 2 3 4

Essay. This is the opportunity for students to tell us things the rest of the application may not show but that they feel is important. This essay is a way to express creativity and show us who your student is. There are several prompts to choose from. If grades slipped for a year due to outside circumstances, this is the perfect opportunity to tell us about it so we can take that into consideration when we see your student’s transcript.

Letters of Recommendation.

A student can submit up to three letters from teachers, counselors, coaches, or anyone who has worked with the student. This helps us understand applicants from the perspective of those who interact with them on a regular basis. These are not required but are highly recommended.

Our goal was to find a place that academically challenged our student while also providing him with ample opportunities for the future. Outside of academics, we wanted him to feel a sense of belonging. We visited many universities to find that fit. Initially we were hesitant about OU, but during the college search journey, we had the opportunity to build personal connections through OU’s 500+ student organizations that are dedicated to connection on campus.”

Gerardo Damaris Gutierrez, OU Parent

First-Generation Q&A

Who is a first-generation student?

Despite the title, every parent can gain insight and guidance on how to navigate the college search journey by reading our First-Generation Q&A.

At OU, we define a first-generation student as “one whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree.” Even if an older sibling is pursuing or has already earned their degree, a student is still considered a first-generation student.

When should we start planning for college?

Freshman year of high school is a good starting point. Help your student start thinking about activities through the lens of, “will this help me get into college?” Identify universities your student may be interested in and explore academic programs, cost of attendance, admissions requirements, etc.

My student has identified a few universities of interest. What now?

Have a discussion about the cost of attendance early. Ask important questions to determine if it’s feasible, like the following:

Are parents and other family members able to contribute to the cost of attendance?

If so, how much, and how will the student make up the difference?

What scholarships does the unviersity offer and how are they awarded?

What outside scholarships are available, what is required of them, and when are their applications due?

Will your student work during college?

All of these things should be taken into consideration. Explore OU’s admissions website to learn more. This gives you time to plan, especially if a student is really interested in a specific college that is outside of the budget.

I would encourage first-generation families to spend time on campus. Really soak up the history, the culture, and the things that make OU special. Encourage your student to talk to professors and seek guidance from those in positions set up to help them thrive. Direct your student to those offices and contacts they can use to seek help, ask questions, and more. The resources and help are there, all you have to do is ask!”

Shawn Eckard, OU Parent

What are admissions counselors and why are they important?

Your student’s admissions counselor is a university employee who is responsible for admission and recruiting in your region. They help families thorugh the college search process and provide insight as requested, and they frequently review and make decisions on admission applicants. It is important that your student builds a relationship with the admissions counselor so they can advocate on your student’s behalf during the admissions process. They’re familiar with scholarship opportunities and can identify resources to help your student succeed. Get to in touch with your OU admissions counselor at go2.ou.edu/rep

What help is available in paying for college?

During your student’s senior year, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible (it opens on Oct. 1 at fafsa.gov). This ensures your student will be considered for federal grants, loans, and work-study funds. Have a conversation with your student’s admission counselor about financial aid and discuss what other opportunities are available to help fund their college education. Identify federal work-study programs, know the difference between the two main types of federal student loans, check out academic scholarships that may come from specific departments within the university, and educate yourself on all of the funding types available.

What if my student needs help and I’m not there?

OU has Project Threshold, an office created to serve first-generation students. This will be your student’s go-to place for support as an OU student. If your student needs health or counseling services, students have access to on-campus resources like Goddard Health and the University Counseling Center.

If my student applies test-optional and does not provide test scores, will their chance of admission be different?

OU will treat your student’s application the same with or without test scores. If your student is denied admission or placed on the waitlist, they can provide scores as part of the appeal process. Visit ou.edu/ admissions/testscores to learn more about the test-optional process at OU.

College is an investment (it’s worth it!).

On average, students who achieve a bachelor’s degree earn twice as much as those who don’t complete a college degree, which translates to over $1 million during the course of their lifetime. We understand that regardless of where your student attends college, it will be an investment, not only of time and hard work but also money. That’s why OU is committed to making higher education affordable, offering opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.

OU’s Student Financial Center (SFC) is a hub for all student financial needs, including financial aid, scholarships, billing, and payment processes. Learn more at ou.edu/sfc.

The MidFirst Bank MoneyCoach Program is dedicated to financial education on OU’s campus. MoneyCoaches host monthly workshops, teach firstyear classes, and offer one-on-one meetings to help students create a plan to pay for college. Meet the team at ou.edu/moneycoach. Visit ou.edu/admissions/ affordability or scan the QR code to find out more information about OU’s cost, scholarships, and more.

I encourage students to reach out to the Student Financial Center and get to know at least one member of our staff. When you have questions or don’t know what to do next, please don’t hesitate to ask us. We’ve seen and heard it all and can help to resolve concerns. You’re making life-changing choices and financial aid is not intuitive. Let us help you!”

Courtney Henderson, OU Executive Director of Financial Aid and OU Parent

Dictionary of college financial terms

Direct costs are academic and living expenses, including tuition, fees, housing and food, and books. Generally, these are expenses charged by a student’s college.

Indirect costs are personal expenses not charged by a student’s college. These can vary widely based on individual lifestyles. In college cost estimates, indrect costs are calculated using an average dollar amount per year.

Direct subsidized loans are offered based on financial need. The federal government pays the interest that accrues while your student is in school. Repayment begins six months after your student leaves school or when enrollment drops below half-time.

Direct unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need. Your student is responsible for paying the interest that accrues while enrolled. Repayment begins six months after your student leaves school or when enrollment drops below half-time.

Direct Parent PLUS loans are not based on financial need. These allow parents to borrow up to the full cost of your student’s tuition and educational expenses, less any aid you have received, contingent upon a credit check for the parent. If the parent is found to have derogatory credit, the student will gain eligibility for an additional $4,000 Direct Unsubsidized loan. We recommend parents apply before July 1.

Reviewing cost estimates

When creating a plan to pay for college, these are the elements of each estimate you and your student will consider:

Tuition & Fees. Check how many credit hours are included in each college’s tuition and fees estimate. Some colleges will list fee estimates separately from tuition. Do a little math if needed to make sure you can make accurate comparisions.

+ Housing & Food. Some universities require students to live on campus the first year.

+ Books & Supplies. Books & supplies for the majority of OU courses will not be charged to your student’s bill, but are included in this category because they are directly associated with enrollment.

= Total Direct Cost Estimate. Check if the university’s cost estimate is for direct costs only or direct and indirect costs.

How to get free money.

OU offers a variety of scholarships for admitted incoming freshmen. Students must apply by OU’s Final Scholarship Admission Deadline of December 15 to receive consideration, and no additional application is required for OU’s merit-based awards. We also encourage students to look for other scholarship opportunities outside of OU! Visit go2.ou.edu/outside-scholarships or scan the QR code to search a comprehensive list of outside scholarships based on multiple categories.

As a returning OU student, your student will still have opportunities to earn scholarships each year through the Centralized Academic Scholarship Hub (CASH). CASH includes need- and merit-based scholarships, departmental scholarships, study abroad scholarships, Campus Awards, and more, all in one application system!

Tips for your student

Treat applying for scholarships like a job. With just a little effort, students can reap tremendous benefits in funding their college education. Consider this: If a student spends 20 hours over a four-week period applying for 15 different scholarships and is awarded one worth $1,500, that student was paid $75/hour. That’s a lot more than working concessions at the movie theater!

Check in with your student’s high schoool counselor. Counselors may know of common awards and scholarships that previous students have either applied for or received.

Look locally. There are various organizations and companies within your region that offer awards annually. For example: local banks, chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs, Lion’s clubs, community foundations, sports teams, churches, etc.

Don’t be discouraged. Not all of the scholarships your student applies for will be awarded, and that’s OK. Encourage your student to build resiliency, because that’s an important skill for college and life!

Be prepared. Students should keep a record of involvement, service, leadership, honors, and awards in high school. After creating a personal statement about future goals and higher education plans, your student can use this information as a starting point for all scholarship applications.

What is the FAFSA and why is it important?

The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form families complete to determine eligibility for financial aid. You’ll complete this for the first time during your student’s senior year of high school, and you must submit a FAFSA each year that your family wants to be considered for financial aid until your student has graduated from college. You’ll use tax information from two years prior to the year the student will be starting college (i.e, if the student plans to start college in 2025, the family will use tax information from 2023).

You and your student may begin completing the FAFSA on October 1 at fafsa.gov.

The FAFSA process

Complete the FAFSA. Both the student and parent must create an FSA ID at fafsa.gov. You’ll use this FSA ID to log in and complete the FAFSA. List OU as a school to receive your student’s information (OU’s school code is 003184). Save your FSA IDs—you’ll need them every year! Set an annual reminder for October 1 so you never forget.

FAFSA is processed. Your student will receive a confirmation email and a link to the FAFSA Submission Summary. This lists basic information about your student’s eligibility for federal student aid. At the same time, the colleges your student listed on the FAFSA will receive this information.

Colleges assemble aid pacakges. If your student has been admitted to the colleges your family listed on the FAFSA, the colleges will assemble an aid package and send it to your student in the mail. This lists all the scholarships and aid for which your student is eligible and gives the best idea of the out-of-pocket expense to attend that university.

Compare aid packages. Review the aid packages your student receives from various universities and compare the out-of-pocket expense to attend each of them. Use these to help make an informed decision about the college choice. You and your student do NOT have to accept the full amount of aid that is offered. We recommend you do not take out more loans than you are certain your student will need.

Oklahoma’s Promise

As part of our dedication to affordability, the University of Oklahoma offers Crimson Commitment for Oklahoma’s Promise-eligible students. While Oklahoma’s Promise covers tuition, Crimson Commitment helps to fill the gap by covering average student fees for four years.

Oklahoma’s Promise allows qualified Oklahoma students to earn a college tuition scholarship. Students must also meet academic and conduct requirements in high school. To qualify, a student must:

Be an Oklahoma resident

Pass an initial income check, varying by number of dependents

Enroll during 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade

Visit okhighered.org/okpromise to learn more.

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Crimson Commitment

Combining outside and OU resources, the Crimson Commitment program will cover the average student fees for four years for Oklahoma’s Promise recipients. The program also offers academic and personal support, which comes in the form of peer mentoring and ongoing programming focusing on the transition to college, success on campus, and the college-career pathway.

To qualify for Crimson Commitment as an incoming freshman at OU, a student must:

Qualify fully for Oklahoma’s Promise

Apply to OU by February 1 of their senior year in high school

Be admitted to OU as a direct-from-high-school, first-time, full-time freshman

Complete a FAFSA by March 1 of their senior year of high school

Be enrolled full time each semester

To qualify for Crimson Commitment as an incoming transfer student at OU, a student must:

Qualify fully for Oklahoma’s Promise

Become a member of Phi Theta Kappa at their current institution (Norman Campus), be a participant of the Ticket to Rose Program at Rose State College (Norman Campus), or transfer from Tulsa Community College to the OU Polytechnic Institute in Tulsa

Apply to OU by March 1 of the calendar year they plan to transfer to OU

Be admitted as a full-time transfer student for the fall term

Complete the FAFSA by March 1 of the calendar year they plan to transfer to OU

Learn more about Crimson Commitment, including details on the financial package, at go2.ou.edu/crimson-commitment.

Get a jump start on college.

There are many ways to earn college credit while students are still in high school. While there is usually an associated expense, it is generally much cheaper than it would cost to take the class at a university, so knocking out a few credits early can help students save money and time in the future.

Students can enroll in AP/IB courses at their high school. These are generally structured like college courses with heavy emphasis on reading, writing, and discussion. At the end of the course, students can take an exam to earn credit at the college level. Credit will not be given if a minimum score is not achieved, and credit offered varies by course and institution.

CLEP exams are designed to allow flexibility for individuals who have prior knowledge of college course subjects. Students can take a CLEP exam and earn college credit based on their score. Credit will not be given if a minimum score is not acheived, and credit offered varies by course and institution.

Concurrent enrollment allows students to take college courses during high school through a university. Depending on the courses completed, the student may receive both high school and college credit. Students can complete concurrent enrollment through the university they hope to graduate from or can transfer their credits to any other institution. Like most universities, OU offers concurrent enrollment to juniors and seniors and is a unique way for students to explore OU in person or online! The state of Oklahoma offers a tuition waiver for Oklahoma seniors and some high schools may also have scholarship options for concurrent enrollment students.

To see how prior learning credits transfer at OU, visit go2.ou.edu/transfer-credits or scan the QR code.

Concurrent Enrollment at OU

There are many options for concurrent enrollment at OU, and students can pick and choose what works best for them. Students who take concurrent courses will earn college credit, engage in top academic programs, and get a taste of OU at a fraction of the cost. Learn more at ou.edu/ce.

The OU concurrent enrollment advantage

Classes are available online. We’ve expanded concurrent offerings to include both inperson and online classes. OU offers a select list of online general education courses that are specifically designed and saved for only concurrent enrollment students to provide a more tailored and supportive online experience.

No fees for online concurrent courses!

Oklahoma seniors receive a tuition waiver up to 18 hours. OU is also waiving fees for select online classes, meaning Oklahoma seniors can take online classes at OU for FREE!

OU concurrent enrollment is test-optional.

Your student can decide if they want their current Pre- ACT, PSAT, ACT, or SAT scores used in the evaluation of the concurrent enrollment application.

Eligibility & application process

High school juniors and seniors interested in OU concurrent enrollment have three options to qualify academically:

24 ACT or 1160 SAT

Unweighted 3.00 GPA and top 33.3% of class

Test-optional

Students who choose to apply without a test score will be considered holistically and are not guaranteed enrollment in any courses prior to required assessments. Learn more at go2.ou.edu/ ce-eligibility.

Apply at ou.edu/ce and keep these important dates in mind:

June 1: Summer application deadline

Aug. 1: Fall application deadline

Dec. 1: Spring application deadline

Sooner Discovery

In June, rising high school juniors and seniors can experience life as an OU student firsthand. Students will:

spend one month of summer at OU earn five hours of college credit live in OU residence halls

Learn more at go2.ou.edu/soonerdiscovery.

ACT, SAT, PSAT/NMSQT

Test scores still matter. While the University of Oklahoma uses a test-optional admissions policy, students should still consider taking the ACT or SAT. Providing a test score allows for accurate course placement and maximizes opportunities for some scholarships. In some cases, it could also improve a student’s opportunity to gain admission. Learn more about how the test-optional policy works at OU by visiting ou.edu/admissions/testscores

OU uses superscores for admissions and scholarship decisions. This means we will average the best scores from all of your student’s ACT or SAT attempts.

College entrance exams

A student’s scores on the ACT and/or SAT will be used for college admissions and scholarship purposes. Students can take each as many times as they want, and OU does not give preference to either. View the average scores for our freshman class at go2.ou.edu/class-profile

ACT

Perfect score = 36

Four multiple choice sections:

-English-Reading -Math-Science

National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

SAT

Perfect score = 1600

Four multiple choice sections: -Reading -Math without a calculator -Writing & Language-Math with a calculator

A student’s score on the PSAT/NMSQT taken in 11th grade will be used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit Finalists often receive significant academic scholarships, so this is important!

PSAT/NMSQT

Perfect score = 1520

Four multiple choice sections: -Reading -Writing and Language -Math without a calculator -Math with a calculator

Tips for your student

Start early! Take the exams early in high school and often so they lose their mystery and intimidation factor.

Review how the test works and make a plan to study and prepare. Visit act.org or sat.org to see what to expect.

Seek out resources. Meet with your high school counselor, talk with family and friends, and visit go2.ou.edu/act-satresources.

How to help your student make major decisions.

The college transition can be hard for students and their families. Your voice matters to your student as they prepare to leave the nest. To help ease them into adult life, start empowering them to answer their own questions.

Questions to help your student pick a major:

Source: Thought.Co

What do you love?

Where do you excel?

What do you want to do?

What skills do you want to learn?

Are there any external factors you need to consider?

Still unsure? Have your student visit ou.mymajors.com to get personalized major recommendations based on their strengths and interests! OU students can also work with the Center for Major & Career Exploration, which offers many resources to empower students to confidently select a major and develop a foundation for academic and professional success.

Whether it is choosing their academic major or setting their sights on an ambitious career goal, your kids have one wish and that is to make you proud. They worry their setbacks and struggles will lead to your disappointment, and the decisions that are ultimately right for them may be hard for you to understand. As your student enters this new chapter, how can you continue to serve them well while respecting that they are setting out to create their own stories?”

Kathleen Shea Smith, Associate Provost for Academic Advising

Explore OU’s Honors College

As part of the Honors College, your student will discover a stimulating academic program catered toward intellectually-motivated students. Through small class sizes, professor mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a network of high-achieving classmates and alumni, the Honors College supports students in all academic pursuits.

Learn more about the benefits of the Honors College and application requirements at honors.ou.edu.

Bringing life to the university community.

Living on campus means that students are at the center of the university experience, including support, friends, and convenience. Creating a sense of family matters at OU, and the residence halls serve as a home away from home. All freshmen are guaranteed rooms and have the opportunity to live in several different communities, such as honors and scholastic living, quiet lifestyles, co-ed halls, global communities, and more.

Visit housing.ou.edu to explore and learn more about the available options.

OU offers over 20 dining options located across campus, allowing students to easily grab a bite to eat between classes.

From the all-you-care-to-eat service at Couch Restaurants, to fresh acai bowls at Cross Village Restaurants, to the Xcetera convenience store, your student is sure to find a solution to their food cravings.

OU Food Services also has a dietitian and an ingredients specialist who work closely with students who have food allergies and specific dietary needs.

Living in the residence halls is a great experience because it allows your student to become immersed in the OU community. It surrounds them with other students who are sharing the same experiences while also providing mentors who can give them guidance for this very important transition.”

Samantha Carmen, OU Parent

Housing Q&A

All incoming first-year students at OU are guaranteed an on-campus housing experience. Learn more about your student’s future home at OU below.

As an incoming freshman, is my student required to live on campus? Yes! All freshman students must live in freshman-designated university housing for two semesters. Freshman students who meet one of the eligible exceptions may apply to the University Housing Review Committee for an exemption.

My student won’t know anyone at OU. How do students find a roommate? Within the OU housing application, students will be able to browse for roommates using the application’s profile questionnaire and suggested roommate tools.

What should my student bring? At OU, a bed, desk, desk chair, wardrobe, dresser, and nightstand are provided. OU Housing will also provide a packing list to help students determine what they should or should not bring.

What is room selection? During room selection, students will get to select their exact room! Every student will be given a room selection access time, which will be assigned based on enrollment deposit payment date. Admitted students must complete the housing application and submit the enrollment deposit to receive an access time.

Is parking included in housing? No, parking is not included in on-campus housing rates. Vehicles must be registered with Parking and Transportation Services. Student permits are typically available for purchase in July and are valid from August to June. For more information about permit rates, please visit ou.edu/parking.

What about laundry? Washers and dryers are available for every on-campus residence hall, and residents have unlimited use of laundry facilities.

How do meal plans work at OU? OU’s meal plans are designed to allow students the freedom to eat anywhere on campus without having to worry about carrying cash or credit cards. The meal plans cover all of OU Food Services’ restaurants and are applied to the OU student ID.

There are four basic first-year meal plans and two enhanced options that include a combination of meals and points. The plan that works best will vary from student to student depending on a variety of factors, such as eating habits and course schedule, and students are able to change their plan during the third and fourth weeks of the semester. To learn more about the plans offered at OU, visit ou.edu/housingandfood.

Students who live on campus are more likely to graduate, graduate sooner, connect better with their peers and teachers, and report a more overall positive college experience.”

OU

Housing and Residence Life

Safety comes first—always.

Every member of the OU Family deserves a welcoming and safe environment for learning and living, and it’s important to the University of Oklahoma that every person on campus feels supported. At OU, we have detailed precautions, protocols, and resources for every kind of event, like real-time notifications sent to students and emergency contacts during weather and campus emergencies.

Here are a few ways we keep students safe at OU:

Goddard Health Center offers a broad range of medical services to students right on campus. It houses our pharmacy and is where students can make routine appointments, as well as same-day appointments with health care providers.

Building safety. All residence halls are equipped with card access, which means OU ID cards will allow students to access their assigned floor and assigned residence hall. The student ID will also provide access to first-floor lobbies in other centers to use services such as computer labs and food services.

SafeWalk. Any OU student can use SafeWalk to get company walking anywhere on campus. They will be escorted by two resident advisors to their destination. SafeWalk is available to students from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday to Thursday.

TELUS Health. All Norman-based students have 24/7 access to professional, on-demand counseling services through TELUS Health, which provides virtual counseling sessions, mental health assessments, crisis text support, and educational materials. The goal is to ensure that students can seek mental health assistance in real-time.

Weather safety. There are multi-purpose storm shelters located at the residence halls and severe weather refuge areas all across campus. We are well-prepared for any weather event that comes our way.

Anonymous reporting. Anyone can confidently report instances of bias, racial discrimination, misconduct, or harrassment using OU’s 24/7 reporting hotline. This aims to ensure students’ safety and comfort.

Emergency poles. Illuminated blue poles provide a direct line to the OUPD. These poles are strategically placed so that you can always see two at a time.

Safety alerts. OU’s Emergency Preparedness team sends out OU Alerts in the event that there is any safety concern for students, faculty, or staff. These notifications can be sent to any phone numbers you request, so students can also register their families to receive the alerts.

The safety of our students is our top priority. From detailed plans that explain exactly what to do in the event of a weather emergency, to transportation services available throughout the academic year, providing a welcoming and safe environment for our students is our main concern. Our various programs are designed to enhance the quality of the lives of our student body while ensuring their health and security.”

ShaRhonda Maclin, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Students, Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life

Your student’s path to OU.

It’s never too early to prepare for your student’s college journey. Below, we gathered a checklist to help guide you and your student throughout the OU admissions process.

PRE-SENIOR YEAR

Students

Take campus tours. You can schedule an inperson tour of OU’s campus or check out our virtual campus tour at tour.ou.edu!

Start conversations with your high school counselor and family about your plans and brainstorm a list of colleges you may want to tour.

Explore careers and areas of study you’re interested in. Follow a professional for a day and see if what they do excites you.

Take challenging courses in core academic subjects (math, science, English, and history).

Stay involved in school and your community. Explore your career interests with different clubs and organizations.

Make a list of your awards, honors, activities, community service, and anything else! Documentation along the way will help when senior year rolls around.

Plan to attend recruitment events to get to know the colleges you’re interested in. Look into OU’s Sooner Discovery program for the summers after sophomore and junior year.

Families

Have a conversation with your student about the reality of affordability of higher education. Decide how you will support your student thorugh this process and take the necessary next steps, like financial planning.

Your students may be taking standardized tests such as the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT

Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT test. The scores they make on these standardized tests can determine if they will receive scholarships, so support your students through their studying and encourage them to enroll in prep classes.

Stay updated with and attend your school district’s college fairs, financial aid nights, and other preparation resources.

Connect with resources at OU, such as the Parent & Family Programs office and your student’s admissions counselor.

Students

Reach out to your OU admissions counselor about scheduling a personalized campus visit.

Meet with your high school counselor to ensure you are on track to graduate and fulfill college admissions requirements.

Make a calendar of important deadlines for every university you’re interested in.

Apply to OU by the early action deadline, November 1! The earlier you apply, the shorter the wait time you may have. Getting your decision back early also gives you more time to make your college choice and get a jump start on post-admission steps.

If you are not happy with your ACT or SAT scores from previous years, practice for and take or retake the ACT or SAT. Higher scores help with scholarships.

Apply for financial aid at fafsa.gov.

Decide if the OU Family is the right fit for you! Submit your enrollment deposit at commit.ou.edu, and see OU’s full postadmission checklist at ou.edu/admissions/ admitted/checklist.

Families

Talk with your student about their future. Help your student clarify goals and priorities.

Find out if your student has added schools to their college wish list and schedule additional campus visits if needed.

Encourage your student to stay on top of important deadlines.

Help your student complete the FAFSA application at fafsa.gov.

Scholarships are everywhere! Be sure to check with your employer to see if they offer scholarships.

Celebrate! Your student’s college admission and decision are important and powerful— make sure you share your pride and support.

Welcome to the OU Family!

As part of your student’s support system, you play a critical role in helping your student succeed from orientation through graduation. We want to help you in that role. My name is Tracy Carlson and I work with OU’s Parent & Family Programs office. The purpose of Parent & Family Programs is to partner with families to help their student thrive at OU and beyond.

Our goals:

Provide a bridge between your family and the university community

Offer helpful resources and information that can assist you as the “consultant” to your student

Present special events that welcome families back to campus throughout the year

As the parent and family coordinator, I have the unique privilege of being your connection point to OU. Parent & Family Programs is part of Student Affairs, the division that provides most of the outof-classroom services your student needs, ranging from living and dining to campus involvement and personal fitness. We are eager to connect your family to the diverse range of opportunities available on our campus.

Visit parents.ou.edu to find out more about our programs. Please reach out with any questions you may have. I would also like to suggest following Sooner Parents on Facebook for more about how you can get involved with OU.

Tracy Carlson Parent & Family Programs Coordinator

(405)325-8579

Check out Tracy’s College Parent Survivial Guide! Scan the QR code or visit go2.ou.edu/survival-guide.

Get in touch.

Here’s a list of resources at OU with their contact information. We encourage you to contact us for any question you have. We’re here to help!

Misc.

Concurrent Enrollment ou.edu/ce (405)325-2151 ce@ou.edu

MidFirst Bank MoneyCoach Program ou.edu/moneycoach (405)325-4692 moneycoach@ou.edu

Parent & Family Programs parents.ou.edu (405)325-8579

Sooner Discovery ou.edu/soonerdiscovery (405)325-2151 soonerdiscovery@ou.edu

Pre-Admission

Offi ce of Admissions & Recruitment apply.ou.edu (405)325-2151 admissions@ou.edu

Campus Tours tour.ou.edu (405)325-2151 tour@ou.edu

Connection & Student Engagement ou.edu/admissions/ connection (405)325-3742 connection@ou.edu

Honors College ou.edu/honors (405)325-5291 honors@ou.edu

Student Financial Center ou.edu/sfc (405)325-9000 sfc@ou.edu

Post-Admission

Camp Crimson go2.ou.edu/campcrimson campcrimson@ou.edu

Housing & Food ou.edu/housingandfood (405)325-2511 housinginfo@ou.edu

New Sooner Orientation (NSO) ou.edu/newsooner (405)325-2151 newsooner@ou.edu

Sooner Card ou.edu/soonercard (405)325-3113 soonercard@ou.edu

Start Sooner ou.edu/orientation/ freshmen-students/ start-sooner (405)550-3659 startsooner@ou.edu

I was worried about my son attending such a big university, but OU does such a great job of creating a small-school atmosphere. During his first semester, he had some trouble adjusting to college life and the faculty and staff of the university were so attentive and understanding. He never felt like just a number. He felt as if they truly cared about his well-being.”

Robin Huston, Director of OU Career Center, OU Parent

Student Support

& Success

On-campus

Accessibility & Disability Resource Center

ou.edu/drc (405)325-3852 drc@ou.edu

Career Center ou.edu/career (405)325-1974 oucs@ou.edu

Graduation & Persistence

Support Offi ce (GPS) ou.edu/gps (405)325-0841 gps@ou.edu

Division of Access & Opportunity ou.edu/Accessand Opportunity (405)325-2284

Project Threshold ou.edu/threshold (405)325-6261

Student Learning Center (405)325-7621 studentlearning@ou.edu

Veteran Student Services ou.edu/veterans (405)325-4308 veterans@ou.edu

Writing Center ou.edu/writingcenter (405)325-2936 writingcenter@ou.edu

Education Abroad (405)325-1693 ea@ou.edu

Leadership & Volunteerism ou.edu/leadandvolunteer leadandvolunteer@ou.edu

Offi ce of the Registrar (405)325-4147 ou.edu/registrar

OU ROTC ou.edu/rotc

Parking & Transportation ou.edu/parking (405)325-3311 parking@ou.edu

Student Affairs ou.edu/studentaffairs (405)325-3161 studentaffairs@ou.edu

Student Life ou.edu/studentlife (405)325-3163

Student Jobs jobs.ou.edu ohr@ou.edu

Health & Safety

Goddard Health Services ou.edu/healthservices (405)325-4611 healthservices@ou.edu

Fit + Rec ou.edu/far (405)325-3053 fitrec@ou.edu

OUPD ou.edu/police (405)325-1911 oupd@ou.edu

University Counseling Services ou.edu/ucc (405)325-2911

Did you know that your student can text their OU admissions counselor? Just text (405)292-4665 and your student’s message will automatically be routed to their OU admission counselor.

Feel free to contact us.

Our website is admissions.ou.edu

Follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook @go2ou @oufinancialhelp

Text us at (405)292-4665

Call us at (405)325-2151

Email us at admissions@ou.edu

Schedule a campus visit at tour.ou.edu

Meet your student’s admissions counselor at go2.ou.edu/rep

I knew I wanted my kids to choose a place that could support not just their academic needs, but their identities and passions. For my daughters, it was important to attend a college that also provided resources to meet their social and cultural needs. I knew it was a lot to ask from any college, but OU has a plethora of resources like helpful staff to aid all students in their transition to higher education.”

Candessa Teehee, OU Parent