2025-2026 PARENT HANDBOOK
Welcome to the Ozark family!
We're so honored to have you and your student as a part of our community. We know that the college search and transition process are as monumental for you as they are for your student, and we don't take your trust in us lightly. At OCC, we're committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and Christ-honoring environment for your child.
In this booklet, we’ve compiled some helpful resources for parents: a calendar of events, some of OCC's services for you and your student, a campus map, and more. Please let us know if you have any questions not answered within these pages. We look forward to serving you and your student in the years to come!
ACADEMIC SERVICES
The Academic Resource Commons (ARC) exists to help Ozark students succeed academically Under the leadership of Katie Coen, the ARC offers four main services:
Peer-based Tutoring
All the tutors who work in the ARC are upperclassmen, so they can provide one-on-one advice and encouragement from the perspective of a fellow student who is just a little further down the road in their academic journey. All tutoring services are free.
Workshops
ARC workshops are led by ARC Director Katie Coen or by peer tutors Workshops give students a foundational understanding of a variety of skills, such as test preparation, memorization, critical reading, research, and more All workshops are free
Test Proctoring
Many Ozark professors use the ARC to proctor late tests or quizzes. The ARC is also able to proctor most tests for other colleges and universities, so if students are taking online courses at other schools and need a proctor, Ozark’s ARC may be able to help.
Learning Accommodations
If students have documented learning disabilities for which they have been granted learning accommodations, the ARC is where students come to use those accommodations. Contact Director of Academic Operations Lisa Witte at witte.lisa@occ.edu for more information on learning accommodations
The ARC is open weekday afternoons and is located inside the Seth Wilson Library, next to the Reference section. Find out more at occ.edu/thearc.
COUNSELING SERVICES
OCC offers multiple counseling options for current students
Mentors
Every student is placed in a mentoring group that meets weekly throughout the semester Led by faculty, staff, area ministry leaders, and in some cases vetted and trained upperclassmen, these groups provide healthy conversation where students can receive support and find good advice from a caring community
Pastoral Counseling
Campus Minister Dave Porter provides a wealth of ministry experience and godly, Christ-centered pastoral counseling to students across our campus He meets individually with students as well as in a variety of group contexts and settings throughout the year Dave can be reached at porter.dave@occ.edu.
Professional Counseling
Many college students experience issues that go beyond the scope of mentor or pastoral support For those needs, Ozark has developed working relationships with area licensed, professional counselors to provide clinical counseling at affordable rates for current Ozark students. For financial details or to schedule an appointment with a professional counselor, students should contact Vice President of Student Affairs Andy Storms at 417.626.1225 or storms.andy@occ.edu or Campus Minister Dave Porter at 417.626.1247 or porter.dave@occ.edu.
Counseling services cover issues like depression, anxiety, stress, family problems, relationships, selfesteem, eating disorders, physical and sexual abuse, grief, loneliness, homesickness, and addiction.
MAIL SERVICES
OCC's student Mail Center is located in the Mabee Student Center. The Mail Center is open during regular business hours (except during chapel on Tuesdays) and throughout the summer. Campus mailboxes may be accessed anytime the Mabee Student Center is open. General delivery mail is delivered to campus mailboxes by noon each weekday, but there is no Saturday delivery or pick-up. Students may purchase stamps and mail USPS packages through the Mail Center.
Packages or letters to your residential students should be addressed as follows:
Student's Name
OCC Box #****
1111 North Main Street
Joplin, MO 64801
(Please be sure to say "OCC Box #" on the second address line, and not "PO Box" Some student mailboxes have the same number as boxes at our local post office)
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
OCC’s Student Financial Services Office is located in the north end of the Casteel Administration Building. The SFS Office is your one-stop-shop for financial aid and student account needs. The SFS staff processes federal grants and loans as well as OCC scholarships. Additionally, the SFS Office manages all aspects of student accounts and payment plans
Staff and Contact Information:
Kim Balentine, Director • 4176261244 • balentinekim@occedu
Lacey Branstine, Advisor – Awarding, VA • 4176261206 • branstinelacey@occedu
Nancy Martinez, Account Manager • 4176261216 • martineznancy@occedu
Becky Morrow, Coordinator • 4176805605 • morrowbecky@occedu
Heather Schroter, Counselor – FAFSA • 4176261223 • schroterheather@occedu 4176261206 • finaid@occedu
Information and Dates:
• Applying for Federal Financial Aid:
The FAFSA is the first step in applying for all federal financial aid All students must complete a FAFSA each academic year Apply online at fafsa.gov. OCC’s school FAFSA code is 015569. The results of the FAFSA will be automatically sent to the SFS Office, and the student will receive an email letting them know if we need additional documents to complete the financial aid file Financial aid awards will be created once all required documents have been turned in and processed An email will be sent to the student when their awards are ready to be viewed The email will contain instructions for accepting, reducing, and declining the awards Financial aid awards that have been accepted and have all requirements met will show on the student account as anticipated aid This aid will reduce the balance due
• Student Accounts: OCC students may choose between two payment options:
1 Full payment of tuition, fees, room and meal charges (less anticipated aid) by August 1, 2025
2 A payment plan, spreading payment of balance over four interest-free monthly payments A $30 administrative fee will be charged for this option Enrollment in this plan is automatic if the full payment is not made by August 1, 2025 Fall 2025 payment due dates are as follows:
Payment #1: September 1
Payment #2: October 1
Payment #3: November 1
Payment #4: December 1
After students register for classes, charges will be applied to their student account within five days and will be available to students on their my.occ.edu portal Students may provide parents or others permission to view their financial information on their portal
DORM PACKING LIST
ITEMS PROVIDED BY OCC:
bed and mattress: twin (women); twin extra long (men)
4-gallon wastebasket
laundry facilities (no charge)
dresser, closet, desk
overhead lighting
mirror
window blinds
internet access
microwave and air fryer (first floor laundry room)
ITEMS STUDENTS MAY BRING:
SLEEP
sheets
mattress pad/foam topper
bed pillows, pillowcases, pillow protectors
comforter/blanket/throw
*bed risers are not allowed
ORGANIZE
clothes hangers
storage crates/utility bins
sweater and/or shoe organizer
bulletin board/dry erase board/memo board
over-the-door mirror
Command hooks (3M style)
cleaning supplies and wastebasket liners
First Aid kit, small sewing kit, flashlight, batteries
umbrella
STUDY
back rest/study pillow
lap desk/bed desk
desk lamp/light bulbs
string lights
alarm clock
power strips
desk supplies
desk chair
*halogen lamps are not allowed
RELAX
throw pillows/floor cushions
room fragrance/odor elimination spray
frames
area rug/throw rug
fan/space heater
TV (see page 9)
*candles/incense and wax warmers are not allowed
EAT
water pitcher
refrigerator (see page 9)
coffee makers
food storage
eating utensils
*microwave ovens and heating/open coil
appliances (such as hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, and George Foreman grills) are not allowed
SHOWER
towels, washcloths
bathrobe, shower shoes
shower caddy
hair dryer, small mirror
curling iron/flat iron
razor
LAUNDRY
laundry bag/basket
laundry supplies
iron (see page 9)
portable drying rack
DORM GUIDELINES
Cooking
Fire codes prohibit the use of cooking appliances in the residence halls, with the exception of small coffeemakers and electric kettles in the residents’ rooms and hot plates and blenders in the laundry rooms A microwave, air fryer, and refrigerator are provided in each hall for your convenience George Foreman-type grills are not permitted in the residence halls
Firearms & Weapons
Fireworks, flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials are not permitted in residence halls
Due to safety and legal concerns, firearms, tazers, martial arts equipment, archery equipment, paintball guns, Airsoft®-type guns, and hunting equipment of any kind are not permitted on campus. Pocketknives with blades longer than three inches are not permitted. Any such items must be stored off campus. Storage arrangements should be made prior to coming on the campus. This applies to all weapons (e.g., knives, bows and arrows, etc.).
Ironing
Due to fire codes, and in the interest of safety, ironing is not permitted in residents’ rooms Ironing boards are provided in each hall’s laundry room Students are responsible for providing their own automatic shut-off iron
Lamps & Lighting
Due to high heat, halogen, and goose neck lamps with plastic shades are prohibited in the residence halls. One string of decorative lights are allowed but may not be attached to or hung from the ceiling.
Pets
No pets of any kind are permitted in the residence halls, including aquarium animals
Refrigerator
One small refrigerator per room is permitted and must be provided by the student These refrigerators must not exceed the following specifications: capacity 4 cubic feet; electric 2 amps, 120 volts; a three-pronged plug must be used; no extension cords or plug adapters may be used.
Storage
Some storage is available in the residence halls as a courtesy to you To request storage, please fill out a “Request for Storage” form obtained from your residence director Students are responsible for providing their own storage container (ie Rubbermaid® tote) Maximum size: 24”x 24”x 24”
TV
Televisions are permitted in the residents’ rooms, but cable and satellite connections are not provided or allowed. Antennas or other items used to enhance TV reception may not be placed on the exterior of the residence hall. Due to space limitations, we suggest TVs be no larger than 42 inches.
Read more in the OCC Student Handbook, available at occ.edu/handbook.
READY REFERENCE INFORMATION
Emergency: 911
Campus Security: 4176261200
Non-Emergency Police: 4176233131
Non-Emergency Fire: 4176230403
Non-Emergency Ambulance: 417.623.3347
Academic Resource Commons (ARC): 4176805636
Mon & Wed 1-6 PM; Tue & Thu 12-6 PM; Fri 1-4 PM
Administration Building: 4176261234
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM
Bookstore:
417.626.1207
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM
Chapel:
417-626-1265
Hours: Mon-Fri 7 AM-10 PM; Sat 12-10 PM; Sun 1-10 PM
Counseling (appointment only): 4176261225
Curfew for Residence Halls:
Sun-Wed 12 AM; Thu 10 PM; Fri-Sat 1 AM
Dining Hall: 4176261240
Lower Level Hours:
Breakfast - Mon-Fri 7-8:15 AM
Lunch - Mon-Sat 11 AM-1 PM
Dinner - Mon-Sat 4:30-6 PM; Sun 4:30-5:30 PM
Upper Level Hours:
Lunch - Mon-Fri 11 AM-1 PM
Dinner - Mon-Thu 4:30-6 PM
Meals may be purchased during the above hours
Health Center: 4176261213 health@occedu
Idleman Ministry Center: 417.626.1300
Library: 4176261302
Hours: Mon-Wed 7:30 AM-9:30 PM; Thu-Fri 7:30 AM-9 PM; Sat 9 AM-9 PM; Sun 2-9 PM
Multi-Purpose Building (MPB): 4176261264
Hours: Mon-Sat 6 AM-9 PM; Sun 2-6 PM Athletic facilities are available for use by permission only
Registrar: 417.626.1274
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM
Residence Directors (RDs):
Alumni Hall Apartment: 4176261280
Boatman Hall Apartment: 417.626.1285
Dennis Hall Apartment: 417.626.1282
Goodman Hall Apartment: 4176261281
Strong Hall Apartment: 4176261225
Williamson Hall Apartment: 4176261284
Student Center: 417.680.5628
Hours: Mon-Wed 7:45 AM-11:45 PM; Thu 7:45 AM-9:45 PM; Fri 7:45 AM-12:45 AM; Sat 1 PM-12:45 AM; Sun 3-11:45 PM
Student Financial Services: 4176808003
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM
The Administration Building, ARC, Dining Hall, Library, and Student Center are closed during chapel and life groups
2025-2026 CALENDAR • UNDERGRADUATE
SPRING 2026
Aug. 1
Aug. 15
Payment plan signed or full fall payment made
Residence halls open for new students; Module 1 payment due (Module 1 online)
Aug. 16
Residence halls open for returning students, 11:00 a.m.
Aug. 17
Aug. 18
Last day to add/drop on the portal; Convocation Banquet and Service, 6:00 p m
Semester begins; Online Fall Module 1 classes begin; charge for Add/Drops begins
Aug. 19
Aug. 23
Community Ministry Expo, 4:00-6:00 p.m. blOCC Party, 5:00 p.m.
Aug. 24
Aug. 25
Last day for 100% refund of fees (Module 1 Online)
Last day to register or add a course; last day for dropping without showing on transcript; last day to change to audit status; last day for 100% refund of fees (residential)
Aug. 31
Sept. 1
Sept. 2
Sept. 7
Sept. 8
Sept. 11
Sept. 21
Sept. 26-27
Sept. 29
Oct. 1
Oct. 6-8
Oct. 6
Oct. 10
Oct. 13
Oct. 13-14
Oct. 16-18
Oct. 19
Oct. 20
Oct. 26
Oct. 27
Last day for 75% refund of fees (Module 1 online)
Payment #1 due (residential); Labor Day no residential classes offices closed
Last day for 90% refund of fees (residential)
Last day for 50% refund of fees (Module 1 online)
Last day for 75% refund of fees (residential)
Serve Our City Day
Last day to drop a course (no refund; Module 1 online)
Getaway (grades 6-8)
Last day for 60% refund of fees (residential)
Payment #2 due (residential)
Global Awareness Week
Last day for 25% refund of fees (residential) Module 2 payment due (Module 2 online) Online Fall Module 2 classes begin
Fall Break no residential classes offices closed Pursue (grades 11-12)
Last day for 100% refund of fees (Module 2 online)
Online Module 1 grades due
Last day for 75% refund of fees (Module 2 Online)
Last day for dropping a course (residential); last day for withdrawing from school (residential); registration open for spring and summer semester (Oct. 27, 2025-Jan. 11, 2026)
Nov. 1
Payment #3 due (residential); Institutional and Memorial Grant Application deadline for spring (must also have FAFSA in to be considered for I&M Grant)
Nov. 2
Nov. 7-8
Nov. 16
Nov. 20-22
Nov. 24-28
Dec. 1
Dec. 4-7
Dec. 5
Dec. 8-11
Dec. 11
Dec. 12
Dec. 16
Last day for 50% refund of fees (Module 2 Online)
The Event (grades 9-12)
Last day to drop (no refund; Module 2 Online)
International Conference on Missions (ICOM), Atlanta
Thanksgiving Break (Residence halls close Sat , Nov 22, 10:00 a.m.; reopen Sat., Nov. 29, 2:00 p.m.)
Payment #4 due (residential)
Christmas Musical
Last class day
Final exams
Fall semester closes (Residence halls close Fri , Dec 12, 10:00 a m )
Christmas Break (Dec. 12, 2025-Jan. 12, 2026)
Residential and Online Fall Module 2 grades due, 9:00 a.m.
Jan. 2
Jan. 3
Jan. 5-9
Jan. 9
Jan. 10
Jan. 11
Jan. 12
Jan. 18
Jan. 19
Jan. 20
Payment plan signed or full spring payment made
Residence halls open for Winter Session students, 2:00 p m
Winter Session
Module 1 payment due (Module 1 Online); residence halls open for new students
Residence halls open for returning students, 2:00 p m
Last day to add/drop on the portal for spring Semester begins; online Spring Module 1 classes begin; charge for add/drops begins
Last day of 100% refund of fees (Module 1 Online)
MLK Jr Day no residential classes offices closed
Last day to register or to add a course (residential); last day for dropping without showing on transcript; last day to change to audit status (residential); last day for 100% refund of fees (residential)
Jan. 25
Jan. 26
Feb. 1
Feb. 2
Feb. 15
Feb. 16-18
Feb. 23
Mar. 1
Mar. 2
Mar. 6
Mar. 9
Mar. 15
Mar. 16-20
Mar. 16
Mar. 22
Mar. 29
Mar. 30
Last day for 75% refund of fees (Module 1 Online)
Last day for 90% refund of fees (residential)
Payment #1 due; Last day for 50% refund (Module 1 Online)
Last day for 75% refund of fees (residential)
Last day to drop no refund (Module 1 Online)
Preaching-Teaching Convention
Last day for 60% refund of fees (residential)
Payment #2 due (residential)
Last day for 25% refund of fees (residential)
Module 2 payment due (Module 2 Online)
Online Spring Module 2 classes begin
Last day for 100% refund (Module 2 Online)
Spring Break no classes (residence halls close Sat., Mar. 14, 10:00 a m ; reopen Sat , Mar 21, 2:00 p m )
Online Spring Module 1 grades due
Last day for 75% refund (Module 2 Online)
Last day for 50% refund (Module 2 Online)
Mar. 30 Last day for dropping a course (residential); last day for withdrawing from school (residential); registration open for fall semester (Mar 30-Aug 16)
Apr. 1
Payment #3 due (residential); Institutional and Memorial
Grant Application deadline for spring (must also have FAFSA in to be considered for I&M Grant)
Apr. 3
Apr. 12
Apr. 24-25
Apr. 30
May 1
May 4-7
May 7
May 9
May 12
May 29
May 31
June 1-July 26
June 7
June 14
June 21
July 5
Aug. 3
Good Friday no residential classes offices closed
Last day to drop (no refund, Module 2 Online)
Women’s Event
Baccalaureate Service, 9:30 a.m.
Payment #4 due (residential); last class day (residential)
Final exams (residential)
Spring semester closes
Commencement, 10:00 a.m.; residence halls close, 4:00 p.m.
Residential and Online Spring Module 2 grades due, 9:00 a m
Summer payment due
Last day to add/drop on the portal for summer
Online Summer School
Last day for 100% refund of fees (Online Summer)
Last day for 75% refund of fees (Online Summer)
Last day for 50% refund of fees (Online Summer)
Last day to drop (no refund, Online Summer)
Online Summer School grades due, 9:00 a.m.
