2024-2025 OCC Parent Handbook

WELCOME

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 provid 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 are designed to give students a foundational understanding of a variety of skills, such as test preparation, memorization, critical reading, research, and many others 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 See the executive assistant to the academic dean 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, contact Andy Storms, Vice President of Student Affairs, at 417.626.1225 or storms.andy@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, 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:

(Please be sure to say "OCC Box #" on the second address line, and not "PO Box" Some of our student mailboxes have the same numbers 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

Lacey Branstine, Advisor

• 4176261244

• balentinekim@occedu

– Awarding, VA

Nancy Martinez, Account Manager

Becky Morrow, Coordinator

Heather Schroter, Counselor

• 4176261206

• 4176261216

• 4176265605

• 4176261223

• branstinelacey@occedu

• martineznancy@occedu

• morrowbecky@occedu

• 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, 2024.

2. A payment plan, spreading payment of balance over four interest-free monthly payments Enrollment in this plan is automatic if the full payment is not made by August 1, 2023 A $30 administrative fee will be charged for this option Fall 2024 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 three 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

under-the-bed storage container

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

stereo/headphones

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 or any wood surfaces.

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

Hours: listed at occedu/thearc

Administration Building: 417.626.1234

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM

Bookstore: 4176261207

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-6 PM; Sat 9 AM-1 PM

Chapel: 417-626-1265

Hours: Mon-Fri 7 AM-10 PM; Sat 12-10 PM; Sun 1-10 PM

Counseling (appointment only): 417.626.1225

Curfew for Residence Halls: Sun-Wed 12 AM; Thu 10 PM; Fri-Sat 1 AM

Dining Hall: 417.626.1240

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 8 AM-10:30 PM; Tue-Wed 7 AM-10:30 PM; Thu 7 AM-9:30 PM; Fri 7 AM-6 PM; Sat 9 AM-6 PM; Sun 2-5 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 7:30 AM-11:45 PM; Thu 7:30 AM-9:45 PM; Fri 7:30 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

2023-2024 CALENDAR • UNDERGRADUATE

FALL 2023

Aug. 1: Payment plan signed or full fall payment made

Aug. 18: Residence halls open for new students

Aug. 19: Residence halls open for returning students (11 a m )

Aug. 20: Last day to add/drop on the portal; Convocation Banquet (6 p.m.)

Aug. 21: Semester begins; Online Fall Module 1 classes begin; charge for add/drop begins

Aug 22: Community Ministry Expo (4-6 p m )

Aug. 26: blOCC Party (5 p.m.)

Aug. 27: Last day for 100% refund of fees (Module 1 Online)

Aug. 28: 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)

Sept. 1: Payment #1 due

Sept. 3: Last day for 75% refund of fees (Module 1 Online)

Sept. 4: Labor Day no residential classes offices closed

Sept. 5: Last day for 90% refund of fees (residential)

Sept. 10: Last day for 50% refund of fees (Module 1 Online)

Sept. 11: Last day for 75% refund of fees (residential)

Sept. 25: Last day to drop a course - no refund (Module 1 Online)

Sept. 29-30: Getaway (grades 6-8)

Oct. 1: Payment #2 due

Oct. 2: Last day for 60% refund of fees (residential)

Oct. 2-4: Global Awareness Week

Oct. 9: Last day for 25% refund of fees (residential)

Oct. 12: Serve Our City

Oct. 16: Online Fall Module 2 classes begin

Oct. 16-17: Fall Break no residential classes offices closed

Oct. 22: Last day for 100% refund of fees (Module 2 Online)

Oct. 23: Online Module 1 grades due

Oct. 29: Last day for 75% refund (Module 2 Online)

Oct. 30: Last day for dropping a course (residential); last day for withdrawing from school (residential)

Oct. 30, 2023-Jan. 21, 2024: Registration opens for spring and summer

Nov. 1: Payment #3 due; Institutional & Memorial Grant application deadline for spring (must also have FAFSA in to be considered for I&M Grant)

Nov. 3-4: The Event (grades 9-12)

Nov. 5: Last day for 50% refund (Module 2 Online)

Nov. 16-18: International Conference on Missions (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Nov. 17: No residential classes (dismissed to ICOM)

Nov. 18-26: Thanksgiving Break (residence halls close Sat., Nov 18, 10 a m ; reopen Sat , Nov 25, 2 p m )

Nov. 19: Last day to drop - no refund (Module 2 Online)

Nov 30-Dec 3: Christmas musical

Dec. 1: Payment #4 due

Dec. 8: Last class day

Dec. 11-14: Final exams

Dec. 14: Fall semester closes (residence halls close Fri , Dec 15, 10 a m )

Dec. 15, 2023-Jan. 14, 2024: Christmas Break

Dec. 18: Online Fall Module 2 grades due

Dec. 19: Residential grades due (9 a m )

SPRING 2024

Jan. 2: Payment plan signed or full spring payment made

Jan. 6: Residence halls open for Winter Session students (2 p m )

Jan. 8-12: Winter Session

Jan. 12: Residence halls open for new students

Jan. 13: Residence halls open for returning students (2 p.m.)

Jan. 15: Semester begins; Online Spring Module 1 classes begin; MLK Jr Day no residential classes offices closed; Last day to add/drop on the portal for spring

Jan. 16: Charge for add/drop begins

Jan. 21: Last day of 100% refund (Module 1 Online)

Jan. 22: Last day to register or to 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

Jan. 28: Last day for 75% refund (Module 1 Online)

Jan. 29: Last day for 90% refund of fees (residential)

Feb. 1: Payment #1 due

Feb. 4: Last day for 50% refund (Module 1 Online)

Feb 5: Last day for 75% refund of fees (residential)

Feb. 18: Last day to drop no refund (Module 1 Online)

Feb. 19-21: Preaching-Teaching Convention

Feb. 26: Last day for 60% refund of fees (residential)

Mar. 1: Payment #2 due

Mar 4: Last day for 25% refund of fees (residential)

Mar. 11: Online Spring Module 2 classes begin

Mar. 17: Last day for 100% refund (Module 2 Online)

Mar. 16-24: Spring Break no classes (residence halls close Sat , Mar 16, 10 a m ; reopen Sat , Mar 23, 2 p m )

Mar 18: Online Spring Module 1 grades due

Mar. 24

Last day for 75% refund (Module 2 Online)

Mar. 29: Good Friday no residential classes offices closed

Mar. 31: Last day for 50% refund (Module 2 Online)

Apr. 1: Payment #3 due; Institutional and Memorial Grant application deadline for spring (must also have FAFSA in to be considered for I&M Grant); last day for dropping a course; last day for withdrawing from school

Apr. 1-Aug. 18: Registration opens for fall semester

Apr. 12-13: Women’s Event

Apr. 14: Last day to drop with no refund (Module 2 Online)

May 1: Payment #4 due

May 2: Baccalaureate Service (9:30 a.m.)

May 3: Last class day

May 6-9: Final exams

May 9: Spring semester closes

May 11: Commencement (10 a.m.); residence halls close (4 p.m.)

May 13: Online Spring Module 2 grades due

May 17: Grades due (9 a m )

June 2: Last day to add/drop on the portal for summer

June 3-July 28: Online Summer School

June 9: Last day for 100% refund (Online Summer)

June 16: Last day for 75% refund (Online Summer)

June 23: Last day for 50% refund (Online Summer)

July 7: Last day to drop no refund (Online Summer)

Aug. 5: Online Summer School grades due (9 a.m.)