INTRODUCTION
Our History The GEC has a unique history and place on our campus. When members of the OU community have a vision, anything can happen. One such vision became a reality after a needs assessment was conducted in order to establish a women’s Center on the Norman campus of the University of Oklahoma. In November of 1999, the Women’s Outreach Center opened its doors as a part of Student Life.
INTRODUCTION
From the moment the ribbon was cut at the Center’s grand opening, we have served the OU community offering referrals and student support in the heart of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. The Center has made tremendous strides and changes over the years. Some of the Center’s initial programs included the Sister to Sister Mentoring Program, World AIDS Day Quilt, Women and Wheels auto maintenance workshop, Clothesline Project, Rape Awareness Week, eating disorders awareness, and various support groups.
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In fall 2008, the Peer Educator program expanded to include sexual assault prevention. These peer educators give Step In, Speak Out and Our Voice presentations, focusing on consent and active bystander intervention issues. In the fall of 2017, Step In, Speak Out became mandatory training for all incoming freshman and transfer students. Also, in 2008, the Women’s Outreach Center developed the Sooner Ally program, then later changed to LGBTQ+ Aspiring Ally, to reduce prejudices towards the LGBTQ+ students as well as to provide different resources on and off-campus. The Aspiring Ally programs expanded to adapt to the needs of LGBTQ+ students and other specific groups such as Medical, K-12, or Greek Allies.
