University of Central Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Oklahoma’s Metropolitan University, has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing a transformative learning experience for its students. Located in Edmond, a thriving community known as Oklahoma’s “Crown Jewel,” UCO offers a wide array of academic programs and extracurricular activities designed to foster student success and community engagement.

A History of Firsts and Growth

UCO's history dates back to Nov. 9, 1891, when the first class of higher education in the new Oklahoma Territory met in Edmond’s Methodist Episcopal Church. Central’s history includes the first class of higher education in the new Oklahoma Territory. Four years later, in 1897, the first graduating class of three women and two men received their hard-earned teacher certificates. The university’s landmark Old North is the state’s first publicly funded higher education building to hold classes, held Jan. In 1919, curriculum was added for a bachelor’s degree program. From its humble beginnings, UCO has grown into a comprehensive university serving more than 13,000 students on a 200-acre campus.

Academic Colleges and Programs

Central now has six academic colleges - Fine Arts and Design, Business, Education and Professional Studies, Liberal Arts and Mathematics and Science, and the Jackson College of Graduate Studies, as well as the W. UCO offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its six academic colleges:

College of Fine Arts and Design: This college provides students with opportunities to explore their creativity through various artistic disciplines.
College of Business: The College of Business prepares students for successful careers in the business world. The Business Building houses the offices and classrooms of the College of Business and was first occupied in the fall of 1962.
College of Education and Professional Studies: This college focuses on preparing educators and professionals in various fields.
College of Liberal Arts: The College of Liberal Arts offers a broad range of programs in the humanities and social sciences. The Liberal Arts Building was completed during the summer of 1969 and houses offices and classrooms for most of the departments in the College of Liberal Arts. Liberal Arts completed a 55,000 square foot addition to the existing Liberal Arts Building in July 2019.
College of Mathematics and Science: This college provides students with a strong foundation in mathematics and the sciences. The Math and Computing Science Building was completed in the spring of 1983.
Jackson College of Graduate Studies: This college offers a variety of graduate programs for students seeking advanced degrees.

Accreditation and Recognition

The University of Central Oklahoma is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). The University of Central Oklahoma is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). UCO's commitment to academic excellence is further demonstrated through its accreditation and recognition by various national organizations, including:

National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Oklahoma Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability (CEQA)
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) International Association
American Library Association (ALA)
National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA)
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Transformative Learning

Transformative Learning (TL) develops beyond-disciplinary skills and expands students’ perspectives of their relationships to self, others, community, and environment. Transformative Learning at the University of Central Oklahoma is a holistic process that places students at the center of their own active and reflective learning experiences. UCO accomplishes TL via the Student Transformative Learning Record (STLR) process. STLR routes potentially transformative experiences through assignments and/or activities connected to one or more of UCO’s Central Six Tenets. Trained faculty and Student Affairs professionals use robust and vetted STLR rubrics to rate these experiences. Students access records of their TL assessed work to build and display their STLR achievements in their STLR Snapshots. Education at UCO involves the active and intentional participation of both students and faculty members. Learning is most meaningful when students take responsibility for their own education by committing the time, effort and thinking necessary to succeed, interact with faculty members inside and outside of class, engage with other students in the learning process, and pursue opportunities to apply their learning in communities outside the classroom. Learning is enhanced by frequent student-faculty contact in and out of classes. This is an important factor in student motivation, involvement and success. Knowing a few faculty members well enhances students’ intellectual commitment and encourages them to think about their own values and future plans. Learning is enhanced when students are engaged in cooperative and collaborative activities. Good learning, like good work, is collaborative and social, not competitive and isolated. Working with others often increases involvement in learning. Sharing one’s own ideas and responding to others’ reaction improves critical thinking and deepens understanding. Learning is enhanced when students are required to become mentally active participants in the learning process. Examples of active learning include requiring students to talk and write about what they are learning, what it means to them, how it relates to past experiences, and how they can apply it to their lives. Learning is enhanced by feedback that is prompt, specific and related to articulated learning outcomes. Students benefit from assistance with assessing existing knowledge and competence. Students need frequent opportunities to demonstrate what they know and how they can apply that knowledge. Learning is enhanced by maximizing the time that is available. Learning to budget one’s time well is critical for students and professionals alike. Students need help in learning effective time management. Allocating realistic amounts of time means effective learning for students and effective teaching for faculty. Academic excellence is ensured by having high expectations for students and faculty members. Students are expected to make a significant effort and to demonstrate their responsibility for their own learning. Learning is enhanced by embracing the diverse talents and approaches students and faculty members bring to the process. Students need the opportunity to show their talents and learn in ways that work for them and be encouraged to develop a more robust array of approaches to learning. Learning is enhanced by faculty members modeling professional behavior for students. These behaviors include acting with integrity and being organized, well-prepared, respectful, collaborative, reflective and passionate about one’s discipline and learning in general.

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UCO places a strong emphasis on transformative learning, a holistic process that encourages students to become active and reflective learners. Through the Student Transformative Learning Record (STLR) process, students engage in experiences connected to UCO’s Central Six Tenets, which are assessed by trained faculty and staff. This process allows students to build and display their achievements in STLR Snapshots.

Campus Facilities and Resources

Today’s ever-growing campus serves more than 13,000 students on a 200-acre Edmond campus. While much of the original grant of 40 acres was disposed of to secure funds for buildings, in more recent years the policy has been to add new land. UCO offers a variety of facilities and resources to support student learning and engagement, including:

Old North: The first campus building, built of native sandstone, houses the University clock. After an extensive renovation, the facility reopened its doors Spring of 2017.
Max Chambers Library: A modern library with extensive resources, including a large microfilm reading room, seminar rooms, conference and study rooms, a document room, and archives and special collections. The Max Chambers Library opened its doors to students in January 1969. A major addition completed in 1997, nearly doubled the existing building.
Nigh University Center: A centralized location for student admissions, registration, advisement, financial aid, international, and graduate services. The Nigh University Center was dedicated in the fall of 2001 to honor former President George Nigh. Originally built in 1967, an addition in 1997 doubled the floor space.
The W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute: Completed Fall 2009. The facility has approximately 35,000 square feet and has a 165-seat auditorium and three 50-seat classrooms and the AT&T Digital Evidence and Cyber Security Laboratory, which was made possible through a $1 million grant from the AT&T Foundation. One of many features in the FSI facility is an evidence recovery training area that can be utilized in mock crime scenes and evidence collection from vehicles.
UCO Jazz Lab: Constructed with cooperative funding with the Edmond Economic Development Authority, adds to the sense of community both for the campus population and the citizens of Edmond. It provides high quality entertainment. The Jazz Lab is readily accessible to students and is within walking distance from campus.
Mitchell Hall Theatre: Dedicated June 29, 1926. It has recently been remodeled and seating expanded for performing arts productions. A 20,500 square foot addition to the Mitchell Hall performance venue serves multiple purposes for use including costume storage, theater rehearsal and dance studio, greenroom and dressing rooms, plus allow for classes to be taught for the various backstage professions in costume, design, performance makeup, costume fabrication and maintenance.
Hamilton Field House: First occupied in the spring semester of 1965, has a basketball court with a seating capacity of 4,000. The athletic complex and classroom building also contains exercise rooms and locker rooms for varsity athletes. The name was changed from Broncho Field House in 1993.
UCO Boathouse at Arcadia Lake: Provides UCO students, faculty and staff, as well as community members, many educational and recreational opportunities. The UCO Boathouse provides outdoor activities to teach participants to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors. The 5,600 square foot facility is located off Second Street just East of I-35 and features easy access to Lake Arcadia. The building houses a ‘living’ classroom for the study of water and wildlife conservation.
The CO-OP Esports facility: The CO-OP Esports facility is 6,000 square feet of renovated space dedicated to Esports.
Bausher Place: Designed to act as a bridge between the north and south areas of campus, this 52,500 square foot building opened its doors to students in January of 2020. The facility is home to Ayers Kitchen, a 30,000 square foot, 500 seat new student dining facility.
Various Academic Buildings: Including the Business Building, Education Building, Evans Hall, Howell Hall, the Human Environmental Science Building, the Liberal Arts Building, the Math and Computing Science Building, the Coyner Health Sciences Building, and the Health and Physical Education Building.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University is committed to an inclusive educational and employment environment that provides equal opportunity and access to all qualified persons. The University will continue its policy of fair and equal employment and educational practices without discrimination or harassment because of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, genetic information, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. § 1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. The Title IX Coordinator is charged with monitoring compliance with these regulations. All faculty and staff (exempt staff include licensed mental health counselors, medical health professional, and clergy) are required to report any discrimination, harassment, or violence. Any person who experiences sexual harassment, assault, stalking, violence or any other form of sex-based discrimination is encouraged to report the matter or seek confidential support.

UCO is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunity and access to all qualified individuals. The university prohibits discrimination or harassment based on various characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Title IX Coordinator monitors compliance with these regulations, and all faculty and staff are required to report any instances of discrimination, harassment, or violence.

Community Engagement

Community - We provide value and service while engaging within the campus and broader community. At the University of Central Oklahoma, we believe that all students have the capacity to lead. Leadership does not require formal authority or position and can be practiced by anyone interested in making a contribution and influencing a more positive future. Every student leader has the ability to affect individuals, teams, organizations, the community and society.

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UCO is deeply engaged with both the campus and the broader community, providing value and service through various initiatives. The university believes that all students have the potential to lead and contribute to a positive future.

Website Redesign and Content Management

The site’s visitors should find what they seek with ease within a functional, visually appealing design that reflects UCO’s position as Oklahoma’s Metropolitan University. As such, University Communications (UC) has partnered with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to redesign, restructure and reimagine the university’s web presence. It is increasingly important to protect the integrity of the site design and keep information current, accurate and true to the UCO brand. Comprising individuals designated by each college and division, the College & Division Content Administrators will receive training delivered by OIT and UC. Power users will be trained individuals demonstrating experience, skill, and mastery of the WCMS and possessing a strong understanding of web best practices. The number of power users per web space (college or division site) shall be limited to no more than 2 individuals.

UCO is committed to providing a user-friendly and informative online experience for its website visitors. University Communications (UC) has partnered with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to redesign and restructure the university’s web presence. This initiative aims to create a functional, visually appealing design that reflects UCO’s position as Oklahoma’s Metropolitan University. To maintain the integrity of the site design and ensure that information is current and accurate, College & Division Content Administrators receive training from OIT and UC.

A Vibrant Location

The University of Central Oklahoma is located in Edmond, considered by many to be Oklahoma’s “Crown Jewel” community. Edmond is one of the state’s most desired places to live with its thriving historic downtown, excellent school system and fantastic cultural offerings. The community enjoys year-round music, art, theater, water, and sporting events. Known worldwide for its outstanding golf courses, Edmond hosts some of the most exciting PGA and celebrity events. Edmond tennis courts have a history of hosting USTA tournaments. Competitive soccer fields are also available, including one indoors, and competitive ice-skating and roller-skating facilities. The Lazy E Arena, the country’s largest indoor arena, provides a full calendar of rodeo events. Just minutes east of the campus is Lake Arcadia, offering hiking trails, fishing and water skiing. Fifteen minutes south, is downtown Oklahoma City with its great attractions that include Bricktown and the River Walk.

Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, UCO benefits from its location in a vibrant and thriving community. Edmond offers a high quality of life with its historic downtown, excellent schools, and diverse cultural offerings. The community hosts year-round music, art, theater, and sporting events.

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