College of Continuing Education
Administrative Officers
James P. Pappas, Ph.D., Vice President for University Outreach and Dean,
College of Liberal Studies
Richard W. Little, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Continuing Education
Academic Programs
Belinda P. Biscoe, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Public and Community
Services
Cal Hobson, B.A., Executive Director of Continuing Education Support Services
Trent E. Gabert, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Studies,
University Outreach
General Information
The College of Continuing Education (CCE) provides academic outreach opportunities
to the state, region, and nation. As the administrative unit for outreach
at the University of Oklahoma, the College of Continuing Education programs
are the means by which the University extends its resources to the people
of Oklahoma and beyond. By encompassing comprehensive, multidisciplinary
academic services and programs which focus on the needs of adult learners,
the College of Continuing Education offers both credit and non-credit courses,
seminars, workshops, conferences, correspondence study, public service
activities, and travel study programs. The diversity and quality of the
services available through continuing education programs provide an exciting
and challenging academic experience. The College of Continuing Education
develops and administers instructional activities that utilize the insight
and expertise of the University of Oklahoma faculty in conjunction with
community professionals in the areas of business, science, education, and
the arts. The aim of the College of Continuing Education is to provide
an educational foundation that enhances technical and social capability
through a lifetime of learning and renewal.
In addition to the following departments and services, the College of Continuing
Education is constantly developing new programs. For information regarding
the most recently initiated programs, please direct inquiries to:
College of Continuing Education
1700 Asp Avenue
Norman, OK 73072-6400
(405) 325-4414
www.outreach.ou.edu.
Registration and Records
Carol Hoadley, M.S., Registrar
Phone: (405) 325-1022
Applications for admission to Advanced Programs, the College of Liberal
Studies, and off-campus courses are processed by this office. Enrollment
in any credit course requires admission to the University of Oklahoma.
Admission forms are available from the College of Continuing Education
Registration and Records Office. All regulations regarding resident status,
admission requirements, transfer credit, special students, and readmissions
are enforced according to guidelines established by the Oklahoma State
Regents for Higher Education and the University of Oklahoma. Permanent
student records are kept in the College of Continuing Education Registration
and Records Office.
Registration for credit and non-credit classes is offered through the College
of Continuing Education, though Aviation registration is provided at enroll.ou.edu.
Many conferences, workshops, and seminars are scheduled through this office.
CCE Registration and Records will send registration staff to sites both
on and off-campus upon request. Any questions regarding financial payments
and billings should be directed to CCE Registration and Records staff.
CCE Registration accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.
Independent Study registration is processed through the Independent Study
Office.
Telephone registration is often the most convenient form of course registration.
Those interested in attending non-credit programs may call (405) 325-2248
during regular office hours (8 A.M.–5 P.M., Monday–Friday) to register.
Registration for these activities may also be faxed to (405) 325-7164.
To register for credit courses call (405) 325-1021. Oklahomans outside
the Norman area or those outside Oklahoma may call 1-800-522-0772 ext.
2248 for non-credit registration or 1-800-522- 0772 ext. 1021 for credit
registration.
Registrations can also be processed by mail if the registration form with
all requested information is submitted to the CCE Registration and Records
Office. Registration forms for non-credit classes and class schedules are
available upon request from the College of Continuing Education, 1700 Asp
Avenue, Norman, OK 73072-6400. You may view the class schedule online at www.outreach.ou.edu. Before classes begin, registration may be transferred from one course
to another, regardless of the length of either course. Early registration
is strongly recommended as some courses have a deadline. Please consult
the course description in the CCE class schedule for the specified date.
To request an application for admission or for more information regarding
requests for transcripts, admission criteria, or records please contact:
Registration and Records, College of Continuing Education 1700 Asp Avenue,
Room B-1, Norman, OK 73072-6400 or FAX: (405) 325-7273.
Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education
The College of Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma is housed
in the Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education (OCCE). Designed as a comprehensive
adult learning community for educational activities, OCCE is one of eleven
W.K. Kellogg Foundation-funded centers in the United States and Britain.
OCCE provides a comfortable setting for some 35,000 individuals who have
chosen this unique residential facility for their meetings, conferences,
workshops, and seminars.
The Thurman White Forum Building offers facilities for 1,500 participants
through a combination of 21 meeting rooms, a 20-station computer laboratory,
and the large auditorium-sized Forum Room which seats 600. Equipped with
soundproof projection and audio booths, multiple screens, audio/visual
equipment and camera decks, the Forum Room provides many technical adaptations
to meet any group’s conference requirements. On-site technical support
is available for the CCE Computer Lab.
The Sooner Hotel and Suites, a three-story hotel facility, ensures a pleasant
stay for conference participants. Recently remodeled, the Sooner Hotel
has accommodations for 146 in its double and single rooms. Ten cottage
units provide an intimate atmosphere with a kitchenette, living area, two
double bedrooms and a bath.
The Commons Restaurant, a combination of cafeteria, banquet halls, and
private dining rooms, provides catering services and special banquet facilities.
Three large dining rooms may be combined to accommodate 600 people for
large banquets and receptions. The President’s Dining Room on the mezzanine
will comfortably seat 40. For more information on the Oklahoma Center for
Continuing Education call (405) 325-7378.
Advanced Programs
Rita Aragon, M.A., Director
Phone: (405) 325-2250
Advanced Programs was established in 1964 as part of the university’s continuing
education and public service commitment. Since then, more than 8,500 military
personnel, family members and eligible civilians have graduated from this
unique program that stretches from Heidelberg, Germany, to Okinawa, Japan,
to Naples, Italy, to Washington, D.C., to Norman, Okla. At the more than
30 sites worldwide, Advanced Programs allows military servicemembers, their
dependents and other students to self-pace their academic progress and
to schedule classes around the demands of job and family. This program
provides state-of-the-art approaches to teaching adult learners, including
courses offered via distance technology combined with the innovative, intensive
classroom format.
By providing dynamically rewarding learning to students who have attained
life experience, focus and maturity, Advanced Programs has continued its
efforts to “educate the world.” On-campus faculty travel to provide master’s
level instruction in communication, economics, education, human relations,
social work, international relations and public administration.
A unique and innovative Ph.D. program combines the intensive classroom
format with two summer residency experiences on the University of Oklahoma's
Norman campus. Students take all courses, except electives, as a cohort
group. Transcripts and diplomas are identical to those received by Norman
campus students.
Advanced Programs’ strengths include bringing the resources of a comprehensive
research university to students around the globe. A quality administrative
staff provides seamless customer service to students in their pursuit of
educational excellence.
For more information call (405) 325-2250, or you may wish to view our Web
site at www.goOU.ou.edu.
American Indian Institute
Jane Goble Clark, M.P.A., Director
Phone: (405) 325-4298; FAX:-(405) 325-7757
The American Indian Institute (AII) provides culturally sensitive conferences,
training, strategic planning services and expert technical assistance to
American Indian, Alaska Native and Canadian First Nation tribes and bands.
With more than 50 years of experience working with and for Native peoples
and communities, AII recognizes, understands and provides vital services
throughout Indian country.
AII’s programming efforts span four major areas:
- American Indian Center for Healthy Living
- American Indian Center for Preservation of Culture, History and Language
- American Indian Center for Tribal Leadership and Economic Development
- American Indian Center for Research and Evaluation
Determination of each program area is based on accumulated intimate knowledge
of Native people and tribes; our track record of performance and accomplishment;
recurring identified needs and our organizational and staff interests and
expertise. Each core area was developed specifically to assist Native people
in addressing contemporary problems and creating solutions from a Native
perspective.
For more information call (405) 325-4298 or visit the Web site at http://www.aii.outreach.ou.edu/.
Center for Business and Economic Development
Richard Little, Ed.D., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1944
Founded in 1962, the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute
(EDI) is the world’s economic development “teacher.” A unit within OU Outreach,
EDI’s central focus is to provide economic development professionals and
those aspiring to the economic development profession the tools, skills
and knowledge to be successful economic developers and positively impact
their communities. The institute conducts instructional programs in various
locations around the country. Each session lasts one week, and participants
study three core areas considered to be building blocks of economic development:
business retention and expansion, real estate and finance.
OU/EDI draws its instructors from the ranks of today’s leading economic
development practitioners and educators across the country. The institute
is accredited by the International Economic Development Council and is
the only multi-year, professional level program of its type in the U. S.
More than 2,900 economic development professionals have graduated from
OU/EDI with 600 new enrollments annually. OU/EDI added an online format
beginning January 2009, thus allowing participants flexibility to supplement
face-to-face training with the online training.
A collaborative partnership with CETYS University, Baja California, Mexico
OU/EDI delivers the university’s nationally acclaimed Economic Development
Institute to Mexico in strategically located Mexican cities. This is the
first-ever economic development institute outside the U.S.
For more information call (405) 325-1944, or visit us on the Web at http://cbed.occe.ou.edu.
Café Academic Programs
Misty Rhodes, M.S.M., Director
Phone: (405) 325-5101; Fax: (405) 325-0860
The Café Academic Programs department collaborates with a variety of colleges
on the university campus to offer credit and noncredit courses. Architecture
Programs extends the resources of the College of Architecture to professionals
in the field seeking to fulfill continuing education requirements or degree
completion. Credit and noncredit courses in a variety of educational formats,
including travel study, are offered. The College of Continuing Education
at the University of Oklahoma is a registered American Institute of Architects
(AIA) provider.
Arts and Sciences Programs extend the resources of the College of Arts
and Sciences and the College of Liberal Studies to lifelong learners through
special courses, conferences and seminars. This program provides planning
and administration of these activities for faculty who contribute their
content expertise. Arts and Sciences Programs also develop credit courses,
special topics courses, weekend courses, noncredit courses, workshops,
conferences and grant-funded projects. Arts and Sciences Programs offer
the popular Summer in Santa Fe, an annual program featuring many credit
and non-credit courses in this scenic and culturally vital New Mexican
community. In addition, Arts and Sciences Programs sponsor many non-credit
seminars and travel study programs. International travel study programs
have been held in England, France, Germany, Greece and Mexico.
In support of the College of Education, Education Programs delivers off-campus
and self-support credit courses for undergraduate and graduate students,
teachers, administrators and school support personnel. Many of these courses
are delivered in a traditional semester hour format; others are organized
in a compressed time frame to meet the needs of participants with inflexible
schedules. Special conferences and off-campus courses are offered in all
areas of education including early childhood education, adult education,
rural school administration and comparative studies in international education.
Education Programs works with OU faculty and leading professionals in the
fields of educational administration, educational psychology and community
health to provide special conferences and workshops.
In recognition of the critical need for career-long engineering education,
Engineering and Earth and Energy Programs works closely with industry experts,
professional engineering groups and governmental agencies to extend the
expertise of the faculties of the College of Engineering and the College
of Earth and Energy to a wide range of domestic and international clients.
Through its conferences, seminars, workshops, courses and distance-learning
programs, Engineering and Earth and Energy is also committed to the continuing
education of engineers in all aspects of technical research and development.
Investment and international economic development programs involving engineering
and infrastructure projects are also pivotal new directions being taken
by Engineering and Earth and Energy. Major conferences in the areas of
Gas Conditioning, Gas Compression, Cathodic Protection, International Petroleum
Production, National Energy Policy, Radar Meteorology, Rock Mechanics,
Hydrocarbon Measurement, Electrical Energy, Energy Law and Energy Integration
of the Americas provide effective forums for sharing current research and
knowledge. Engineering and Earth and Energy Programs also collaborate with
the School of Petroleum Engineering to deliver a state-of-the-art Blowout
Prevention School. Also significant are graduate level courses leading
to degrees in petroleum and chemical engineering, computer science and
geophysics, which are held in international locations. Many of these courses
are also delivered via electronic technology to industrial sites elsewhere
in the state and beyond.
Fine Arts Programs extends the resources of the College of Fine Arts to
the lifelong learner through a variety of credit and noncredit courses
both on and off-campus. In fine arts areas, talented OU faculty in the
visual and performing arts offer their expertise in activities ranging
from introductory arts appreciation courses to graduate level research
and composition. Honors Wind and Choir, Civic Orchestra and New Horizons
Band are popular programs coordinated through Fine Arts. These Fine Arts
programs also include partnerships with universities like Ewha Women's
University Piano Pedagogy, located in Korea.
For more information call (405) 325-5101, visit us on the Web at www.cafe.ou.edu.
Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence
Pam Lewis, B.A., Director
Phone: (405) 325-2848
The Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence Program provides training
for local government chamber executives and staff. It teaches both the
basic and advanced skills necessary to manage a Chamber of Commerce office.
The program focuses on enhancing the value of local chambers through increased
staff knowledge and practical skills. It provides operational skills in
financial, management, legal issues, member recruitment and business growth.
These skills are facilitated through two-day seminars taught by recognized
chamber professionals.
For more information call (405) 325-2848, or visit us on the Web at http://www.excellence.outreach.ou.edu/.
China Outreach Institute
Sharon Gou, M.B.A., Co-Director
Guoqiang Shen, Ph.D., Co-Director
The China Outreach Institute connects the educational resources of the
University of Oklahoma to China and offers the OU community travel opportunities
to learn about China. The institute also supports and enhances current
Chinese business partnerships with the OU Outreach and the continuing development
of business partnerships between Outreach and China through training and
development.
China Outreach’s education program offers a Master of Education degree
in Shanghai, China, in cooperation with Semiconductor Manufacturing International
Corporation. This OU degree is offered in collaboration with the OU College
of Education. The delivery format is modeled after OU’s Advanced Programs,
which delivers courses around the world. Other degree program opportunities
are being developed.
The travel program offers travel study trips to a variety of locations
in China for OU students. Travel programs are also open to OU faculty,
staff, alumni and the Oklahoma business community.
The Institute offers training and development to businesses, academic and
government institutions from China connecting to OU’s resources. As one
of the Overseas Training Vendors for State Administration of Foreign Experts
Affairs, People's Republic of China, the institute is the business arm
of OU Outreach and has been involved for many years in partnerships with
a number of Chinese companies providing training for their personnel. Some
internationally recognized companies working with the institute are PetroChina,
China National Offshore Oil Company and State Administration of Work Safety
of P. R. China.
For more information, please visit us on the Web at http://www.ouchina.ou.edu.
Community Training and Resource Institute
Pam Lewis, B.A., Director
The OU Community Training and Resource Institute (CTRI) identifies needs,
provides training assistance and offers solutions to communities throughout
Oklahoma to assist them in sustaining their community and providing for
the welfare of their citizens. The institute addresses these needs through
training and other supportive programs and by the identification and integration
of internal and external resources of OU. The institute serves as an information
source to keep communities abreast of events and activities that affect
their sustainability and welfare. Among CTRI’s programs are workshops to
provide guidance on the design of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
compliant sidewalks and trails for access, rural and small town economic
and community development and customized training.
For more information, please visit us on the Web at http://communitytraining.ou.edu/.
Continuing Legal Education
Susan Ervin, M.A., M.S.W., Director
In conjunction with the OU College of Law, Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
programs are offered throughout the year. Continuing Legal Education programs
provide lawyers with credit to fulfill mandatory annual requirements. Learning
opportunities also exist for professionals in the health field to participate
in professional development programs to fulfill requirements for continuing
education and to keep up to date in their fields.
For more information, please visit us on the Web at http://www.cle.outreach.ou.edu.
Center for Early Childhood Professional Development
Susan J. Kimmel, Ph.D., Director
Phone: (405) 799-6383; FAX: (405) 799-7634
The focus of the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD)
is increasing quality care for young children. CECPD provides training
and technical assistance for early care and education professionals with
the goal they become knowledgeable individuals who display a commitment
to excellence which results in improved educational foundations and quality
of life for all Oklahoma children. In addition, CECPD has been awarded
four early literacy research grants over the past several years and continues
to positively affect teachers, young children and families in early language
and literacy skills acquisition.
Primary among the center’s goals is to play an active role in developing
a clearly defined career development system for early childhood professionals.
CECPD’s leadership has established various paths for teachers to improve
their professional qualifications. These initiatives include developing,
implementing and analyzing a comprehensive training program; forming effective
work groups and partnerships to implement strategic directions; conducting
conferences for professionals in the field; and establishing a career recognition
system.
Among the center’s collaborative partners are the Oklahoma Departments
of Human Services, Education and Career and Technology Education; regional
and Indian Head Start programs; U.S. Department of Education, various early
childhood professional organizations; state two-year and four-year colleges
and universities; and others.
For more information, please visit the Center’s Web site at http://www.cecpd.org.
Educational Training, Evaluation, Assessment and Measurement
Belinda Biscoe, Ph.D., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1711
The mission of Educational Training, Evaluation, Assessment and Measurement
(E-TEAM) is to partner with customers in the public and private sectors
to provide customers with carefully crafted research and evaluation studies
and training support to make informed decisions for better outcomes. Because
outcomes matter, E-TEAM partners with clients to conduct research and evaluation
studies that gather information, document results and inform decisions.
E-TEAM provides custom-designed research and evaluations in the content
areas to government, business and educational entities of education, public
health and safety, behavioral and mental health and business solutions.
E-TEAM makes research and analysis more accessible and understandable through
strong writing, effective graphics and creative use of technology. Our
goal is to help individuals and organizations through defining achievable
outcomes and expectations by applying fresh thinking and original solutions
to complex problems.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://eteam.ou.edu/.
Center for Effective Schools
Susan Kidd, Ph.D., Director
Phone: (405) 325-7080; Fax: 405-325-1981
The Center for Effective Schools (CES) is one of only five nationally recognized
Effective School Centers in the United States. The center provides assessment,
training, consultation, technical assistance, strategic planning, follow-up
and evaluation to schools and districts helping them to advance and sustain
school improvement year after year.
CES focuses on renewing student achievement and engaging educators in planning
and application to improve teaching and learning. The school improvement
and professional development practices are based on the Effective Schools
Model, a scientifically-based school reform model centered on the seven
correlates of effectiveness. The center has successfully worked with numerous
school districts in Oklahoma and across the country in improving student
achievement.
For more information, please visit the Center’s Web site at http://ces.ou.edu/.
Center for English as a Second Language
Donna De Luca, M.A., Interim Director
Phone: (405) 325-6602
The Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) offers an intensive
English language program leading to English language proficiency. Designed
for highly motivated students who wish to master English quickly and thoroughly,
CESL provides intermediate through advanced level instruction throughout
the year. CESL can help increase the English language skills of international
students who are academically qualified for admission to the University
of Oklahoma but who need assistance to meet the university's English proficiency
requirement. CESL also provides an ideal means of gaining greater English
competency for residents of the community. International students are aided
by international business and industry leaders who work closely with CESL
and other OU offices to provide quality guidance and instruction. CESL
also hosts special programs with universities in other countries.
For more information call (405) 325-6602, visit us on the Web at http://esl.ou.edu.
Evaluation and Testing
Susan Newkham, B.L.S., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1107
Evaluation and Testing provides a wide range of testing services to more
than 60,000 students in public, private and home schools across the nation.
As the largest comprehensive testing service in Oklahoma, Evaluation and
Testing aids educators in determining their assessment needs including
test selection, scoring, data interpretation and materials. As school budgets
tighten, Evaluation and Testing has explored innovative ways for districts
to make the most of testing dollars. Whether scores are used for individual
remediation or district-wide curriculum alignment, Evaluation and Testing
equips teachers, parents and administrators with comprehensive assessment
information.
Evaluation and Testing has added new software and equipment that allows
the design and printing of surveys and data accumulation forms. These services
are available to schools and other educational entities. Evaluation and
Testing will continue to meet the challenges of tomorrow with the most
recent information, instruments and technology to ensure educators this
valuable educational tool will continue to be available to provide important
insight into student progress.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://et.ou.edu.
Executive Training and Team Quest
Carrie Reilly, M.A., Program Manager
Phone: (405) 325-3248; FAX: (405) 325-7139
Many organizations recognize the need for competency-based training beyond
formal education and on-the-job experience. Training professionals continually
need to develop and update their skills to remain current with the workplace
and with issues that affect them and their organization’s productivity.
Executive Training and Team Quest (ETTQ) equips teams and leaders with
skills and tools to become more effective. Through continued interaction,
ETTQ strives to create partnerships where clients can expect sustainable
change. ETTQ’s unique approach addresses the needs of adult learners through
training experiences that incorporate action learning exercises, self-assessments,
focused discussions and engaging classroom instruction. ETTQ also provides
the Training and Development Certificate Program, created and conducted
in concert with the Central Oklahoma Chapter of American Society for Training
and Development, for professionals who want to increase their skills as
facilitators and trainers.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://ettq.ou.edu/.
Health Promotion Programs
Jane Goble Clark, M.P.A., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1790; FAX: (405) 325-7126
Health Promotion Programs (HPP) was incorporated into OU in 1985 to address
emerging health needs among Native people across North America and Canada.
HPP provides educational services to improve health and wellness including
conferences, trainings, workshops, research and technical assistance. HPP
aids communities, tribes, agencies and individuals in promoting healthy
lifestyles. HPP has facilitated more than 100 Native gatherings in the
past 20 years, and is a national leader among training organizations with
a Native focus. In 2008, HPP became a branch of the American Indian Institute
(AII).
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://hpp.ou.edu/.
Center for Independent and Distance Learning
Randall M. Doerneman, M.Ed., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1921, or 1-800-942-5702
The Center for Independent and Distance Learning (CIDL) is the distance
education development and delivery component of the College of Continuing
Education. CIDL serves both university and non-university communities through:
Electronic Media and Photo Services; Independent Study Department/Testing;
and Telecourses and Television Programs. CIDL also delivers educational
courses and degree programs to military personnel through programs like
Navy College Program for Afloat and GoArmyEd.
More than 150 university credit and 100 high school offerings in more than
40 academic disciplines are offered. College and high school courses are
available in both a print-based and online format. Each college-credit
course contains subject matter identical to classes offered on campus.
OU High School is a fully accredited, diploma-granting program. The University
of Oklahoma is one of only eight public-funded universities nationwide
accredited and approved to award the high school diploma through distance
learning delivery.
Credit through testing is provided to students through the University Testing
Center at CIDL. Among these are the College Level Examination Program (CLEP),
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education (DANTES) Standardized Subject
Tests (DSST) and institutionally developed advanced standing examinations.
The Testing Center also offers the American College Testing (ACT) residual
exam and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Telecourses
and televised instruction broadcast lectures and independent study, permitting
students to earn credit by viewing course lectures and content on public
and cable television channels.
Electronic Media and Photo Services provide photo services for a wide variety
of OU events. A state-of-the-art digital photo production facility enables
faculty to prepare high-quality photographic images for immediate distribution.
Video-conferencing services for seminars, meetings and presentations are
also offered.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://cidl.ou.edu.
Center for Institutional Data Exchange and Analysis
Rosemary Hayes, Ph.D., Director
Phone: (405) 325-2158
The Center for Institutional Data Exchange and Analysis (C-IDEA) was established
in April 1998 to meet the growing national demand for comparative institutional
research data. Its mission is to assist colleges, universities, and other
higher education organizations in developing comparative data and in utilizing
existing national databases for planning and decision-making.
Typically, the center’s projects are funded by two sources: grass-root
support from colleges and universities and federal/state grants and contracts.
As an example of projects receiving grass-root support, C-IDEA is the host
of the Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE). The CSRDE
is supported by a diverse group of more than 470 four-year colleges and
universities. Working together with these institutions, the center conducts
annual retention studies and publishes a report on “Retention and Graduation
Rates at U.S. Colleges and Universities” each year. This publication provides
the most up-to-date and comprehensive retention data analyses in the nation,
and addresses the retention and graduation rates of 80% of all first-time
full time freshmen attending public institutions. It is widely used as
a reference guide for bench marking retention and graduation rates on today's
college campuses. The CSRDE also studies the retention and graduation of
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors, as well
as community college transfers into four-year institutions.
More recently, the center has begun an initiative to expand the CSRDE to
include community colleges in its membership. This expansion will provide
community colleges the opportunity to engage in cooperative data sharing
and reporting activities that will address the retention, graduation, awards,
and transfer issues that are important to them.
As an example of federal/state sponsored projects, the center developed
the National Database on Underrepresented Minority STEM Retention with
a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). C-IDEA is currently
funded to serve as a program evaluator on the NSF Louis Stokes Oklahoma
Alliance for Minority Participation program.
For more information, please visit our Web site: www.occe.ou.edu/csrde/.
Center for Institutional Data Exchange and Analysis
The University of Oklahoma Outreach
1700 Asp Avenue
Norman, OK 73072-6405
(405) 325-2158; FAX: (405) 325-7309
Intersession/Off-Campus Programs
Susan Ervin, M.A., M.S.W. Director
Intersession, held between regular OU semesters and the summer term, gives
students the opportunity to add grade points and earn credit toward graduation
or to study in specialized courses not offered during the regular semesters.
In conjunction with Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), this department
coordinates OU undergraduate courses held at the community college. Offering
these courses helps transfer students complete an associate’s degree and
continue toward a bachelor’s degree at OU.
Students in Oklahoma City and those with inflexible schedules stand to
gain from courses offered between regular semesters and in Oklahoma City
locations. OU Health Sciences Center students and others in the greater
Oklahoma City metropolitan area benefit from OU graduate and undergraduate
credit courses offered throughout the academic year at the OU Health Sciences
Center and at OCCC.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.intersession.ou.edu.
Invest Ed®
Randall Doerneman, M.Ed., Director
Invest Ed® is an unbiased, multi-component investor education program that
is a contract between OU Outreach and the Oklahoma Securities Commission.
Through a variety of programs designed for all ages, the program works
to increase Oklahomans’ investment knowledge and anti-fraud awareness.
Program components include “Investor Protection Kit” and “My Money Handbook”
publications; an anti-fraud documentary series; radio and television public
service announcements and “The Investment Minute” series; summer teacher
institutes and advanced training workshops; and a program for high school
students to track and research the stock market.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://investedok.org.
KGOU=KROU Radio
Karen Holp, M.A., General Manager
KGOU Radio is a full-service public radio station presented as a community
service through the University of Oklahoma Outreach. KGOU broadcasts 24
hours per day to more than 12 Oklahoma counties and nearly 1 million people,
with a potential worldwide audience via the station’s audio web stream.
With professional management staff, part-time student staff and collegiate
interns, KGOU provides a unique program service to the citizens of Oklahoma.
Its mission is to provide programming that enriches the minds of listeners
through news, information, music and arts. National Public Radio’s award-winning
news programs, “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” and award-winning
talk programs “The Diane Rehm Show” and “Talk of the Nation” form the core
of the program schedule. A variety of other informational programs from
the British Broadcast Corporation, Public Radio International and independent
producers round out a schedule of news magazines, discussions, call-ins,
in-depth interviews and features. These programs offer a diverse range
of topics including breaking news stories, politics, business, medicine,
science, literature and international affairs, as well as gardening, cooking,
comedy and entertainment. The presentations move between serious current
issues and civil discussion to humor, culture and the arts.
Locally the station produces news stories, features, documentaries, a weekend
blues show and world music show in addition to “Assignment: Radio,” a program
produced by students who earn class credit for their work. In 2008, KGOU
staff won more than 30 state, regional and national awards for their work.
KGOU highlights a wide range of local community events through its online
and on-air calendars. In addition, the station is a partner in Jazz in
June, a free concert series held annually in Norman. OU students have opportunities
for hands-on experience through practicum, internship and other courses
offered through the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications,
as well as through paid, part-time positions in the various departments
within the station. With assistance from OU, KGOU relies on listener, business
and corporate support to maintain a high quality service for the communities
it serves.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.kgou.org.
Lean Institute
Terry Smith, B.A., Director
The Lean Institute at the University of Oklahoma offers training in Lean,
Supply Chain Operations and Six Sigma White Belt, Green Belt and Black
Belt certifications. Under contract with Tinker Air Force Base (AFB),
the College of Continuing Education first implemented the Lean Institute
at Tinker AFB in order to assist the largest single site employer in Oklahoma
with workforce transformation of Air Force logistical operations. Lean
Institute soon expanded to offer its process improvement training to such
organizations as the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the U.S.
Postal Service. Customized programs are available for small businesses,
hospitals and other companies and organizations seeking to improve processes
and work more efficiently.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.lean.ou.edu.
Medieval Fair
Linda Linn, B.A., Program Director
This living history arts and crafts fair celebrating the Middle Ages is
held each spring at Norman’s Reaves Park. The fair, which is free and open
to the public, attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year from Oklahoma
and across the U.S. and is ranked as one of the state’s top five free events.
Participants enjoy arts and crafts booths and food booths reminiscent of
medieval culture. Popular activities include arts and crafts demonstrations,
cultural exhibits, and a vast array of medieval entertainment including
brightly costumed minstrels, jugglers, armored knights in combat, magicians,
jousting tournaments, and a human chess game. Recent fairs have also hosted
weddings featuring the ceremony and pageantry of the Middle Ages.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.medievalfair.org.
Mid-Continent Comprehensive Center
Belinda Biscoe, Ph.D., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1729; FAX: (405) 325-1824
The Mid-Continent Comprehensive Center (MC3) provides frontline assistance
to state departments of education in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma
to help them implement No Child Left Behind and other related federal school
improvement programs. The center works to help increase state capacity
to assist districts and schools in meeting their student achievement goals.
Centers are responsible for developing strong relationships and partnerships
within their regional community to support this work. MC3 is one of 16
regional comprehensive centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.mc3edsupport.org.
National Center for Disability Education and Training
Rebecca Cook, M.A., Director
Phone: (405) 325-0158
The National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET) has a
rich history of innovative training and service programs that advance knowledge
about disability. The goal of NCDET is to improve independent living, employment
and career opportunities for people with disabilities, thereby enhancing
their lives and the communities in which they live.
Through model programs, NCDET demonstrates that youth and adults with disabilities
can be successfully employed. With funding from several federal grants,
NCDET’s programs specialize in increasing opportunities for youth with
disabilities to learn leadership skills; prepare for careers in science,
technology, engineering and math; experience career building success through
increased rates of graduation; and gain entry into postsecondary education
and employment.
The center has the capacity to develop and deliver diverse, customized
training programs for professionals in related disability fields. Through
funding from the Social Security Administration, NCDET staff delivers training
and services to beneficiaries with disabilities across the state. NCDET
has developed many training tools to improve the skills of management and
frontline staff providing employment support to individuals with disabilities.
The center has more than 20 years of experience in designing and delivering
forward-thinking employment specialist training and advanced coursework
for employment provider agencies in a variety of competency-based courses
leading to certification.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://ncdet.ou.edu.
National Conference Logistics Center
Jan C. Simmons, Ph.D., Director
Phone: (405) 325-3760
The National Conference Logistics Center (NCLC) aids international, national,
regional and local agencies and organizations in designing, developing
and conducting conferences that meet the specific needs of their direct
clientele. National and state agencies typically offer conferences to educate
their grantees about new programs, regulations and best practices. International
professional associations seek to help their members keep abreast of new
regulations and innovations in the field and to provide the opportunity
for professional conferring and networking. NCLC conducts small and large
conferences (from 10 to 10,000 participants) throughout the world.
NCLC calls on the strengths of faculty and College of Continuing Education
staff and the University of Oklahoma at large, as well as a wide range
of other resources and consultants, in recommending appropriate expertise
and presentation skills in various fields of study. The director and staff
of NCLC have extensive experience and demonstrated success in designing
content, providing logistical support and conducting large national and
international conferences of high impact, visibility and national or international
acclaim. They have also conducted small group activities such as focus
groups, guided development meetings and training on various staff development
topics throughout the nation. NCLC provides the infrastructure, support
and general expertise needed to successfully market and conduct conferences,
small groups and focused exhibits and trade shows.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.conferencepros.org/.
National Resource Center for Youth Services
Peter R. Correia III, M.S.W., Director
Phone: (918) 660-3700
The National Resource Center for Youth Services (NRCYS) works to improve
the quality of life for the nation’s at risk youth and their families by
improving the effectiveness of human services. With more than 70 staff
members, the Tulsa, Okla.-based organization receives funding through state,
regional and federal contracts and grants and revenue from fee-based conferences,
training, technical assistance, books and videos.
The center assists agencies by developing training and technical assistance
opportunities that enable child welfare and youth services professionals
to take full advantage of available effective practices. A team of conference
coordinators plans a minimum of eight state, regional and national conferences
each year. For more than 15 years, NRCYS has sponsored the only national
youth leadership development conference for older foster and homeless youth.
Along with training, NRCYS publishes and disseminates state-of-the-art
materials in the areas of child welfare and youth services. Residential
Child and Youth Care Professionals, Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment,
Behavior Crisis Management and Managing Aggressive Behavior, developed
and published by NRCYS, are the curriculums of choice for emergency shelters,
hospitals, therapeutic foster care programs and community-based residential
programs throughout the U. S. and Canada.
NRCYS certifies more than 200 trainers each year to provide in-house training
to their agencies on these four established programs. As well as its own
training programs, the center coordinates and manages several state, regional
and national training programs through contracts with state and federal
public human services agencies. NRCYS works with Oklahoma Department of
Human Services (OKDHS) to plan and coordinate a comprehensive statewide
foster and adoptive parent-training program, providing pre-service and
in-service training for prospective foster, adoptive and kinship parents.
NRCYS also works with OKDHS to assist Oklahoma residential programs, through
training and technical assistance, to provide trauma informed care for
children and youth placed in their programs.
NRCYS also works with the OKDHS to provide training, technical assistance
and assessment services in the Oklahoma Independent Living Program. Through
a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) Administration for Children and Families, the National Child Welfare
Resource Center for Youth Development operates under the NRCYS umbrella.
The center provides free on-site training and technical assistance to state,
local and tribal publicly administered and supported child welfare agencies
across the country. NRCYS has two additional federal cooperative agreements
with the DHHS Administration for Children and Families to operate the Runaway
and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Centers to build the
capacity and improve service delivery of runaway and homeless youth grantee
agencies through targeted training and technical assistance.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.nrcys.ou.edu.
OU Confucius Institute
Sharon Gou, M.B.A., Director
The University of Oklahoma’s College of Arts and Sciences and College of
Continuing Education collaborate in support of the OU Confucius Institute
(OUCI). The institute’s mission is to promote the teaching of the Chinese
language and culture to individuals through mutually beneficial partnerships
with governments, corporations and educational and research institutions.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Oklahoma is part of a global
network of more than 226 Confucius Institutes in 76 countries dedicated
to the promotion and development of Chinese language education and cultural
and business exchange with the People’s Republic of China. It seeks to
facilitate engagement with China in ways that strengthen the understanding,
opportunities and bonds between the people of the south central U.S. and
the people of China. The OUCI is one of the most comprehensive programs
in the U.S. with strong emphasis on K-16 Chinese language promotion. It
also offers both credit and noncredit programs, with the College of Arts
and Sciences serving as the credit resource and the College of Continuing
Education serving as the training and outreach resource.
The College of Continuing Education provides training programs to Chinese
executives and participants from different industries, including education,
petroleum, energy and government. OU’s College of Arts and Sciences initiated
an undergraduate Chinese language major in fall 2006, and the Oklahoma
Institute for Teaching East Asia at OU-Tulsa assists teachers in making
East Asia an integral and permanent part of their curricula.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://cafe.ou.edu/confucius_institute.html.
Oklahoma Byways Program
Pam Lewis, B.A., Director
The Oklahoma Byways Program is a coordinated partnership between the Federal
Highways Administration, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and
University of Oklahoma Outreach. The mission of the program is to protect
and develop Oklahoma’s valued roads and historic sites. Designation as
a byway can occur at the state and federal level. The program encourages
efficient management of the byway corridor and empowers local communities
with the tools, resources and support they need to develop their unique
characteristics. The program captures the state’s treasured places while
travelers gain a new awareness for Oklahoma’s destinations.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.okscenicbyways.org.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Susan Ervin, M.A., M.S.W. Director
University Outreach at the University of Oklahoma has been dedicated to
providing programs for mature adults for some three decades. Initially,
these programs took the form of travel study opportunities and Elderhostel
courses. In the 1980s, OU Outreach dedicated a unit, which became Senior
Adult Services (SAS).
In the summer of 2006, SAS received a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation
in California to become one of 100 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes in
America. For SAS, the grant allows the program to do more of what it does
best — serve the seniors of Oklahoma.
The program provides educational and enrichment opportunities for older
adult learners. These include “Mornings with the Professor,” “Elderlearn,”
“OU Book Club,” “Grand Camps” and “Senior Seminars.”
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.olli.outreach.ou.edu.
Precollegiate Programs
Susan Ervin, M.A., M.S.W. Director
Precollegiate Programs provides academic experiences and leadership training
for pre-college students, first-through 12th grade. The program reaches
5,000 youth each year with its array of academic enrichment and leadership
programs. Among the academic programs are American College Testing (ACT)
and Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) examination review sessions;
Model United Nations of the Southwest; Earth Cycles, an ExxonMobil Bernard
Harris summer science camp; and Horizons Unlimited, a program for gifted
and talented youth. Other programs include Sooner Debate workshop and Mini
College.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://youth.ou.edu.
Center for Public Management
Bob Funston, J.D., Director
Phone: (405) 573-9191
Founded in 1994, the Center for Public Management (CPM) began as SATTRN,
a satellite-training network for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
In the 13 years since its beginning, CPM has expanded its capabilities
and customer base. The CPM team works on more than 300 projects each year
for state and federal government agencies. CPM has provided these agencies
with the ability to incorporate video production, interactive videoconferencing
and Web-based training to their repertoires, while expanding their conferencing
and classroom training capabilities. Research efforts have augmented the
role of CPM through establishing call centers that provide customer service
assistance and community outreach to Oklahoma employers, clients and providers.
CPM has also enhanced its services in the information technology services
beyond training, working on software product lines providing user acceptance
testing, quality assurance, training and documentation services.
For more information about these programs, please contact our office at
(405) 325-0519; http://www.oucpm.org/.
Public Service Institute
Jan C. Simmons, Ph.D., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1731
The Public Service Institute was created in 1996. This think tank brings
together stakeholders, policy makers and leaders to talk about emerging
education, health, economic and social policy issues. These open forums
allow leaders to discuss pertinent strategies for coping with perceived
problems. Change is accelerating in our society. Many organizations have
difficulty responding to this rapid rate of change. The Public Service
Institute guides leaders in effectively managing change while still providing
an unchanging bedrock of service to their clients. Few directors of public
service organizations have received adequate preparation for facilitating
social change; yet they are called upon to lead their organizations, helping
them to survive and thrive in a new environment. Managing change is critical
for any professional whether in schools, churches or public service and
social organizations. Response to change at the community level is often
the greatest single dynamic affecting the success or failure continuum
of the local organization.
Chief among the initiatives of the Public Service Institute is the Infopoverty
Institute. The vision of the Infopoverty Institute is improved lives through
information access. Its mission is to facilitate the use of connectivity
to support effective access to and use of information that will improve
life conditions in impoverished communities around the world. Its goals
are 1) connect the unconnected world and 2) eradicate poverty and its negative
effects through sustainable development.
The Infopoverty Institute is committed to the application of sustainable
development programming that can be maximized through new paradigms for
delivery that empower local people to engage and implement sustainable
development in education. This can result in a much greater impact than
that of the traditional approach toward education, primary health, agriculture,
safe water and economic development-all major concerns dominating international
development.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.psi.ou.edu.
Sooner Flight Academy
Susan Ervin, M.A., M.S.W., Director
The Sooner Flight Academy provides aviation education programs for children
and teachers. The academy uses exciting aviation activities to promote
math, science and experiential learning. Summer aviation camps are held
in Norman. In addition, Sooner Flight Academy offers Ticket to Tomorrow
programs held at schools across Oklahoma.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://flightcamp.ou.edu.
Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies
Phone: (405) 292-4172
The Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies (SWCHRS) is one of the
nation's premier institutions focusing on issues of race and ethnicity.
The Southwest Center is devoted to studying and resolving human conflict
while promoting understanding and cooperation among people of different
racial, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Since its beginning
in 1961, SWCHRS has brought together leaders from business, industry, education,
government, labor, the media and community-based agencies and organizations
to address important issues of cultural diversity and to explore methods
to effect equal opportunities in various areas of our society. In addition,
the Southwest Center compiles and disseminates knowledge about culturally
diverse populations and critical issues affecting them. SWCHRS provides
client-based training programs focusing on cultural diversity and cross-cultural
communications in educational and workplace settings.
Annually, the Southwest Center holds the National Conference on Race and
Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE). NCORE is the leading and
most comprehensive national forum on issues of race and ethnicity in higher
education, drawing more than 2,400 participants from every state and several
foreign countries. NCORE brings together all the key stakeholders including
students, faculty, recruiters, counselors and high-level university administrators
to focus in-depth on ways of expanding opportunities for educational access
and success by culturally diverse, traditionally underrepresented populations.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://swchrs.ou.edu.
Southwest Prevention Center
Joe Wiese, M.S., L.P.C., C.P.S., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1454
The Southwest Prevention Center (SWPC) is a catalyst for positive social
change committed to preventing alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse and
related high-risk behaviors. SWPC has a rich history, spanning more than
a decade, of providing prevention information, training technical assistance
and prevention resource system development opportunities to clients in
a multistate region. The center strives to cultivate healthy, drug-free
environments through community, school and organizational capacity building.
SWPC provides training, technical assistance, materials development, program
evaluation and information dissemination to schools, community-based coalitions,
policy makers and other social service and professional agencies.
The center’s most prominent grant project, the Southwest Center for the
Application of Prevention Technologies (Southwest CAPT) is funded by the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for
Substance Abuse Prevention. The Southwest CAPT serves as a catalyst for
training and prevention research application across the Southwest region,
linking scientifically defensible research to practice within states and
communities. SWPC brings to this effort its ability to create and sustain
collaborative initiatives in which systems at multiple levels share information,
experiences and strategies. The Southwest CAPT project also relies upon
the SWPC’s extensive experience in tailoring technologies for multiple
audiences through a variety of delivery systems, both conventional and
electronic. By enabling growth and change in communities across the Southwest
region, SWPC staff has earned a national reputation for excellence.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://swpc.ou.edu.
Office of Sponsored Programs
Brad Quinn, M.B.A., Director
Phone: (405) 325-7091
The Center for Grant and Contract Studies has as its goal the improvement
of the quality of financial and administrative management of sponsored
programs for colleges and universities, state and local governments, Indian
tribes, and non-profit organizations. Currently, the center offers conferences
and workshops on Basic and Advanced Direct Cost Issues, Indirect Cost and
Other Financial Issues for Short-Form Schools, Faculty Practice Plans and
Other Financial Issues Affecting Medical Centers, Design and Management
of Effective Internal Control and Compliance Systems, Integrated Data Systems,
Indirect Cost Institute, Program Development and Proposal Preparation,
Mid-Year Accounting and Auditing Update, and Oklahoma Single Audit. The
Center has also produced copyrighted publications designed to help the
sponsored program administrator better understand the Office of Management
and Budget Circulars. Nearly 1,000 participants from more than 300 campuses
have already attended the Center’s programs. For more information call
(405) 325-7091.
Center for the Study of Small/Rural Schools
Jan C. Simmons, Ph.D., Director
Phone: (405) 325-1450
The Center for the Study of Small/Rural Schools (CSSRS) is a cooperative
effort between the College of Education and the College of Continuing Education
at the University of Oklahoma. CSSRS has the endorsement of the National
Rural Education Association as one of its five recognized rural education
research centers.
The center aids small and rural schools in building and maintaining necessary
knowledge bases founded on research in the areas of school improvement
and reform, restructuring, staff development, administration and teaching.
The center uses a multifaceted approach in assisting small and rural schools
through workshops, training programs, surveys, needs assessments, provision
of technical assistance and various other services. Its clients include
school boards, teachers, administrators, businesses, community groups,
rural organizations, state and federal agencies, as well as international
agencies and governments. Various areas addressed by the center include
teaching methodology, school improvement issues, at-risk populations, multicultural
and equity concerns, administrator preparation, school board training,
educational technology, strategies for improving community-school relationships
and community development issues. The center also produces cost-effective
in-service videotapes, some of which are available in Spanish. These cover
a wide range of relevant activities featuring nationally recognized presenters.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://cssrs.ou.edu/.
U. S. Postal Service National Center for Employee Development
Heather Reichert, M.B.A., Contract Administrator
Phone: (405) 325-1931
Under contract with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the College of Continuing
Education provides over 240 instructors and support staff for the Norman-based
U.S. Postal Service National Center for Employee Development, the sole
technical training facility for the USPS and one of the most modern training
centers in the world. Instructors teach hands-on maintenance courses on
computer-driven mail processing equipment, electronics, building support
systems and postal vehicles. Offering more than 190 courses, varying in
length from two days to nine weeks, the center trains approximately 60,000
postal technicians a year from all over the U.S.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.nced.com/training/staff/index.php.
Workforce Oklahoma Training Institute
Bill Brackett, Interim Director
Phone: (405) 325-1443
FAX: (405) 325-3862
The Workforce Oklahoma Training Institute (WOTI) provides support to the
Oklahoma workforce development system. WOTI create career development programs
and increases the knowledge and skills of those professionals engaged in
Oklahoma's labor force. The primary focus of the institute is providing
capacity building for the Oklahoma Career Center system. The Career Centers
are the organizing vehicles for transforming the fragmented array of employment
and training programs in the state into a comprehensive and integrated
service delivery system that will meet current and future employment, education
and training needs of Oklahoma's job seekers and employers. The Oklahoma
Career Centers are rich in occupational and labor market information and
offer customers a choice of available services and service providers.
A second focus of the institute is to provide training and capacity building
for staff employed under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The institute
also extends technical assistance to the 12 service areas under WIA that
aid in developing employment and training policies and procedures. Although
WIA staff members are the primary recipients of this training and assistance,
staff from other state and local agencies are allowed to attend the training
sessions.
The institute offers three certificate programs: Employment and Training
Professional Certificate, Workforce Development Quality Leader Certificate
and Group Career Counseling Certificate.
For more information, please visit our Web site: http://www.workforceok.org.
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