Mission Statement
The University of Central Oklahoma empowers students to become ethical, creative, and engaged citizens and leaders through our commitment to transformative learning experiences.
Vision Statement
As a leading metropolitan university, the University of Central Oklahoma prepares future leaders to positively impact local, state, and global communities.
Values Statement
Accessibility - We provide open opportunities for quality higher education and career development through unmatched value.
Community - We provide value and service while engaging within the campus and broader community. We address the social needs of our community through innovation.
Growth - We commit to a learner-centered focus that provides opportunities for holistic development.
Inclusivity - We promote and sustain an inclusive community that embraces diversity, fosters belonging and advances equity.
Integrity - We hold ourselves and our learners accountable to the highest standards of education, service and care.
Leadership - We cultivate the potential of our learners to positively and ethically influence and mobilize others.
Transformative Learning
Definition and Goals
At the University of Central Oklahoma, we are guided by the mission of helping students learn by providing transformative experiences so that they may become productive, creative, ethical and engaged citizens and leaders contributing to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social advancement of the communities they serve.
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. Transformative Learning (TL) develops beyond-disciplinary skills and expands students’ perspectives of their relationships to self, others, community, and environment. Students at the University of Central Oklahoma will have transformative learning experiences in the following six core areas referred to as the Central Six:
- Discipline Knowledge
- Global and Cultural Competencies
- Health and Wellness
- Leadership
- Research, Creative and Scholarly Activities
- Service Learning and Civic Engagement
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. Students present their Snapshots to employers, graduate schools, and others as evidence they possess beyond-disciplinary skills necessary for success in the workplace, the family, the community, and for life-long, life-wide learning.
UCO believes that Transformative Learning:
- develops students’ beyond-disciplinary skills, and
- expands students’ perspectives of their relationships with self, others, the community, and the environment.
For a more in-depth description of STLR, its connection to UCO’s Central Six Tenets, the eportfolio process and Snapshot processes, etc., please visit the UCO Transformative Learning website.
Educational Philosophy
General Philosophy Statement
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. Faculty create meaningful learning environments when they provide intellectually challenging opportunities, interact with students inside and outside of class, provide timely evaluation of student performance, maintain and communicate high expectations for all students, demonstrate concern for the well-being of students, reflect upon their own practice, and participate in the design and continuous improvement of academic programs.
Underlying Principles
- Student-Faculty Contact and Interaction
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. A faculty member’s interest, availability and responsiveness are critical in fostering these changes in students.
- Cooperation and Collaboration
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 to work well with peers of diverse background through team activities and projects develops in students the necessary set of skills required for success in life, the workplace, and in a global context.
- Active Learning
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. The ability to reflect about learning and experiences enables students to make what they learn part of themselves.
- Feedback and Evaluation
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. Feedback that includes suggestions for improvement at various points of the semester and throughout their college experience enables them to further reflect on what they have learned, what they still need to learn, and how to become responsible for their own learning including self-assessment and peer evaluation.
- Time on Task
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. How an institution defines time expectations for students, faculty, administrators, and other professional staff can establish the basis for high performance for all.
- High Expectations
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. Faculty and staff are expected to model and support students’ academic efforts and to demonstrate the importance of life-long learning.
- Diversity
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. We should expect students to learn in multiple ways, as we expect faculty members to approach the art and science of teaching in multiple ways.
- Modeling Professional Behavior
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. Modeling the importance of life-long learning and being responsible for one’s continued learning and professional and personal development is crucial.
- Inquiry, Research, Creative and Critical Thinking
Learning is enhanced by engaged students in transformational activities related to understanding the existing theory and knowledge base of their discipline, learning and using tools of inquiry and research and further developing their ability to think creatively, abstractly, and critically.
- Learning-Centered
In a learning-centered organization, students, faculty and staff are simultaneously challenged and supported by a community of colleagues who demonstrate care, respect, empathy and passion for learning.
Leadership
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. It is our goal as “The Leadership University” to help all students acquire the understandings and to develop those skills necessary to become ethical and productive leaders.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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. Discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy should be reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) located in Bausher Place, Suite 115, by phone at (405) 974-5321, email at eeo@uco.edu, or online by visiting the OEO webpage.
After office hours or on holidays, the report may be made by contacting University Police Services at (405) 974-2345.
*Please note that “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are not protected personal characteristics under federal or state law, but were added to the Equal Opportunity Statement by the University.
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 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. Consistent with this obligation, the University of Central Oklahoma prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex in academics, employment, and all of its programs and activities.
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. Visit the Title IX office for more information about your options, including reporting and confidential resources.
Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Erin Logan
Bausher Place, Suite 115
Edmond, OK 73034
Phone: (405) 974-5321
TitleIX@uco.edu
Diversity Statement
The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO)’s explicit commitment to diversity is essential in fulfilling the university’s mission to provide transformative educational experiences to students so that they may become productive, creative, ethical and engaged citizens and leaders serving the global community.
Diversity encompasses a range of values, personal experiences, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance, including differences of actual or perceived race, creed, color, ethnicity, geography, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, alienage or national origin, genetic information, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, language, ability/disability, status as a veteran, marital status, learning style and immigration status, among other forms of diversity.
Diverse backgrounds broaden and deepen the educational experience and scholarly environment that are essential to achieving academic excellence. UCO promotes academic excellence and enhances the scholarly and creative environment by systematically pursuing the following goals:
- To promote diversity by encouraging students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to enroll at and to graduate from UCO.
- To recruit and retain faculty and staff from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
- To foster an institutional culture that values a diverse community and that invites authentic interaction among the members of that community.
UCO recognizes that enhancing diversity in service to the university’s mission and goals requires leadership, commitment and consistency. Leaders at all levels have an obligation as they build upon this commitment to embrace and sustain diversity in every area of the university.
UCO vigorously fosters diversity on its campus and in the communities it serves. By valuing and promoting diversity, the university acknowledges uniqueness, similarities, and differences among its stakeholders while providing transformative learning experiences for its students.
UCO celebrates its tradition of inclusion and recognizes that strengthening and expanding diversity on its campus is essential to the university’s continued success.
Accreditation
The University of Central Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Institutional, College, School and Department Accreditations
Specialized Accreditations
Specialized accreditations are granted by the following organizations:
Undergraduate Accreditations
College of Business
College of Education and Professional Studies
College of Fine Arts and Design
College of Liberal Arts
College of Mathematics and Science
Forensic Science Institute
- The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigations, the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science - Chemistry, the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science - Molecular Biology and the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science - Digital Forensics are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
Graduate Accreditations
Degrees Offered
Certificate-undergraduate and graduate
Associate in Applied Science
Bachelor of Applied Technology
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts Education
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music Education
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Education
Master of Arts
Master of Athletic Training
Master of Business Administration
Master of Education
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Music
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Health
Master of Science
Professional Science Master’s
Education Specialist
Doctor of Science
Changes in degrees may be subject to the Higher Learning Commission substantive change requirement prior to enrollment of students.
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. Just as close are Oklahoma’s state Capitol, the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Science Museum Oklahoma.
History of the University
The University of Central Oklahoma is the sixth name for what started in 1890 as the Territorial Normal School of Oklahoma.
During its 134-year history, UCO also has been known as Central State Normal School (1904-18), Central State Teachers College (1919-38), Central State College (1939-70) and Central State University (1971-91).
Regardless of the name, Central is a place where hard-working Oklahomans, as well as students from other states and countries, realize their dreams of receiving advanced educational degrees to launch careers and provide better lives for their families.
Central’s history includes the first class of higher education in the new Oklahoma Territory. The class of 23 students met Nov. 9, 1891, in Edmond’s Methodist Episcopal Church. The university’s landmark Old North is the state’s first publicly funded higher education building to hold classes, held Jan. 13, 1893, in the partially completed structure.
Four years later, in 1897, the first graduating class of three women and two men received their hard-earned teacher certificates. In 1919, curriculum was added for a bachelor’s degree program. The first master’s degree was conferred in 1955.
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. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute.
Today’s ever-growing campus serves more than 13,000 students on a 200-acre Edmond campus. In addition, students and the community enjoy the UCO Jazz Lab near downtown Edmond and the UCO Boathouse at Arcadia Lake.
Downtown Oklahoma City facilities include UCO at Carnegie Center, offering classes from all of UCO’s different colleges; UCO at Santa Fe Plaza, home to a learning center, UCO MBA classes, LX Studio and KUCO-FM; The UCO Boathouse on the Oklahoma River, home to the Women’s Rowing team, a performance venue and an art gallery; and, the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM@UCO) in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown.
Campus and Buildings
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. At present, the campus contains just over 200 acres located four blocks east of the business district of Edmond.
UCO @ Carnegie Centre in Downtown Oklahoma City provides opportunities for working adults and downtown residents who are seeking accessible and convenient approaches to furthering their education. This facility is also a hub for professional development and industry-specific training.
UCO @ Santa Fe Place, located in Downtown Oklahoma City, provides accessible and convenient opportunities for working adults and downtown residents who are seeking to further their education. Renovations completed in 2019 include new classrooms and STEM lab, office space for faculty and staff, The Catbird Seat business incubator, and the KUCO radio station. The UCO Boathouse, located on the Oklahoma River in Downtown Oklahoma City’s vibrant Boathouse District, serves as home to UCO’s women’s rowing team, as well as housing an art gallery and a live performance venue.
At its offices located on Bryant Avenue two blocks east of the main campus, UCO’s Center for eLearning and Connected Environments (CeCE) supports the design, development, and delivery of UCO’s electronic learning courses.
The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO) is part of the College of Fine Arts and Design. It is located in Downtown Oklahoma City’s “Bricktown” area and maintains strong connections with the Edmond campus as well as other Academies of Contemporary Music throughout the world.
Located within the ACM@UCO is the Business Development Center in which students will build portfolios, connect with working musicians and other music industry professionals and seek career opportunities.
The Lillard Administration Building, occupied in the spring of 1963, contains the main administrative offices of the University, including those of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Finance, the Vice President for Business Operations, the Chief Information Officer for Information Technology, the Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, and others.
The Art and Design Building was originally constructed in 1952 as the Student Union. Following completion of the Nigh University Center in 1967, the Art and Design Building was completely renovated to include classrooms, studios, and the Melton Gallery.
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. In 2019, a 26,000 square foot addition was completed, adding practice facilities and locker rooms.
The Business Building houses the offices and classrooms of the College of Business and was first occupied in the fall of 1962. A second building was added in 1983 and the two were connected in 1996.
Bausher Place was completed in December 2019. Named after a Winifred Bausher who served students in the late 30’ early 40’s. 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. The additional 22,500 square feet houses support areas for Campus Enterprises, offices from the division People and Culture and a multi-use open office area which serves as administrative offices for Human Resources as well as additional needed administrative support space.
The 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. Kayak, canoe, and archery classes are taught at the facility.
The Center for Transformative Learning (CTL) opened Fall 2010. This 33,000 square-foot building, located on the east side of campus, includes 11 classrooms, the Department of Educational Sciences, Foundations, and Research, the Radke Fine Arts theatre, an outdoor classroom and several unassigned or informal spaces to encourage what UCO calls “transformative learning.” The CTL supports UCO’s stated academic mission to “help students learn through transformative experiences so they may become productive, creative, ethical and engaged citizens contributing to the intellectual, social, economic and cultural advancement of the communities they serve.” To accomplish this, UCO’s Transformative Learning program has six emphasis areas, also called the “Central Six.” These, in addition to classroom learning in the chosen major, are: leadership; problem solving (research, creative and scholarly activities); service learning and civic engagement; global and cultural competencies; and health and wellness.
The CO-OP Esports facility is 6,000 square feet of renovated space dedicated to Esports. It includes gaming set ups to support competition team play as well as individuals and informal gaming groups.
The Max Chambers Library opened its doors to students in January 1969. A major addition completed in 1997, nearly doubled the existing building. This four-story building is one of the most modern libraries in the Southwest. It includes a large microfilm reading room, seminar rooms, conference and study rooms, a document room, and the extensive archives and special collections located on the second floor. It also houses the Curriculum and Instruction Department and the Donna Nigh Department of Advanced Professional and Special Services from the College of Education and Professional Studies.
Following the completion of the new library, the former Max Chambers Library (constructed in 1956) was renovated to become the Communications Building in 1968. It contains offices, classrooms, and labs for the Department of Mass Communication, the School of Criminal Justice, the student newspaper the Vista, and UCentral Student Media.
The Education Building was completed and occupied in 1996. Of post-modern architecture, it houses the office of the dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, classrooms, computer labs, and multimedia facilities.
Evans Hall was completed and occupied in 1916 and housed the University library until 1957. It underwent a major renovation in 1989 and now provides offices for the UCO Foundation, Inc., the dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design, and the Laboratory of History Museum.
The W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute was 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. The FSI facility also contains office space for all FSI personnel and an atrium for functions and receptions.
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. The FSI Building was designed by nationally recognized Frankfurt Short Bruza of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Health and Physical Education Building, adjacent to Wantland Hall, was completed in the fall of 1958. It contains offices, classrooms, and a dance studio for the Kinesiology and Health Studies Department. The top floor houses the Broncho Corral, now used as a class and meeting room.
The Math and Computing Science Building was completed in the spring of 1983. It houses the offices and classrooms of the departments of Computing Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and also the University Computer Center.
The Coyner Health Sciences Building was first occupied in the spring of 1984. It houses the offices and classrooms of the departments of Nursing and Funeral Service. The building was dedicated in honor of the Coyner family on October 13, 1989.
The Human Environmental Science Building was dedicated in the spring of 1969. It contains the offices and classrooms of the Human Environmental Sciences and the Adult Education and Safety Sciences departments, a modern food laboratory, a living room for receptions, and a laboratory school for pre-school children.
Howell Hall, first occupied in 1948, has been extensively modernized, and an addition to the building has more than doubled the floor space. Housed in the hall are offices, labs and classrooms for the Chemistry, Engineering and Physics, and Biology Departments. A threestory laboratory wing was added in 1997.
The 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. It includes several offices, the Jazz Lab, a recording studio, a performance club, and a restaurant.
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. The addition contains multiple transformative-style classrooms, a 200+ seat auditorium that also functions as a storm shelter, faculty and administrative offices, and a new student community area.
The MakerSpace is 5500 square feet of workshop space dedicated to the design and fabrication of engineering projects and is part of the UCO School of Engineering.
Mitchell Hall Theatre was 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. The addition is known as the Mitchell Education Center and includes a 900-person storm shelter.
The Music Building was first occupied in the fall of 1952. It houses vocal and instrumental music, together with a number of private practice studios and a recital hall. The building was enlarged in 1968.
Old North, the first campus building, is built of native sandstone quarried near Edmond, and it is the center of the University of Central Oklahoma traditions. The University clock is located in its tower with faces in all four directions. Old North is listed in the National Historical Register. After an extensive renovation, the facility reopened its doors Spring of 2017. The fully renovated building houses classrooms, Office of the President, the Department of Psychology, and the division of Enrollment and Student Success.
Thatcher Hall, a former residence hall named after the first president, Richard Thatcher, celebrated its “re-grand opening” in the fall of 1995. The building now houses a variety of offices, some College of Business faculty, classrooms (including Distance Education Interactive Video Courses), the Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center, the eLearning Testing Center, Distance Education-Self-Paced Online Courses (SPOC), the ROTC program, the University’s “12-Live” classroom, and a mini-museum.
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. It is a center for campus and community activities and includes such student facilities as the University Bookstore, convenience store, post office, food court, restaurant, the Bell, and recreation area.
The building provides a centralized location for student admissions, registration, advisement, financial aid, international, and graduate services. Also included in the building are a large ballroom, meeting rooms, and offices for Campus Life, Student Senate, Counseling Services, Career Services, and the Dr. Joe C. Jackson College for Graduate Studies.
The Selman Living Laboratory is a field station near the town of Freedom in western Oklahoma that occupies more than 300 acres of mixed-grass-gypsum prairie including the biologically important Selman Cave System. The laboratory was established in 1998 through a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Tourism, and has continued to grow and develop through generous donations from the Selman family, supporters of the laboratory, and state and federal grants.
The Don Betz STEM Teaching and Research Center is a 55,000 square foot building and contains multiple undergraduate research program spaces as well as house the College of Mathematics and Science supercomputer, classrooms and an 80-seat secure storm shelter/auditorium. This facility allows UCO students to use current state of the art labs and scientific equipment in fields such as Forensic Science, Nursing, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, & Mathematics. Completed in November of 2018.
The Sports Performance Center is a 41,000 square foot facility completed in 2018. It contains support spaces for the Athletic programs at UCO to include weight and training areas, football locker room, a tutorial center, hydrotherapy and sports training area, coaches’ offices, and administrative spaces for the Athletic department. It also includes the Bell Completed (Broncho Education and Learning Lab).
The Sports Performance Annex is an 8,000 square foot facility, which houses baseball, softball, and golf indoor practice areas, as well as a visitor locker and laundry facilities.
Chad Richison Stadium is home for the Bronchos football team. First used in 1965, Chad Richison Stadium underwent a $16 million renovation in 2005, and a $10 million expansion in 2022, which increased seating capacity to 12,000.
Wantland Hall, officially dedicated February 7, 1928, serves the Kinesiology and Health Studies Department and includes a gymnasium, basketball court, locker rooms, and offices.
The Baseball Complex was completed in the spring of 2020 and includes field upgrades with the addition of a team building that houses a locker room, coaches offices, concessions, and public restrooms.
The Softball Complex construction began June 2016 and was completed February 2017. The facility includes a new Team locker room, Coaches Office, Team Lounge and also new public toilet facilities to support the new 150 seat bleachers and Press box facility, new visitor and home team dugouts and new visitor and home team bullpen/batting cages in addition to a new artificial turf playing surface
The South Central Plant project was completed in 2017 and includes three elements: 6,500 square foot stand-alone building that houses the plant equipment, new chiller plant and controls systems, and underground piping loop that serves the south side of campus.
The Wellness Center exists to provide students, faculty, staff, and community members with a premier facility that promotes health and wellness. The Wellness Center strives to link positive healthy lifestyles and intellectual growth, so that participants can reach their full potential.
A multi-purpose 57,140 square feet recreational center includes two indoor basketball/volleyball courts; one outdoor basketball court; group fitness rooms; walking/running track; 65 pieces of cardiovascular equipment; strength training area including free weights and machine equipment; classrooms, rock climbing wall, and a vending area.
The Y Chapel of Song construction began in 1941 and was completed in 1949 through the services and gifts of hundreds of students, faculty, alumni, friends, and through the efforts of the Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A. The chapel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 because of its significance in art. It is used today for initiation ceremonies, weddings, meetings and meditation.
Living on Campus
Supported by the professional and student team in Housing & Residential Engagement, the five residence hall options offer secure and unique living environments. By making the choice to live in one of these halls, students can enhance their college experience with access to numerous opportunities to get involved in campus life, make life-long friendships, and achieve a higher GPA than those who live off-campus.
Within the halls, Resident Assistants and student-led organizations provide hundreds of programs and activities each semester designed to meet new neighbors, connect residents with campus faculty and resources, and encourage self-growth in all residents. In addition to encouraging character growth, diversity, and community in each residential facility, the staff is a vital source for information concerning university resources and events.
All residential facilities are smoke and alcohol-free, and each room is fully furnished. All residents are provided with free wireless internet, with all utilities paid as part of the all-inclusive room rates. Students who reside in The Quad, Murdaugh Hall, West Hall, or the University Suites are required to participate in a campus meal plan, with a variety of options to choose from that best fit the needs of each resident.
The Housing & Residential Engagement Office is located in Bausher Place room 201 and operates during regular university business hours 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. weekdays. They can be reached at 405-974-2746 or via email at housing@uco.edu. More information can be found online, including rates, virtual showrooms, application information and move-in details on the Housing and Residential Engagement website.
Residence Hall Options
The University of Central Oklahoma offers unique living environments designed to meet the needs of UCO’s diverse student body. Each option features fully-furnished rooms, with all utilities paid. To be eligible for residence in university housing, an individual must be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at UCO.
Students in The Quad, Murdaugh, Suites, and West are required to participate in the campus meal plan. A variety of meal plan options allow students to choose a plan best suited to their needs. These meal plans can be used in a variety of areas throughout campus. From all-you-care-to-eat at Ayers Kitchen with brick oven pizza, salad bar, dessert case, and much more to the Starbuck’s and the Express Food Court in the Nigh University Center, the dining options on campus are designed to meet the needs and tastes of our students. University Suites has the Sidelines Grill within the residence hall, serving wings, burgers and fries for those who want to stay close to home and eat.
More than 400 students choose West Hall to call home each year. The co-ed traditional-style hall features double-occupancy rooms and community-style bathrooms that are professionally cleaned daily. Students can be found in the spacious central courtyard, variety of study spaces, or the recently renovated and cozy lobby as they study and socialize. This residence hall is highly recommended for freshmen.
Historic Murdaugh Hall has a lively student resident community throughout the year. As the most centrally located residence hall, the convenience of living in this housing option cannot be overstated, and more than 300 students take advantage of its proximity to academic buildings each year. Recently updated, this co-ed traditional style building buzzes with activity as residents enjoy the lobby and sunroom, and a professional cleaning staff ensures all residents have access to a clean community-style bathroom daily. This residence hall is highly recommended for freshman students.
The Transformative Learning Quadrangle or “The Quad” is the newest addition to the residence hall options at UCO. Combining the best aspects of all other campus living options, The Quad features pod-style halls that foster smaller communities within the whole of the hall. A community kitchen is available to all residents in The Quad, in addition to the standard amenities of community spaces and free laundry rooms. As the home of the Living Learning Communities program, this hall was specially designed to foster academic success. The west wing is also home to the internationally recognized International House, which provides a place to live and gather to the vibrant international student community found on campus. With a beautiful courtyard steps away and easy access to campus amenities, success at UCO will be an easy effort for all students who choose this living option. This residence hall is highly recommended for freshmen.
The hotel-inspired University Suites is home to more than 300 students who enjoy the upscale set-up of the rooms and the ease of access to the Wellness Center and athletic facilities. This residence hall features furnished suite-style rooms with private or Jack-and-Jill style bathrooms and contains the popular late-night dining option Sidelines Sports Grill within its very walls. This more privacy-oriented hall is a great option for students looking for a quiet haven from the buzz of campus life, and the lounges and movie room on the upper floors are fun-filled retreats for groups of students. Students can be found hanging out with fellow residents in the lit outdoor courtyard playing basketball, volleyball, or swinging in the popular hammocks installed throughout the courtyard. This residence hall is highly recommended for freshmen.
University Commons are on-campus apartments that combine the freedom and privacy of an apartment with the convenience of on-campus living. More than 350 residents experience the best of both worlds by choosing this option, which features fully furnished two- and four-bedroom apartments complete with kitchen, laundry room, and living room. This bright corner of campus sees residents enjoying their patios in the warmer months and decorating their patios with twinkling lights for a bit of festivity as the weather cools. This residence hall is highly recommended for upper-class and transfer students.
Campus Dining Locations
Students can enjoy the various dining options found across campus and operated by Campus Dining Services and the university’s catering partner, Chartwells. Meal plans make accessing crowd-favorite menus easier and affordable, as students save sales tax on each purchase with a convenient swipe of their student ID.
The largest dining option on campus is Ayers Kitchen, an all-you-care-to-eat location featuring brick oven pizza, soup and salad bar, smoked entrees, tacos, and more. With 13 serving stations, guests are guaranteed to find something to enjoy anytime they visit the location.
Sidelines Sports Grill is the late-night option on campus and is located in the University Suites residence hall. Open to the campus community, this location serves sports grill favorites like burgers, wings, wraps and more in a space designed to bring the feeling of the sports grill to campus.
The NUC Food Court is home to four different dining options to fit every taste. Perennial favorite Chick-fil-a is always host to a line of fans. Second Street Subs give the power of customization to diners as they craft a sub to go, and Sushi with Gusto is home to daily fresh-rolled sushi like Philadelphia Rolls, Rainbow Rolls, and more. Finally, students can visit local favorite Bondi Bowls for delicious vegan and gluten-free options.
1890 Metropolitan Café is an option the campus can’t get enough of. With a menu of special sandwiches, loaded fries, and twisted macs, this fast-casual location in the Nigh University Center is popular with students needing a study spot or a group to gather over the delicious offerings.
Starbucks is an option that speaks for itself, bringing its expansive menu of specialized coffees and beverages to students looking for a pick-me-up in between classes.
One of the newest locations to the campus is Pegasus Café, a coffee and smoothie bar located in the expanded Liberal Arts building. Made-to-order drinks can be picked up on the way to class or when headed out the door, and a case of bakery favorites and quick lunch options are always available.
Finally, The Market locations in the Max Chambers Library and the Nigh University Center are stocked full of beverages, snacks, and quick lunch options available to grab on-the-go. As the campus convenience store, students can also find other handy items like medication and hygiene products at location easily accessible from any spot on campus.
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