Learning Centers and Programs

KERR FOUNDATION COMPUTER CENTER

Computers are an integral part of the learning experience. The Computer Center is here to meet the technological needs of each student-athlete. We supply state-of-the-art equipment along with the support necessary to succeed.

The Computer Center provides student-athletes with access to some of the finest computers and a complete array of educational software to help them excel in the classroom. The same resources are available through the laptop program. Laptops are available for check-out for weekends, holidays and team travel.

ATHLETIC COMPUTER CENTER RULES & REGULATIONS

•A student ID card is required to use the center.
•Student-athletes are allocated space on the departmental network drive for data storage.
• No guests are allowed in the center. For group projects, please use a portable computer in one of the study areas.
•Sharing or copying files is prohibited.
•Internet use is restricted to appropriate areas only.
•During directed study periods, Internet and CD-ROM use is restricted to course-specific topics only.

Desire to Learn, or D2L, is an online classroom community set up by your professors. D2L has class rosters, discussion areas, an online drop box and a grade book. Your professor could use some or all of the features that D2L offers. Log in and take some time to explore the website at learn.ou.edu.

The Global Address Book is a complete listing of OU email addresses. Students can access the Global Address Book through their OU email accounts. When writing an email, simply click on the “To” to open up the Global Address Book. You can then search for any student, faculty or staff member’s email address by their last name and first name.

ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAM

The goal of the Accelerated Learning Program is to promote and develop self-directed, active, lifelong learners. There are two facets of this program that enhance this goal - Academic Mentoring and Reading Improvement.

ACADEMIC MENTOR PROGRAM

An Academic Mentor works with student-athletes in individualized sessions on different skills that are important in developing the whole student. One of the most essential skills that is encouraged and practiced in a mentor session is time management. Student-athletes have a steep learning curve when trying to balance academics and athletics, so it is pertinent to learn this skill to become successful students and athletes. The mentors also help students learn useful study techniques such as note-taking and test-taking strategies as well as improve problem solving strategies. Mentors also teach students how to utilize their unique learning style to maximize the time spent studying for their classes.

READING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Reading Improvement Program is designed to assist students with improving and increasing confidence in their reading skills. The Reading Specialist works with students in individualized sessions, building on strategies for reading comprehension and specific skill development instruction.

KERR FOUNDATION FOREIGN LANGUAGE CENTER

The Kerr Foundation Foreign Language Center offers a multi-media environment designed to enhance the learning experience in all foreign languages, Native American languages, and English as a second language. Tutors are available during laboratory hours to clarify grammatical concepts and to engage in conversation practice in the target language.

In addition to learning a second language in the Kerr Foundation Foreign Language Center, student-athletes can gather information and prepare to participate in one of the university’s study abroad programs.

STUDY ABROAD FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

In an age of globalization, study abroad has become a vital part of preparing students as aware, culturally competent citizens. Study abroad also helps optimize the professional marketability of students, and is a highly recommended part of the college experience.

Student-athletes have always faced more challenges when trying to study abroad than other university students due to their limited time schedules and the need to maintain optimal physical conditioning throughout the year. The University of Oklahoma has made a commitment to provide study abroad opportunities for every student, regardless of his/her commitment to a university sport. Every semester there are more classes offered to better accommodate the limited time schedules of student-athletes.

Study abroad courses are held during the Fall Semester, Winter Intersession, Spring Semester, May Intersession, June Summer Session, July Summer Session, and August Intersession. These courses take place for 3 week, 4 week, 8 week, semester-long and year-long programs, along with a couple of opportunities over Spring Break.

For more information, contact Jennifer Jarvis-Denny at jjarvisdenny@ou.edu or 325.0117.

TUTORING & MATH CENTER

The tutoring program provides support to our student-athletes in both lower division and upper division classes in order to ensure successful completion of classes. Tutors are available to assist student-athletes in all subject areas, for individual or small group sessions. As a supplement to class instruction, the center provides all levels of math computations, concepts, and problems in order to help you review course material, and offers personal and group tutoring sessions to assist with math assignments. Student-athletes are held accountable for unexcused absences and will be charged for missed sessions.

THOMPSON WRITING CENTER

The Writing Center offers one-on-one conferences focused on writing for all disciplines, and can assist you with the organization, style, and clarity of your papers. Tutors can help you review basic writing strategies, develop proofreading skills, and help you become a better writer.

TYPES OF SERVICES AVAILABLE

• Assessment
• Grammar and composition
• Conferences
• One-on-one sessions with a tutor for all stages of the writing process
• Day and evening drop-in hours
• Self-instruction
• Computer-assisted instructional programs
• Self-study modules
• Word processing
• Plagiarism Detection Program
• Personal computers available
• Handouts addressing writing concerns
• Internet access for on-line resources and research
• Library collection of reference books
• Capstone research and librarian help and periodicals
• Preparation for English placement testing

To accomodate the needs of many student-athletes, the Writing Center offers a variety of services to meet each students’ unique needs. The Writing Center always has staff available to get quick questions answered as well as offers students the ability to schedule appointments to meet with writing tutors for one-on-one or online writing sessions. Appointments can be made in by calling 325.4828, by emailing aslwritingcenter@ou.edu, or in person by visiting the Writing Center.