Living central, 06/2012

              U N I V E R S I T Y O F C E N T R A L O K L A H O M A
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Awards Honor UCO Campus Improvements
UCO has received several recognitions for good management. For the second year in a row, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Central for using more green power than any
other school in its conference, naming it the 2011-12 Green Power Champion of the Mid-American
Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Central receives 100 percent of its electricity from wind power.
In addition, University Business magazine and Higher One recognized UCO as a national Model of
Efficiency for its innovative solution to a surplus of printers, so far saving the university $400,000. In
addition, Central has been recognized as a Certified Healthy Campus, a program sponsored by the
Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Turning Point Council, Oklahoma Academy of State
Goals and the State Chamber.
New Degrees to Meet State Needs
Central is offering three new master’s degree programs — starting this fall, one in Human
Communication and one in Public Administration, with a third, a Master of Science in Nursing, to
start in January. The programs will offer classes during times conducive to those working full time, as well
as traditional graduate students. The Human Communication degree program offers specialization in
conflict management, relational dynamics, family communication, ministry, interpersonal communication
training, intercultural and global competencies, and mediation. The Public Administration degree will
emphasize areas such as city management, human resources, nonprofit leadership and international
organizations. It’s intended to help future needs as nearly 50 percent of state employees will qualify
for retirement in the next 10 years.
‘Upward Bound’ Gets $1.53 Million Grant
The U.S. Education Department’s Upward Bound program has awarded $1.53 million to UCO to
continue the university’s outreach to metro-area high school students to help them prepare for
college. The funds will be divided over the next five years for Central’s Upward Bound program, that
serves low-income, first-generation and ethnically underrepresented students from Capitol Hill,
Crooked Oak and Star Spencer high schools in the metro area. Counseling, tutoring, assisting in class
selections, taking students on cultural outings and college-campus tours — all are part of the services
provided through both on-site activities at the schools as well as six-to-eight week residential summer
sessions on the Central campus. Live Central TM
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Creating a
Culture of
Learning,
Leading
and Serving