Student Organizations
Involvement in College of Education student organizations serves as a means for students to interact with each other, faculty members and the College's administration. From networking with students and professionals in a specific discipline to assisting with the College's many volunteer efforts, student organizations provide an avenue for increased involvement and heightened learning during your time in the College.
Specific majors and interests, College-wide interests, and academic distinction and contributions to education are among the areas represented by the College's many student organizations, which include the following:
THE COUNSELING STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Counseling Student Association aids the entry of graduate students into the professions of Counseling Psychology, Community Counseling, and School Counseling through such activities as mentoring new students, arranging colloquia, and providing input into program curricula and governance.
DEAN'S STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The presidents of all of the undergraduate student organizations in the College of Education comprise the Dean's Student Advisory Committee. Student leaders meet with the dean once a month to discuss current issues in the college and ways to improve their educational experience. The committee organizes several college events throughout the year, including the college-wide picnic, homecoming parade, Sooner Saturday, and the Scholastic Book Fair featuring book signings by authors of children's books. Meetings are open to all interested students.
DIVERSITY APPRECIATION GROUP
Diversity Appreciation Group (DAG) is a student run group that is part of the Counseling Student Association. Its main objective is to create a forum in which students and faculty can explore and discuss our beliefs, values and behaviors in relation to others who are different from us in terms of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, socio-economic status, and other differences. Activities and cultural events are organized to help participants challenge their own biases.
EDPSYCH GRADUATE ORGANIZATION
The purposes of the EGO are to collect, organize, and disseminate information to all graduate students in the Department of Educational Psychology regarding department news; scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, and research opportunities; employment opportunities; and social gatherings. A further purpose of the group is to serve as a hub for networking and establishing support systems. The group serves as a colloquia from which to learn about the latest theories, ideas, technologies, and practices within the specific areas of Instructional Psychology and Technology, the Counseling Programs, and Special Education. The group also serves as an agency from which to invite outside or local speakers on relevant subjects. Further, the group fosters understanding, cooperation, and collaboration between the specific areas of focus within Educational Psychology.
KAPPA DELTA PI
Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education, recognizes outstanding contributions to education and encourages professional fellowship. Those undergraduate education majors who exhibit sound scholarship (a GPA of at least 3.40), commendable personal qualities, and worthy educational ideals are eligible for membership.
OKLAHOMA EDUCATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION
OESA is an academic organization founded in 2001 to support graduate students and faculty in Education studies. Membership in OESA is open to all graduate students and faculty at the University of Oklahoma who are involved in educational inquiry and are in good academic standing, and committed to high quality scholarship and inquiry in the various fields of education. Education Studies derives its character and methods from a number of academic disciplines, and area studies, including history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, religion, political science, economics, psychology, cultural studies, gender studies and educational policy studies.
THE STUDENT COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN
The University of Oklahoma Student Council for Exceptional Children is dedicated to enhancing the preparation of preservice special educators as they are about to embark on teaching students of all abilities. Professional development on timely topics through specific presentations is ongoing throughout the fall and spring semesters. Direct interaction with fellow students and faculty members further enriches the experiences available through this organization. Service learning provides additional opportunities to strengthen skills that will be needed once practicing in the field. Membership is open to preservice general educators as well as special educators.
STUDENT OKLAHOMA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Students are encouraged to become members of this organization, which is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA). The Association brings students together to share a common interest in the teaching profession and also to join in related social and professional activities at the state and national level.