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LA META NEWS

Maritza Bonhomme - Wednesday, January 8, 2025
 Events 

                                          "To have another language is to possess a second soul." 
                                                                                                           ~Charlamagne

https://youtu.be/7Y-JC4MGapY

Spring and summer open registration

  • Visit your academic advisor to enroll in classes. 

  • 2024-25 FAFSA should already be completed. If not, please reach out to us asap to help you complete it or the fall semester and spring semester will not be funded. I cannot stress this enough so please do not wait until the last minute! 

  • To enroll, your balance should be below $1,000. If your balance is higher, please schedule an appointment with Student Advocacy here. 

  • For more information click here.

https://ineducationonline.org/2024/02/07/why-is-financial-literacy-important-for-youth/

                              "Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving."                                                                                                                                                       ~Warren Buffett

OKMM - Training Opportunities

We offer webinars for educators, students and parents on budgeting, saving, credit, and more. If you want to schedule a webinar, complete our workshop form, and we'll contact you to plan the details.

December 2024

Budget-Friendly Holidays: Tips to Keep Your Spending in Check

The holidays are a time for celebration, giving and making memories — but they don’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a festive season without financial stress. Review these actionable tips to help you stay on track and keep your budget in check!

Set a Holiday Spending Plan

Start by figuring out how much you can afford to spend this holiday season. Don’t forget to include gifts, food, decorations, travel, and any special events. Use budgeting tools like a spreadsheet, an app or a simple notebook to outline your expenses. Need a starting point? Visit Oklahoma Money Matters’ Budgeting Basics for free tools and tips.

Make a Gift List - and Stick to It

Write down everyone you plan to give gifts to and set a spending limit for each person. If you’re feeling crafty, consider making personalized gifts, like baked goods or DIY crafts, to stretch your budget and add a personal touch.

Shop Smart

Borrowing is sometimes necessary, but it’s important to manage debt responsibly. The key is to borrow only what you need and can afford to pay back, and to use credit as a tool, not a crutch.
  • Compare Prices: Use online tools or apps to find the best deals before heading to the store or making a purchase.
  • Start Early: Spreading out your shopping helps you avoid last-minute panic buys that can cost more.
  • Consider Alternatives: Instead of expensive store-bought items, explore secondhand shops or gift services like homemade coupon books offering “free babysitting” or “family movie night.”

Embrace Budget-Friendly Traditions

Holiday cheer doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Host a potluck-style dinner, participate in a “white elephant” gift exchange or plan a family movie night with hot cocoa and popcorn. Focusing on quality time over costly events can create lasting memories.

Avoid Credit Card Traps

It’s tempting to swipe your card during holiday sales, but remember: what you charge now, you’ll have to pay later — often with interest. Stick to cash or a debit card whenever possible. If you must use a credit card, choose one with low interest and commit to paying off your balance quickly.

Plan for Next Year

Once this holiday season wraps up, reflect on your spending and start planning ahead. Opening a holiday savings account in January and contributing a little each month can make next year’s celebrations even smoother.

For more holiday budgeting tips and resources, visit Oklahoma Money Matters or check out our free financial tools. A little planning today can help you enjoy the season without the stress tomorrow!

Happy Holidays!
 
 

Financial Friday
 

Everyone has personal financial goals they want to reach; whether it’s saving for a car, paying next semester’s tuition or going on a great graduation trip. Join us, Tuesday, Dec. 17, at noon as we discuss how to make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T.
Register

November Edition: Overspending During the Holiday Season

Welcome to the November edition of Financial Friday, Oklahoma Money Matters' online personal finance question-and-answer forum. This month, we're answering a question about overspending during the holiday season.  

I always spend more than I intended over the holiday season. What are some strategies for avoiding overspending during the festive time of year?

The holiday season is a time for celebration and giving but can also be a time of financial stress and overspending. You can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank with a little planning and discipline. Consider these strategies to help you avoid overspending during the holidays:
  • Create a holiday budget: Set a realistic budget for all your holiday expenses, including gifts, decorations, food, travel, and other seasonal activities. Be specific about how much you can afford to spend in each category, and stick to your budget. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and keep your spending in check.
  • Make a list and check it twice: Before you start shopping, make a list of everyone you plan to buy gifts for and what you intend to get them. Having a clear plan can prevent you from making unnecessary purchases. Track your spending as you go to ensure you stay within your budget.
  • Prioritize thoughtful gifts: Remember, meaningful gifts don't have to be expensive. Consider giving handmade items, offering services (like babysitting or cooking a meal), or planning a shared experience. These thoughtful gestures can often mean more than pricey presents.
  • Take advantage of sales and discounts: Look for sales, coupons, and discount codes. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales can offer significant savings if you shop wisely. However, make sure you're buying items you genuinely need and that fit within your budget rather than being swayed by the allure of a good deal.
  • Use cash or debit cards: Cash or a debit card can help you stick to your budget more effectively than credit cards. When you pay with cash, you physically see the money leaving your wallet, making you more mindful of your spending. If you prefer using a card, opt for a debit card linked to your checking account to avoid accumulating debt. 
  • Avoid last-minute shopping: Last-minute shopping often leads to rushed decisions and overspending. Start your holiday shopping early to give yourself time to compare prices and find the best deals. Spreading out your purchases over several weeks can also make it easier to manage your budget.
  • Limit self-gifting: It's easy to fall into the trap of buying things for yourself while shopping for others. To avoid this, limit self-gifting and only buy for others during your holiday shopping trips. Remember, you can always treat yourself after the holidays when the sales are even better.
  • Consider a potluck for parties: If you're hosting holiday parties or dinners, consider making them potluck events. Ask guests to bring a dish or beverage to share, which can significantly reduce your food and drink expenses. This helps you save money and allows everyone to contribute and share in the festivities.
  • Track your spending: Monitor your spending closely throughout the holiday season. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your expenses and compare them against your budget. This will help you stay accountable and adjust as needed to avoid overspending.
  • Reflect on your spending habits: After the holidays, take some time to review your spending. Consider what worked well and what didn't, and use this insight to improve your budgeting and spending habits for the future. Reflecting on your holiday spending can help you plan better for the next year and reduce financial stress.

With careful planning and mindful spending, you can enjoy the holiday season without the burden of financial stress. By setting a budget, prioritizing thoughtful gifts, and tracking your expenses, you can make the most of the holidays while keeping your finances in check. Remember, the season's joy comes from the moments shared with loved ones, not how much money you spend.

If you have money-saving tips you'd like to share, email us at OklahomaMoneyMatters@ocap.org or visit Ask OKMM to submit a personal finance question for a future edition of Financial Friday.

Thanks for participating in Financial Friday. Remember, there is always time to take control of your financial future! 

The OKMM Team

                                            "Budgeting has only one rule: Do not go over budget."
                                                                                                          ~Leslie Tayne

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Making College More Affordable

OKcollegestart has resources to help families explore options that can help lower the cost of going to college!

All students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal and state financial aid. They should also take advantage of scholarships and other financial support programs based on their life circumstances!

Visit OKcollegestart to find resources for students in foster care, military dependents, or those interested in working while pursuing higher education. Families will also be directed to visit ShowWhatYouKnowOK.org to make sure students are getting credit for concurrent enrollment courses, AP exams, military training, and earned industry credentials.

All these resources and more are gathered in one place for families to access on OKcollegestart.org’s Making College More Affordable page!
Affordable College Flyer
 

High School Graduation Requirement

Oklahoma Senate Bill 93 (SB93) became effective July 1, 2023, which designated the high school senior class of 2025 as the first group to complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a requirement for graduating from an Oklahoma public high school.

Oklahoma is one of 12 states that now requires students to complete a FAFSA in order to graduate. The state of Kansas will be the 13th state to add a FAFSA requirement in the 2027-28 academic year. You may be wondering why this trend is catching on in the United States.

“According to a federal study released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are many reasons why students don’t complete the FAFSA: a majority of families believe that they can cover the cost of school on their own or that they wouldn’t qualify for financial aid at all. On the converse side, sadly, many students either don’t know about the FAFSA or how to complete it.”      

- Kathryn Knight Randolph, January 8, 2024, FastWeb.com

Studies have shown that students who complete a FAFSA are 84% more likely to enroll in college right after high school. (NCAN, National FAFSA Completion Rates for High School Seniors and Graduates,  9/5/24.) This increase in submitted FAFSAs can increase the number of students who receive federal aid, which can increase their chances of finishing their program and earning a certification or degree. For most students, a college degree provides more economic and personal growth. But we know that not all high school seniors are college-bound. Many people have asked if there’s a way to opt out of this requirement, and the answer is yes.

In Oklahoma, a student won't be required to complete a FAFSA if:
  • The student’s parent or legal guardian submits a signed form authorizing the student to opt out,
  • A student age eighteen (18) or older submits a signed form authorizing him or her to opt out, or
  • A school counselor authorizes a student to opt out.

The OK State Department of Education recently shared the message that must be added to graduating seniors’ transcripts, whether they completed a FAFSA or opted out:
“The student has satisfactorily met the graduation requirement of completing the FAFSA or submitting an Opt-Out form (70 O.S. § 1210.508-6).”

The FAFSA Opt-Out Form can be found at sde.ok.gov/college-career.
Click here to read the legislation behind the new FAFSA requirement.
 

The Basics of Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing concern in today’s digital world, where personal information is easily accessible online. Criminals can steal your identity to open credit accounts, commit fraud, or even engage in criminal activities using your name. Consider these tips to prevent identity theft:
  1. Protect Your Personal Information: Safeguard your personally identifiable information (PII), such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other sensitive information. Avoid carrying unnecessary documents like your Social Security card, and never share personal details over the phone or email unless you are sure of the recipient.
  2. Secure Your Online Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or pet names, and consider using a password manager to keep track of your login credentials.
  3. Be wary of Scams: Phishing scams often trick people into providing personal information by pretending to be legitimate companies. Never click on suspicious links or open email attachments from unknown senders. Always verify the authenticity of any communication that asks for personal information, including requests for information from friends on social media.
  4. Monitor your Credit and Accounts Regularly: Keep a close eye on your credit reports, bank statements and credit card accounts for any suspicious activity. Set up account alerts for transactions, and review your credit report annually at AnnualCreditReport.com to ensure no unauthorized accounts have been opened in your name.
  5. Free Wi-Fi Can Cost You: Avoid accessing sensitive information, like banking websites, over public Wi-Fi networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your connection from hackers.
  6. Shred Documents Containing PII: Shred any documents containing personal information, such as old bank statements, credit card offers, and tax forms, before discarding them. This simple step prevents thieves from retrieving valuable information from your trash.
  7. Consider Freezing Your Credit: If you are not actively applying for new credit, consider freezing your credit. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, preventing identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.

Preventing identity theft requires a proactive approach to securing your personal and financial information. By staying vigilant and following these basic steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. To learn more about identity theft and ways to prevent it, check out the resources at OklahomaMoneyMatters.com and IdentityTheft.gov.

                                      "Every time you borrow money, you're robbing your future self."
                                                                                                           ~Nathan W. Morris

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024

U.S. Department of Education announces official release of 2025-26 FAFSA form.

Today the U.S. Department of Education officially released the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), 10 days before its Dec. 1 goal. The online FAFSA form is available to all students and families at fafsa.gov, and the Department is processing submissions and sending them to schools. The paper form is also now available for students to submit. Learn more here.

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Register Now for the December 2024 Federal Student Aid Webinar Series

Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, as we host a free one-day virtual event! This live webinar series will guide you through submitting the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and is tailored for both independent and dependent students.

 

This event is for students, parents, and college/career professionals, and will feature the following:

 

• A live demonstration of the 2025–26 FAFSA form

• An overview of the financial aid process, available programs, and funding sources

• Key facts and common myths about financial aid

• A guide on creating and accessing your StudentAid.gov account

• A demonstration on where to find certain information on StudentAid.gov

 

Spread the word with family, friends, and your network!

 

Register Now

FAFSA Publications and Resources

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the U.S. Dept of Education to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. To learn more about the FAFSA, visit our information-based website, StartWithFAFSA.org.

 

Publications

PDF of Finish the FAFSA in Five Steps

Finish the FAFSA in Five Steps, also available in Spanish, breaks the FAFSA process into five simple steps and includes information about the materials needed to complete the form, tools available through online submission and more. It also provides information about additional financial aid resources and includes FAFSA Facts, which offers students and parents must-know facts about the FAFSA including useful terms, when to apply and how to get the most assistance throughout the process.

 

PDF of Who Needs StudentAid.gov Account

Review UCanGo2’s Who Needs a StudentAid.gov Account? flowchart to see if one or both parents of a dependent student must create a StudentAid.gov account before starting the 2025-26 FAFSA.

 

 



PDF of Dependency Questions

The Dependency Questionnaire lists the questions used to determine your dependency status on the FAFSA. If you answer "Yes" to any one of these questions, you'll be considered an independent student and will not need to include your parents' information on the FAFSA.

 

 


Thumbnail of FSA ID worksheet, link opens in new tab

The StudentAid.gov Account Worksheet, also available in Spanish, will guide you through the StudentAid.gov account creation process. StudentAid.gov accounts are required for students to electronically sign the FAFSA, and one parent of a dependent student will also need to create an account. Keep this document in a safe place.

 

 


Thumbnail of FSA ID worksheet, link opens in new tab

The Items Needed to Complete a FAFSA flyer gives parents and students a clear idea of how to better prepare to fill out the FAFSA.

 

 

 

 

Thumbnail of StudentAid.gov Account Powerpoint, link opens in new tab

The Creating a StudentAid.gov PowerPoint will guide you and your parent(s) through the ins and outs of the account creation process.



 

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The Creating a StudentAid.gov Account Without a Social Security Number PowerPoint will guide parents and spouses of students through the ins and outs of the account creation process.


 

Thumbnail of SAI ID Powerpoint, link opens in new tab

The Student Aid Index (SAI) PowerPoint provides information on how to understand the SAI, an eligibility index number that a college's or career school's financial aid office uses to determine how much federal student aid the student would receive if the student attended the school.

 

Thumbnail of FSA ID Powerpoint, link opens in new tab

The Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer PowerPoint will guide you through the ins and outs of understanding your aid offer after completing the FAFSA.

 



 

 


Resources

November

 

Beacon Scholarship for Rural America

Since 1980, Carrot-Top Industries, Inc. (Sponsor) has been a leading flag and patriotic products retailer priding ourselves on a dedication to patriotism and community growth across America. Since the Fall of 2018, we have been helping low-income students living in rural areas with their college endeavors. 

Award Amount: 1 award; Amount: $1,000

Deadline: November 30, 2024

Learn more and apply for the Beacon Scholarship for Rural America.

Back to Top

 

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Common App Scholarship

Our scholarship database is used by high schools and post-secondary schools across the nation. Scholarship Guidance believes in supporting the open source community by ensuring our scholarship resources are always provided free of charge. Students, Counselors and Parents enjoy lifetime free access to all of our resources, regardless of year of study or school affiliation.

Award Amount: Amount of awards varies; $2,000

Deadline: November 30, 2024

Learn more and apply for the Common App Scholarship.

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Safe Cycling Scholarship

The personal injury attorneys at Felix Gonzalez Law Firm have dedicated their practice to protecting those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. We care about everyone’s safety, especially cyclists on the road. This year, we are offering a scholarship to promote safe cycling.

Award Amount: 1 award; $1,000

Deadline: November 30, 2024

Learn more and apply for the Safe Cycling Scholarship.

Back to Top

 

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Additional November Scholarships

Looking for more? Here's a list of additional scholarships with November deadlines. Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply through the links provided below.

10 Words or Less Scholarship Auger and Auger Disabled Scholar Award
Bachus & Shanker, LLC Scholarship Beacon Scholarship for Rural America
Boho Hippie Shop Scholarship Program Boster Bio Scholarship
Common App Scholarship Concerto High School Musicians Scholarship
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program Creative Excellence in Graphic Design Scholarship
Cross & Smith Offering Annual College Scholarship Digital Monk Scholarship
Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship Driver Education Initiative Scholarship
Education Matters Scholarship Elevate Women in Technology Scholarships
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators Undergraduate Scholarship
GreenPal's Small Business Scholarship Helmer, Conley & Kasselman Annual College Scholarship
IES Abroad Scholarship Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships
Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Scholarship James Alan Cox Photography Scholarship
Maryknoll Essay Contest National Association for Campus Activities for Undergraduate Scholarships
National Honor Society Scholarship Prudential Emerging Visionaries Scholarship
Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholarship Safe Cycling Scholarship
ServiceScape Scholarship Soroptimist Live Your Dreams Awards
Sports Clips 'Help a Hero' Scholarship Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships
Test Prep Insight Scholarship Tortuga Backpack Study Abroad Scholarship
Utopia Management Scholarship Waggle Human-Pet Bond Scholarship
Young Writers Awards  

 

Scholarships by Category

    Adult Learners
    The Arts
    Ethnicity
    Health
    LGBTQ+
    Middle School
    Military
    Miscellaneous
    STEM
    Special Needs
    Unique Scholarships

                            "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."                                                                                                          ~ Benjamin Franklin

"Learn as much as you can while you are young, since life becomes too busy later."
                                                                                                 ~ Dana Stewart Scott

                                          "No matter your age, there is always something to learn."                                                                                                                                                            ~Félix García

Become a Member

    "Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know."                                                                                                     ~John Dewey

Library Events

The UCO Max Chambers Library offers a variety of workshops to help students, hosted via Zoom and in person at the library, Room 226. Students receive STLR credit for attending. For a full list of workshops, visit the library event calendar.
 

Stress Paws

3-5 p.m., every Thursday - LIB 4th Floor - The Max

Join us every Thursday for Stress Paws in the Max. Come de-stress and spend time petting the friendly therapy dogs!
 

Chamber of Books Online Store

Chamber of Books online store
 

Build-A-Broncho - December 3, 10 am - 1 pm

LIB 1st Floor - Bronze & Blue Cafe

Build-a-Broncho is back in the Library this semester. Donate a children's book to build a stuffed animal. Children's books will be available for purchase ranging from $1-5. The event will take place in the Chambers Library, 1st floor, Bronze & Blue Corner.

"Embrace your challenges. They make your achievement even greater."

                                                                                                                                           First-Gen Student

Health Clinic at The Center at UCO



The Center at UCO will host Diversity Family Health for a series of clinics from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays, when UCO classes are in session, in Thatcher Hall, Room 106.
Diversity Family Health is an independent healthcare provider specializing in the care of the LGBTQ+ community and welcoming all people regardless of sexual orientation. Their nurse practitioner-driven model is based on primary care and includes specialized treatment for hormone therapies and infectious diseases.
Specific services available include:
  • STI testing and treatment
  • PreEP/nPEP/HIV care
  • HPV screening and vaccines
  • Gender-affirming hormone therapy
  • General primary medical care
  • Birth control
Diversity Family Health accepts most major insurances. Low-cost care options are available for those without insurance—any payment concerns will be discussed at the initial appointment. HIV testing is free for all, regardless of insurance coverage.

Appointments are required and may be made online. 

For questions, contact Lindsey Churchill, Ph.D., director of the UCO Women's Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center.
 
Book an Appointment

Central Pantry Client Registration

The Central Pantry is a free food pantry on campus that is available for use by all students, faculty and staff. Clients are able to use the pantry once a week for groceries, meals or snacks.

Register to be a Central Pantry client on UCORE. To learn more about hours and locations, visit the Central Pantry website.

For more information, email the Central Pantry. 

Central Pantry Locations 

Nigh University Center Location

The Central Pantry is located in the Nigh University Center, first floor, Room 151.

  • Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday
  • The Central Pantry is closed when the UCO Campus is closed and observes reduced hours in the summer. All hour changes are communicated through campus email.

Wellness Collective Location

The Wellness Collective Central Pantry, which opened in fall 2022, is located inside the Wellness Collective at the Wellness Center on the north side of the UCO campus.

  • Hours: 2 p.m.-7 p.m.,Tuesday & Wednesday
  • The Central Pantry at the Wellness Collective is closed when the UCO campus is closed and is closed in the summer.

For questions regarding the Central Pantry, email the Central Pantry or call 405-974-3456.

Calendar Key Dates

Nov 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break (no classes, offices closed)
_____________________________________________________________

Dec 6 - Fall 16-week and block II classes end
Dec 9-13 - Fall 16-week semester and block II final exams 
Dec 13 - Fall semester ends 
Dec 13-14 - Fall commencement
Dec 15 - Spring intersession classes begin
Dec 17 - Fall 16-week and block II grades due at noon 
Dec 19-20 - Offices closed to the public 
Dec 23-Jan 3 - Winter Break (offices closed)
_____________________________________________________________

Jan 10 - Spring tuition payment deadline
Jan 12 - Spring intersession classes end
Jan 13 - Spring 16-week and block I classes begin
              Spring late registration begins

https://www.uco.edu/student-resources/career-development-center/

Graduation Application Information 

A graduation application fee of $45 is charged to your university account when your application is processed. An additional $25 late fee is added if your application is submitted after the semester’s priority deadline as listed below.

Note: Summer applicants must apply for summer graduation. Summer candidates will participate in the May commencement ceremony. 

Application Deadlines

Anticipated Graduation: Fall 2024
*Priority Application Filing Period: June 15-Aug. 1, 2024
Final Deadline: Friday, Dec. 13, 2024

*Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be charged an additional $25 late fee.

Commencement Dates

FALL 2024

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, 2024

Please log in with your UCONNECT credentials.

Begin the Application Process

Our Mission

The Career Development Center at the University of Central Oklahoma educates and empowers students and alumni to engage in meaningful, lifelong career development.

Our Vision

  • Cultivate a campus culture at UCO where career development is embraced and prioritized;
  • Be recognized for our innovation and creativity;
  • Positively impact the community;
  • Create relationships through collaboration with stakeholders;
  • Provide a professional, welcoming and inclusive environment; and,
  • Encourage students to use STLR and teach them how to showcase their transformative learning experiences to future employers and graduate schools.

Students and Alumni          Resumes and Interviews          Jobs and Internships          Career and Major Exploration          Graduate School Resources          Identity-Based Resources            
 

Contact Us
NUC 338
Phone: 405-974-3346
Fax: 405-974-3826
careers@uco.edu

                      "Today's accomplishments were yesterday's impossibilities."       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                ~Robert Schuller

Careers and Graduate School

Careers

Graduate School


Jackson College of Graduate Studies at UCO


Student Support Services & the Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS) at UCO have the following resources available for you to support your graduate school exploration efforts: 
  1. Jackson College of Graduate Studies Home Page. 
  2. JCGS Frequently Asked Questions. View this page to see what questions and answers that most prospective graduate students ask. 
  3. JCGS Graduate Catalog. View this to check out the 70+ graduate programs that are offered at UCO. 
  4. JCGS Staff. Use this information if you're looking to connect with a member of the JCGS staff. 
Resources

                        "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." 

                    Maya Angelou, Writer and Civil Rights Activist

Mind Matters

                            Genius is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration.

Center for Counseling and Well-Being

The University of Central Oklahoma Center for Counseling and Well-Being staff works with students throughout their college experiences. Our confidential services help students resolve emotional difficulties, improve personal skills, overcome the effects of trauma or grief, decrease substance use and achieve their intellectual, personal and creative potential.

Programs and Services

UCO's CCWB offers a comprehensive range of programs and services designed to support the mental health and overall well-being of students.

Counseling Center

Counseling offers a supportive space to navigate the unique challenges and stresses of college life. Counseling can help students manage anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, improve coping skills and develop strategies for better time management and study habits. Additionally, it provides a confidential environment to discuss personal issues, relationships and life transitions, ultimately enhancing overall well-being and academic performance.

Group Counseling

Group counseling offers a supportive environment where students can share experiences, gain diverse perspectives and develop coping strategies alongside peers facing similar challenges. This collective setting fosters a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation and enhances personal growth through mutual encouragement and feedback.

Fostering Student Success

The Fostering Student Success initiative provides support to Central students who were formerly in foster care or other out of home and guardianship circumstances. The case manager will serve as an advocate, case manager, resource finder and mentor.

Calming Central

Calming Central is a safe place where students can de-stress, relax and breathe. Located in the Nigh University Center, this space includes massage chairs, yoga mats, coloring sheets, fun games to play and more to reduce anxiety. There is also a biofeedback program that can assist students in gaining awareness of stress within to regulate breathing and physical responses. No appointment is needed to enjoy the space.
Location: Nigh University Center, Room 406
Operating hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Health Promotion

At UCO, we recognize that health and learning are interconnected. Therefore, Health Promotion on campus exists to support students and create healthy environments that will foster the learning process. The UCO Health Promotion team is comprised of students, staff, professionals, and community partners who support a healthy campus for UCO. Some of the programs we have include:

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24/7 Emergency Contacts and Off-Campus Support

  • 911
  • Essential Community Services, dial 211. More information on 211.
  • UCO Police Department, 405-974-2345
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or chat https://988lifeline.org/chat/
  • Mobile Crisis, (833) 885-CARE (2273)
  • The Trevor Project, 899-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
  • Trans Lifeline, 877-565-8860
  • Crisis Text Line, Text HOME to 741-741
  • Crisis Text Line for BIPOC, Text STEVE to 741-741
  • Domestic Violence Hotline, 405-917-9922
  • Sexual Assault Hotline, 405-943-7273

LA META staff are trained Mental Health First Aiders. 

Meme of the Week

Meme of the Week

Have a Great Week, Bronchos!

Brought to you by TRIO-Student Support Services - LA META
Funded by the US Dept of Education

Join SSS

Project Director: Nora Contreras | ncontreras@uco.edu | 405-974-3615

Retention Coordinator: Maritza Bonhomme | mbonhomme@uco.edu | 405-974-3685

Program Mascot: Pepito Nopalito | contact through vibes only

***Visit us in LIB room 315A in the Max Chambers Library!