First-Gen Cowboys orientation aims to aid in enrollment process

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City has rolled out a new orientation process for the fall semester for first-generation college students, aiming to ease the transition into college. 

First-Generation Cowboys is an orientation program that provides support to incoming students who are the first in their families to attend college, also known as first-generation students.

 “Our goal is to help you build community, forge relationships, and learn some skills and strategies that can make your first year successful and enjoyable,” said Deborah Morgan, director of the SOAR program at OSU-OKC. 

Games and team-building activities will be part of the orientation.

First-generation students may face difficulties in navigating the college process without family knowledge of the higher education system to fall back on. Hadley Griffith, Coordinator of Student Engagement at OSU-OKC, said this program aims to remove some of those barriers. 

“The goal is to have a more intentional and in-depth conversation around the college process than a traditional orientation might,” said Griffith.

These sessions will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 on the OSU-OKC campus. Each First-Generation Cowboys session is 4 hours long with meal provided. The Thursday session will begin in room 304 of the Student Center; the Friday session will begin in Conference South on the third floor of the Student Center.

The First-Generation Cowboys orientation sessions are intended for new incoming students to OSU-OKC. Please invite any first-generation students attending OSU-OKC in the fall that you are aware of to attend the orientation session. For more information, visit osuokc.edu/orientation.

Sign up for Thursday's session here. 

Sign up for Friday's session here. 

About Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) is part of the modern land-grant system of Oklahoma State University. OSU-OKC is a two-year public institution, offering more than 40 degrees and certificate options. Through quality education, a supportive environment, leadership training and service opportunities, OSU-OKC trains students to work and educates them to lead. OSU-OKC graduates are found throughout the community serving as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, healthcare professionals and business owners. More information is available at www.osuokc.edu.