Published: August 16, 2008 11:44 pm            

Another exciting year

There is no greater time on a college campus than the start of school. Among the approximately 20,000 students who begin classes Monday at Oklahoma State University, we will welcome more than 5,300 new students.

We also are welcoming nearly 70 new faculty members this fall. OSU has been committed for the past several years to making faculty compensation more competitive. We are proud of our more than 1,500 highly educated and talented faculty members, who are active leaders and volunteers in the Stillwater community.

Fall means football and we’re excited about the upcoming season in the new Boone Pickens Stadium. We urge everyone to buy season tickets and fill the stadium.

That will result in more excitement and victories. And that will attract more students, benefiting OSU and Stillwater.

The Stillwater community and Oklahoma State University team to provide students an excellent college experience; one embodied in OSU’s loyal and passionate alumni. The university experience extends beyond the classroom and encompasses a broad range of opportunities covered in what we call the six pillars of the OSU Experience.

Academic Excellence — Students are encouraged to seek opportunities outside their classes to further their education. Undergraduate research, mentoring and other opportunities allow students many chances to pursue academic excellence.

Leadership — Leadership requires students to be actively engaged in creative problem solving, in and out of the classroom. Diverse student organizations, coursework and seminars provide ample opportunities to develop leadership skills.

Service/Civic Engagement — As a land-grant institution, service and outreach are core missions. Students are strongly encouraged to take service-learning courses and volunteer on and off campus through non-profit agencies and community service days.

Finding Your Purpose – OSU wants to help students find their place in the world of work and in society.

Each academic major provides a different perspective, and a student’s success is greatly enhanced when they find the degree that best fits their interests, talents and abilities.

Broadening Your Horizons — OSU seeks to introduce students to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and cultural differences expressed in art, music and viewpoints.

Students are encouraged to challenge and stretch their knowledge and perceptions of the world.

Wellness — Wellness encompasses both physical and mental health. With the academic rigor that comes from a four-year institution like OSU, it is absolutely critical that students are of sound mind and body to compete with their peers.

A significant change that gets to the heart of wellness is our tobacco-free campus policy, which went into effect this summer. The change was supported by student, faculty and staff leadership and is a welcome step in creating a healthier environment in which to learn, work and visit.

We look forward to working closely with the Stillwater community as we begin another exciting school year at Oklahoma State University.

Burns Hargis is president and CEO of Oklahoma State University.

        

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