Courses Offered by University College
First-Year Experience Core V General Education Requirement
Every first-year student is required to take one of three different course offerrings to complete the First-Year Experience Core V General Education requirement. The courses are all built around five core objectives – cultural fluency, critical thinking, civil discourse, citizenship, and community engagement.
The three courses that complete this requirement include:
UCOL 1523: Gateway to Belonging at OU – This course offers students an opportunity to consider how they have formed their own beliefs and opinions and how they can listen, learn, and interact with one another to gain the most from their college experience. In this course, students will be exposed to the different perspectives and histories that inform their understanding of the world and compose the multiple, complex cultures that make up the mosaic of life in the state, the nation, and the world. Students will have an opportunity to increase their understanding of the contributors and barriers to one’s sense of belonging and the experiences that have shaped communities of students and faculty at OU and in society.
UCOL 1533: Global Perspectives– This course promotes an intercultural awareness that will allow students to interact more effectively with others. It will teach core cultural fluency competencies, including an understanding of different cultural norms and practices, cross-cultural communication, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving, drawing upon diverse experiences and perspectives. The knowledge, skills, and tools students acquire in this course will assist them throughout their lives and chosen careers as they move in an increasingly connected world. Within the global context, Global Perspectives is built around the following Cove V learning areas: cultural fluency, critical thinking, civil discourse, citizenship, and community engagement.
UCOL 1543: Ethical and Intercultural Leadership– This course is focused on exploring ethical and intercultural leadership through an interdisciplinary lens. It addresses individual characteristics and qualities, that have been recognized across cultures throughout history and have been found to support human flourishing. It will also address specific leadership characteristics and styles that are highly valued in some cultures but not as evident in others. Course content will help students gain a better understanding of the role leaders play in contemporary society. Students will have an opportunity to practice ethical and moral decision-making and other competencies, skills, and attitudes that are beneficial for leading and facilitating groups in the campus and community environments.
Elective Credit Courses
UCOL 1002: Foundations for College Learning – UCOL 1002 was previously titled Gateway to College Learning, the name was changed to Foundations in 2021. The course is a letter-graded, two-credit-hour elective course designed to help first-year students make a successful transition from high school to college and create a foundation for future success at OU and beyond. First-year students build skills critical to their success (critical reading, effective study skills, time-management, test taking, etc.), explore major and career planning, learn about campus policies and procedures, are introduced to campus resources, and build a community with other first-year students in a class limited to 18-21 students. Click here to learn more about the goals and learning objectives for Foundations for College Learning.
University College Seminars – are letter graded, two-credit-hour elective courses designed to introduce students to a unique topic of study in a small community learning environment. Seminars are limited to 25 students and are led by outstanding instructors with unique expertise and interest in the topic of study. UC Seminars are open to students of all classifications. Click the button below to explore the various topics offered in UC Seminars!
UCOL 2021: Choosing a Major – This 1-credit course explores the majors and minors that OU has to offer, and it helps students find their own interests and strengths. Explore Sooner - Deciding on a Major is taught by staff from the Center for Major and Career Exploration. These experts will guide students through the process to selecting a major that connects to their passions and interests and supports their career aspirations. UCOL 2021 is a half-semester course with sections meeting either the first half or second half of the semester.
UCOL 1030: Exploring Careers – This 1-credit course is designed for students who have decided on a major and are beginning the process of exploring their career options. Students will have the opportunity to engage in self-assessment, perform career research, investigate additional academic opportunities, and create action plans to prepare for post-college careers. UCOL 1030-200 is a half-semester course offered during the second half of the semester.
First-Year Student Mentoring Program
UNIV 1210: First-Year Faculty Mentoring Course – Faculty Mentoring is a 0-credit no-cost course providing the opportunity for students to build relationships with faculty, increase their network base, and gain valuable life experience. These coures are lead by incredible faculty who are invested in mentoring first-year students. Groups are limited in size to ensure that each student has adequate opportunity to connect wth the Faculty Mentor and other participating students. Opportunities for meetings, meals, activities, etc. are scheduled specifically for participating students and their Faculty Mentors providing valuable faculty and student engagement outside of a classroom setting.
Strategies for Success
Strategies is a 2-credit course designed to assist students who are on academic probation or notice. Read more about Strategies
Course for Transfer Students
UCOL 3001 – Transitions for Transfer Students – This course introduces transfer students to the academic requirements, policies, and resources at the University of Oklahoma. Read more about Transitions
Teach a UC Course
Unviersity College hires exceptional instructors and Peer Teaching Assistants (PTAs) to teach UC Courses. Click the button below to learn more about opportuntiies to teach for University College!
