OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY (OSU)

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a public, land-grant university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, that is committed to teaching, research and community outreach. OSU is one of the top universities in the nation, offering innovative study programs in a range of disciplines, top faculty, and a diverse student body.

OSU offers more than 350 academic degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels. Professional degreees include the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. OSU also offers Specialist in Education degrees in certain fields. 

The Mission

Proud of its land-grant heritage, Oklahoma State University advances knowledge, enriches lives, and stimulates economic development through instruction, research, outreach and creative activities.

Research is very active at OSU. Oklahoma State University students can benefit from the university's membership in the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) - a consortium of 96 colleges and universities located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The ORAU works with member institutions to assist students and faculty in gaining access to federal facilities nationwide for academic, research and partnership opportunities. 

International studies and outreach are also thriving at OSU, which has a long tradition of excellent programs in international studies. Over the past 50 years, hundreds of OSU faculty members have participated in overseas projects through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

History 

Founded in 1890 as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, the first students enrolled for studies in 1891. Established shortly after the Land Run of 1889, the school opened with no buildings or books, and early classes were held in local churches. 

In 1894, the first academic building was completed. This building, called "Old Central," is still located on campus OSU's main campus. In 1896, the first six students graduated. 

In 1957, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College was renamed Oklahoma State University. The school established technical branches in Oklahoma City and Okmulgee. Over the years, many of these technical branches merged with other colleges or schools to form the various colleges and campuses that are now part of OSU.

Academics 

The academic calendar for Oklahoma State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. OSU also offers shorter pre-sessions or inter-sessions before the beginning of each semester.

Colleges and Schools 

Colleges at OSU:

• Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Arts and Sciences
• Center for Health Sciences
• Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
• Education
• Engineering, Architecture and Technology
• Human Sciences
• Spears School of Business
• Graduate College

Student Life 

There are many student organizations and clubs available for involvement at Oklahoma State University. Many student hobbies or interests are represented by already-established groups and range from political interests, to social, academic and recreational. However, students who are interested in forming a new student organization at OSU will find lots of guidance and support through the Office of Campus Life. Some of the resources available include graphic design services, advisor information, organizational leadership certificate, treasurer's module, customized workshops, and more. 

The annual Camp Cowboy event offers incoming freshmen opportunities for making friendships and getting oriented to campus life before the start of their first academic year at OSU.

Fraternities and Sororities

OSU Greek Life is very active on campus, with many chapters of fraternities and sororities available. Community involvement through Greek Life is thriving and diverse, offering many opportunities for service and friendship. 

Student services at OSU include:

• Campus Safety
• Counseling Services
• Health Services
• Student Affairs
• Student Disability Services
• Career Services
• Student Government Association

Traditions

The official school colors for Oklahoma State University are orange, black and silver. The nickname for the men and women's athletic teams are the OSU "Cowboys" and "Cowgirls." 

There are several traditional school songs associated with OSU, including: 

The Waving Song 

Oklahoma State! Oklahoma State!
We'll sing your praise tonight;
To let you know where e're we go,
For the Orange and Black we'll fight
We'll sing your worth o'er all the Earth
And shout: Ki Yi! Ki Ye!
In books of fame we'll write your name,
Oklahoma State! 

"Ride 'Em Cowboys" Song 

Ride, ride, ride, ride,
Ride'em Cowboys,
Right down the field!
Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!
Fight'em Cowboys, and never yield.!
Ride, ride, ride, ride,
Ride on, Cowboys, to victory;
Cross (opponent)s goal;
Then we'll sing 'O-kla-homa State!'

Athletics

OSU is a member of the Big 12 Conference. The OSU "Cowboys" and "Cowgirls" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross County
• Football
• Golf
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

The Main Campus for Oklahoma State University is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. This campus includes the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. There are four other campuses in the OSU System: 

• OSU-Oklahoma City
• OSU Institute of Technology (formerly OSU-Okmulgee)
• OSU-Tulsa
• OSU Center for Health Sciences

Community Life 

The Main Campus for OSU in Stillwater is in the north-central area of Oklahoma. Stillwater is roughly 60 miles from Tulsa and Oklahoma City.