A variety of university programs and services provide assistance to students. These programs and services are described in the following sections.

ORIENTATION

All entering students who have earned fewer than 15 semester credit hours, have graduated from high school in the last two years, and are seeking a degree at Cameron University may be required to attend an orientation session. The orientation introduces the student to the campus and provides information about resources, services, and activities. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning to register for an orientation or to request additional information.

ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER

The Academic Advising Center is a central location for academic information and resources for students. In addition to providing advising services to all new Cameron students, the Academic Advising Center helps students find the right major to meet their academic goals and interests. Students have access to Advising Specialists who provide timely and accurate academic advising for students’ academic success.

FINANCIAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST

Housed in the Academic Advising Center on the Lawton campus, the Financial Resource Specialist is available to answer questions about applying for financial aid, including federal grants and loans and institutional and external scholarships. The Financial Resource Specialist also offers coaching on financial literacy topics.

OFFICE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Office of Financial Assistance provides financial counseling, administers scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. Interested students should reference the Financial Information section of this catalog. 

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

On-campus housing provides the opportunity for involvement within a living-learning community. Cameron University provides two options for on-campus living: Cameron Village and Shepler Center. Cameron Village combines all the amenities of an apartment complex with the convenience of on-campus living. Shepler Center, comprised of two ten-story high-rises, provides Cameron students with a more traditional living-learning environment.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

The Office of Student Development offers services, programs and activities designed to enhance the collegiate experience and to foster both academic excellence and personal growth. The Office of Student Development is responsible for Career Services, Disability Services, Inclusion and Student Success, and Judicial Affairs. Comprehensive workshops, programs, and training opportunities for student engagement, student success, as well as global learning, cultural understanding, and professional development are offered. The Office of Student Development and our student organization, the Cameron University Diversity Diplomats, seek to foster equity and innovation and increase competencies among students to cultivate an inclusive and progressive university.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Cameron University recognizes that all students deserve an equal opportunity to participate in university life and attain a higher education. The Student Development Office coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities and develops programs to support disability awareness. If an accommodation on the basis of a disability is required, please contact the office prior to the start of the semester or as soon as possible to complete the required documentation for accommodations. Please contact Disability Services immediately If you have  concerns or problems with an accommodation or need more information.

TESTING CENTER

The Testing Center is responsible for coordinating, administering, and scoring a wide range of national, international, and local tests for the Cameron community and the general public. Cameron University–Duncan’s Testing Center offers testing services and also furnishes proctors for both computer-based tests for Cameron and other universities.

CAREER SERVICES

Career Services assists students and alumni in achieving their career goals by providing excellent career-related resources, programs, services, and opportunities that equip and empower them for the workforce.

TRIO PROGRAMS

Cameron University hosts three TRIO programs that are funded under the Higher Education Act. They provide a comprehensive array of information, counseling, academic instruction, and support services to at-risk students in junior high, high school, and college.

Student Support Services

A part of the Cameron campus since 1987, Student Support Services (SSS) offers academic advisement, enrollment, peer mentoring, free tutoring, financial aid information, SSS sections of certain classes, and a variety of enrichment workshops and cultural activities to Cameron participants. Participation in SSS provides personal and academic enrichment for students who may face economic, social, and cultural barriers to higher education. SSS maintains information on campus and community resources and refers members to appropriate offices and agencies.

Open Doors

Open Doors (Educational Talent Search) is an outreach program that provides information, educational guidance counseling, and support for Lawton Public School high school graduates and secondary students who did not complete high school and/or come from low-income households. Offices opened for this community outreach project in 1991. 

Upward Bound

Upward Bound was established on campus in 1992 to provide rigorous academic instruction, individual tutoring and personal, career, and academic counseling for Lawton Public School, college-bound, high school students who come from low-income households.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

The Center for Academic Success is open to all Cameron students, providing assistance to students in all disciplines with an emphasis on general education courses. Center staff are available to help with general tutoring, computer literacy, study skills, time management skills, and test preparation strategies. Computers are available for student use.

The Language Learning Center is located on the second floor of Nance Boyer Hall in Room 2005. All CU students may use the Center’s media programs to study more than 36 foreign languages.

The Center for Writers is open to all Cameron students, offering assistance for writing assignments of any kind, including course papers and applications for scholarships, awards, and graduate and professional schools. The Center for Writers provides individual tutorial help, assistance with word processing, and access to software and printed material addressing critical-thinking skills, usage, grammar, vocabulary, documentation of research, development of personal style, and all stages of the writing process from pre-writing through final draft. Computers are available for student use. Similar services for a variety of writing assignments are available for Duncan campus students in the Tutorial Lab at Cameron University–Duncan. Call 877-282-3626 for more information and scheduling.

The Mathematics Tutorial Laboratory is available to students who are enrolled in lower level mathematics classes through MATH 2713. The lab is staffed by undergraduate students under the supervision of the Math Lab Director. The informal atmosphere of the lab allows the students to work on homework assignments alone or with classmates and have immediate assistance available from the math tutors on duty. Participation by students is strictly voluntary and may be on an irregular, drop-in basis, or appointments can be made for a specific time.

Cameron University-Duncan’s Tutorial Lab offers similar services for Duncan area students. Lab hours are posted online and no appointment is necessary.

Cynthia Ross Hall Laboratory, located in Ross Hall 100, provides computers for student use.

The Sarkeys Foundation Student Computer Lab, located in Academic Commons, is an open lab intended to serve the computing needs of students and faculty. Resources are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the convenience of users. All users must be able to justify their use of the lab. The lab also proctors online tests.

LIBRARY

Cameron University Library promotes scholarly inquiry and work by providing materials and services associated with the access and use of information. Access to print and electronic materials is available in the physical library and through the library’s webpage. The library houses comfortable work areas, a fully-equipped computer lab, and a group of friendly staff members trained to assist Cameron University patrons with their library needs. 

RESEARCH

With the aim to support the teaching mission at Cameron University, research and scholarship at Cameron University are undertaken by faculty and students using a broad range of approaches. The quest for new knowledge, synthesis of existing information, and application of knowledge are shared experiences within the university community. In keeping with the institutional purpose of providing education through community service, research at Cameron is typically applied in nature. Students are afforded the opportunity to work on real world problems of relevance to the broader community of which the university is a constituent, under the mentorship of caring and highly qualified faculty.

HONOR SOCIETIES

Cameron University currently has 18 nationally and internationally recognized honor and professional societies that elect members based on scholastic achievement. The two university-wide honor societies are:

Phi Kappa Phi, recognizing outstanding juniors, seniors, and graduate students from all disciplines, and

Phi Eta Sigma, a national college scholastic honor society for freshmen.

For information on Cameron honor societies acknowledging outstanding achievement in specific disciplines, please contact the appropriate academic department.

CAMPUS LIFE

Cameron University recognizes the importance of co-curricular activities and the role they play in the college experience. The Office of Campus Life strives to provide a variety of activities and to engage students in campus life.

Student Activity Facilities

The Office of Campus Life, located in the McMahon Centennial Complex on University Drive, is the seat of all campus activities and houses the offices of the Programming Activities Council and the Student Government Association.

The McMahon Centennial Complex (MCC) is a state-of-the-art student activities facility located in the heart of the campus. The MCC houses the Clarence Davis Student Union, which provides students with a place to study, dine, and interact with each other, complete with a food court and game room. Other amenities include the Inasmuch Art Gallery, student activity area, study hall, meeting rooms, and the McCasland Ballroom, a divisible ballroom available to the community for proms, weddings, workshops, banquets, and other special events.

The McMahon Center, located adjacent to Cameron Village, provides students a place to relax and study. The facility features a fireplace, television, pool table, library, computer lab, and more. The facility also serves as host to press conferences, luncheons, dances and other social activities. The McMahon Center also houses the Office of Residence Life and a faculty-in-residence.

Cameron Stadium seats approximately 10,000 people around artificial turf and is the site of the university's gala commencement ceremony each spring. The stadium is used by local area high schools on a regular basis for football games. In addition, marching band tournaments still fill the air with music, and concerts are often held here as well.

McCord Field is a baseball park complete with concession facilities, press box, and ample parking. It has a seating capacity of approximately 1,000.

The McMahon Field and Athletics Center is the home of the Aggie softball team and also provides a weight room for all Aggie athletes in addition to an indoor practice area with batting cages utilized by both softball and baseball teams. The complex also includes dressing and locker rooms for the softball team and umpires, a press box, a concession facility, an equipment storage room, covered bleachers, and landscaped patio spaces with sun shades for additional viewing areas.

Aggie Gym is located on the northern edge of campus across from the University's administration building. In addition to the arena, the facility also houses a complete training room, weight room, classroom space, coaches’ offices, four locker room areas, and boasts a seating capacity of nearly 1,800.

The Streich-Henry Tennis Complex, built in 1978, houses the home courts of Cameron's nationally ranked men's and women's tennis teams. The complex features eight courts, allowing the Aggies to host a variety of events ranging from dual matches to multi-team high school regional tournaments. The complex is located directly west of the Shepler Center dormitories, allowing for ample parking at Cameron tennis events, and features a multi-faceted structure that provides covered bleachers, restrooms and a locker room area for the Aggies.

The Aggie Rec Center is a 30,000 sq. ft. facility that has a gym for basketball; volleyball and other team activities; four racquetball courts; strength and cardio equipment; aerobic activities; running track; and a 25-yard indoor swimming pool. All areas are accessible.

Students who attend the Cameron University–Duncan campus may use the Simmons Center in Duncan for recreation and fitness classes. Online students who live in the Duncan area may also qualify for Simmons Center membership.

Accommodations on the basis of disability at any campus facility are available by contacting the Office of Student Development.

Programming Activities Council

The mission of the Programming Activities Council (PAC) is to improve the quality of activities and gain student input into the planning of programs, entertainment, and activities. PAC provides activities such as comedians, hypnotists, concerts, and trips for the university. Major events for the entire campus are coordinated and implemented by the council. For a complete list of activities sponsored by PAC, call (580) 581-2271 or go online. Cameron University-Duncan’s PAC provides a variety of activities on the Duncan campus. For more information about the Cameron University-Duncan PAC, (877) 282-3626.

Student Government

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the governing body representing all students in the shared governance process at Cameron University. This organization, comprised of senators from the academic departments and representatives from the student organizations, is presided over by a student elected president. The purpose of the Student Government Association is to promote the interests and welfare of the student body.

Student and Departmental Organizations

Cameron recognizes more than 60 student organizations with varying interests. The focus of the groups range from academic to social to religious to political. By participating in departmental clubs, honor societies, and special interest organizations, students develop life skills and enrich their college experience. Students interested in joining or starting a group should contact the Office of Campus Life.

Cultural Programs

A wide range of cultural events are presented each year by various departments and special committees on campus.

The Lectures and Concerts Committee sponsors both popular and classical musical concerts while also bringing to campus a number of eminent speakers on many subjects, from politics to science.

The School of Arts and Sciences offers a variety of arts activities and opportunities, which are open to all Cameron students regardless of major. The Department of Art, Music, and Theatre Arts sponsors frequent student gallery shows as well as workshops and exhibits by well-known visiting professionals, offers multiple annual musical and theatrical productions, and offers student musicians a choice of wide array of instrumental ensembles and choirs. Cameron's award winning Speech and Debate Team, sponsored by the Department of Communication, English and Foreign Languages, competes at the national level.

The Office of Campus Life and the Office of Student Development both bring prominent artists, programs, and seminars to the campus to provide a wide range of social and cultural events to Cameron University students, faculty, and staff.

Cameron University’s Academic Festivals are dynamic, privately funded symposia that provide in-depth study into a single topic over the course of an academic year. Held every three years, these festivals feature nationally recognized speakers and unique public events. Cameron’s academic festival series has established a reputation for bringing thought-provoking, informative and entertaining speakers to Southwest Oklahoma. More information about previous or upcoming Academic Festivals is available online.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The Athletics Department is supervised by the Director of Athletic Administration. The Intercollegiate Athletic Committee, a secondary committee of the Institutional Services Committee, serves in an advisory capacity to the Director of Athletic Administration.

The Cameron Aggies are proud members of both NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference and compete in 13 intercollegiate sports: Men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, track, golf, and tennis; women’s softball, basketball, volleyball, cross country, track, golf, and tennis. The Aggies have a long-standing tradition of excellence and have won a remarkable number of conference, regional, and national championships. Cheerleading and Sports Medicine are also included within the Athletic Department. Scholarships are available in each of these sports/areas. Information can be obtained by writing to the Director of Athletic Administration, who will forward inquiries to the appropriate head coach.

Intramural Sports

The Intramural Sports program offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to participate in many sports and activities on a competitive and recreational level. All skill levels are welcome, and there is no fee to participate. Sports include flag football, basketball, bowling, golf, soccer, and many more.

Religious Organizations

Cameron University is a state supported, non sectarian institution, but it recognizes the importance of spiritual life and cooperates with many off campus groups that fulfill the religious needs of the community. Several recognized student organizations are affiliated with denominational student centers. Each of these centers conducts student programs under the direction of professionally trained staff.

Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges

Special university recognition is given each year to juniors and seniors chosen for this prestigious honor. Totaling approximately one percent of the student body, recipients are selected on the criteria of outstanding scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and potential by a committee representing students, faculty, and staff.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

The Collegian (University Newspaper)

Founded in 1926, The Collegian is the official student newspaper of Cameron University. The Collegian is written, designed, edited, and produced by student editors for the students, faculty, staff, and administration of the university. The Collegian serves both as a voice for the students of the university, and as a training ground for student journalists to hone the skills they develop in their courses. The Collegian, programming from CUTV, and several wikis and blogs are presented through AggieCentral, Cameron’s convergent journalism website. The Collegian is a member of the Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association.

The Gold Mine

The Gold Mine began in 2009 as a student produced journal. From the submissions, editing, layout and print—the entirety of the journal is a creation of volunteer Cameron University students. The journal features nonfiction and fiction stories, poetry, and art work from current CU students. The journal is available in print and online.

KCCU Radio

KCCU FM is the public radio voice of Cameron University, featuring programming from National Public Radio (NPR) and other public radio sources. KCCU is a nationally recognized, award-winning public radio station that serves numerous communities from its studios on the Cameron campus. KCCU is also a leader in the broadcast industry in innovative uses of radio technology, including HD Radio. FM stations, along with website streaming, provide public radio service to a large section of Western, Southwestern, and South-central Oklahoma, and parts of North Texas. The station features NPR news; Texas/Oklahoma news; classical music; jazz; and other specialty programming. KCCU is operated by a professional staff with the assistance of Cameron University students enrolled in communication courses and other majors. KCCU hires part-time student production assistants and news reporters to give them professional experience in the broadcast industry, and utilizes student interns each semester who enroll in communication courses. KCCU is also an outreach for Cameron University, building upon the university’s community service efforts. KCCU is a non-commercial public radio network that relies upon financial support from individual members, local businesses, and area foundations.

CUTV

CUTV is a closed circuit television channel broadcasting to monitors located across campus on Channel 11. CUTV features a bulletin board of daily activities and events of interest to students, faculty, and staff members. The Department of Communication, English and Foreign Languages produces a weekly news program featuring campus events. Communication students also produce a weekly student government report, a news brief, and a feature program focusing on major campus events and campus leaders.

STUDENT HANDBOOK AND CONDUCT

The Student Handbook is an official publication that explains university policies and procedures and provides that information for all aspects of university life. Students are responsible for knowing its contents. For questions regarding the Student Handbook, please contact the Office of Student Services.

Rules and regulations for the conduct of students attending Cameron University are listed in the Student Handbook. A primary purpose of these regulations is to help maintain a safe learning environment for members of the academic community. Student violations of these rules and regulations are reviewed by administrative officers having disciplinary responsibilities. The decisions made by these officers are subject to an appeal, either administratively or by proper referral to an appropriate judicial committee. When a student is suspended or dismissed for disciplinary reasons, the grades recorded for the student for that semester shall be determined in the same way as if the student had withdrawn voluntarily, and any refund of fees shall be determined by the regular refund policy.

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS

Student records are filed in a variety of offices. The administrative officers are responsible for the records under their control and for the appropriate release of information contained in these records. Cameron University forwards educational records on request to other educational institutions in which a student seeks or intends to enroll without providing any further notice to the individual regarding the transfer of records.

Release of Student Information. Student records are confidential in the sense that the information contained in these records is given voluntarily by the student for the private use of the institution for educational purposes only. The information contained in student records is of two different types: Directory Information and Personally Identifiable Information.

Directory Information. This information may be freely released by university officials without the consent of the student. Upon written request by the student, this information will be treated as confidential and released only with the student’s written consent. Forms for withholding student “directory information” are available in the Registrar’s Office. This information consists of:

• Full name
• Mailing address
• Telephone number
• Enrollment status
• Academic classification
• Degrees and awards received
• Dates of attendance
• Date of graduation
• Athletic program information
• Previous institution most recently attended
• Participation in officially recognized organizations, activities
• Other similar information as permitted in the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (Pub. L. 93-568, Sec. 99.3).

Personally Identifiable Information. All other information contained in student records and not listed as directory information falls into the second, or restricted category. This type of restricted information is found mainly in

1. the academic record maintained by the Registrar’s Office and controlled by the Registrar;
2. the student conduct record kept in the Office of Student Development; and
3. the records of the various other university offices of Financial Assistance, Student Development, Public Safety, and Student Housing, supervised by their respective directors.

To protect the rights of the student or graduate, it shall be the policy of the university to release this restricted information to other persons or agencies, only as provided by FERPA. However, a student may choose to release information to a third party by completing a FERPA waiver. Forms and information are available in the Office of Student Services.

Emergency situations may develop which could necessitate release of restricted information without the approval of the student or proper legal action. In these emergency situations, where the immediate welfare of the student or the university may be in jeopardy, the administrative official in charge of the office maintaining the requested information will make the decision regarding release of the information. In cases where the responsible administrator is not available to make the decision, or, if they decide not to release the information, an appeal to secure the information may be made to the university president.

CAMPUS DINING

Food service is provided at two locations, the McMahon Centennial Complex, which features a food court, and the Shepler Cafeteria. The McMahon Centennial Complex offers such items as pizza, deli subs and sandwiches, hot grill items, “grab and go” items, coffee, smoothies, and other drinks. Items may be purchased using cash, credit, or an AggieOne card. The Shepler Cafeteria, located between the two Shepler towers, is open to all students, staff, and faculty. This cafeteria operates on an “all you can eat” basis. Commuter meal plans are also available.

BOOKSTORE/POST OFFICE

The Cameron University Bookstore is conveniently located in the McMahon Centennial Complex. Here students will find their required course materials as well as a selection of recommended study aids, basic school supplies, educationally priced software, and electronic equipment.

In addition to textbooks, the Bookstore carries a wide selection of clothing and gifts that students can purchase to show their school spirit. The Bookstore also stocks a selection of trade books. Students will find a selection of candy/snacks and cold drinks for purchase as well.

Graduation regalia, class rings, diploma frames, and announcements are also available through the Cameron Bookstore. Special orders can also be placed at no additional charge. Students can shop the bookstore online as well.

The Post Office is located in the McMahon Centennial Complex inside the Bookstore. Patrons can purchase postage here as well as money orders and post outgoing mail and packages.

CASHIERS

Cashiers for Cameron University are located at the One-Stop located in the McMahon Centennial Complex. Cashiers are responsible for releasing to students all financial assistance checks, such as loans, grants, scholarships, and work study. For faculty, staff, and students, this convenient location also accepts payments for charges incurred at the University and issues parking permits and ID cards. Cash, personal checks, and credit card payments using MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted.

STUDENT WELLNESS CENTER

Cameron's Student Wellness Center offers medical care to students for acute conditions, mental health counseling, monthly education programs, and interactive workshops. The Student Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday; daily hours vary. Medical services are provided on a walk-in basis. Counseling services are provided by appointment. Most students who are actively enrolled on the main campus are eligible for medical services. All students who are enrolled in at least one course on the Lawton or Duncan campuses are eligible for counseling services.

HEALTH INSURANCE

The university recommends that all students acquire some form of health insurance to meet unexpected medical needs.

Please note that all international students attending Cameron are required to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan through Academic Health Plans. For information about this requirement or to request a waiver, please contact the International Admissions Office.

CAMERON UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The purpose of the Alumni Association is to cooperate with and assist in the promotion of the goals and purposes of Cameron University; to encourage a continuing and increasing interest in the university among graduates, former students, and friends; and to foster acquaintance and good fellowship through information, education, and service. Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the association. Projects include reunions, alumni, and faculty awards. A benefit golf tournament and a membership drive support scholarships and various other campus activities. Further information may be obtained by contacting the CU Alumni Association, Office of Alumni Relations.