ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP RETREAT

Since 2004 we have held an annual retreat for the Clara Luper and American Indian Scholars to help prepare them for life as a college student and build community among these selected students. The Student Advisory Board assists with planning and implementing these retreats. During the early years the retreats were held in the lower level of the Chapel and only lasted 4 hours. Due to the number of students in these programs and the amount of information that needed to be covered it was determined that we needed much more time and our objectives would be better met by an off-campus location. We chose Roman Nose State Park as our site for the fourth retreat. Funding was obtained by redirecting existing budgets, receiving a modest budget increase and obtaining grant funds. We have also held our retreat at the United Methodist Camp Grounds. This year’s retreat was held at Jacobs Ladder in Chandler, Oklahoma.

This initiative has had a tremendous impact on the success of our programs. Our retention and graduation rates can be closely associated with the success of these retreats. The retreats provide a wonderful opportunity to orient new scholars to the program, plan for the New Year and allow the students to get better acquainted with one another. The student advisory board serves on the planning committee and is instrumental in facilitating every aspect of the retreat. Students are selected via application and interview process to serve as peer mentors along with the student advisory board and book librarians. The retreat consists of activities and events that serve to assist students with their academic, social and professional development.

The components of the retreat are:

• Introductions & Ice Breakers
• Orientation
• AIS\Luper Advisory Board Meetings
• Freshman WorkshopsTools to SucceedProgram Do’s and Don’tsCareer Readiness
• Team Building ExercisesAIS\Luper Advisory Board Interviews
• Clara Luper Book Library InterviewsWrap Up session

Our professional staff consists of the Director of Multicultural Student Affairs, Coordinator of Multicultural Programs, Director and Assistant Director of Career Services, and Career Services\Multicultural Student Affairs Administrative Assistant.

2501 North Blackwelder Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106
Ph. 405-208-5750 Fax: 405-208-5529
MSA@okcu.edu