- Mailing Address
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2501 N Blackwelder
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106 - Phone
- (405) 208-5050
- Email address
- ocuauditions.okcu.edu
- Website
- https://www.okcu.edu/
- School Information
- Oklahoma City University was founded in 1904. "Oklahoma City University prepares all learners to Create, Lead, and Serve. We provide a diverse, inclusive culture committed to producing graduates who think critically and innovatively, communicate effectively, and use their knowledge and talents to make a local and global impact" (Source: https://www.okcu.edu/main/about/mission). The total undergraduate enrollment is over 1,700 students and a total graduate enrollment of 600 students. The student to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. The school offers over 70 undergraduate degrees and over 20 graduate degrees.
- General Information
- OCU has hired a new vice president for diversity and inclusion. In addition, the school incorporates DEI into several courses. Further diversity initiatives are in development. See developments below:
Actions Taken
- Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
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On March 26, 2020, OCU announced that the school has appointed Talia Carroll as the vice president for diversity and inclusion. Carroll will work to " guide, develop, enhance and implement diversity and inclusion programming, training and other initiatives." In addition, "she will also identify and build new community engagement opportunities."
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The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides workshops that are "designed to promote awareness through interactive discourse." Workshops being offered include "Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions" and "Mitigating Bias in Higher Education."
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OCU's Schools of Theatre and Music participate in "Unconscious Bias Training with Dr. Talia Carroll (VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) each semester prior to the audition process."
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- Political Actions and Support for Anti-Racism
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In 2020, OCU's chapter of the American Association of University Professors participated in the nationwide Scholar Strike, a movement to "raise awareness of racism and racial injustice in all forms, including police violence against Black, Indigenous, and people of color."
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- Resources
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The OCU library offers the link to a "Whiteness and Education" database which includes "critical discussions of White racism, White identity, privilege, power, and intersectionality."
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In September 2019, the president released a statement saying that she intends to incorporate diversity initiatives.
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The university has an Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion which hosts events and programs.
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In the spring of 2021, OCU's Student Government Association started "The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Roundtables" for the student body to discuss topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the SGA.
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OCU's Counseling Services Department states that is it the "responsibility of the counselor to be educated on inclusion and equity, as well as the history of systematic racism, oppression, and exclusion of marginalized communities."
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OCU's Nursing School discusses the relationship between social justice and nursing and states the following regarding the 2020 racial justice protests: "This marked a critical point in history as Black Lives Matter became a household phrase illustrated by sustained protests, removal of historical monuments considered pillars of racism, and a renewed consideration of police misconduct and systemic racism by individuals and organizations across the globe."
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OCU provides diversity and inclusion career resources for "historically underrepresented and marginalized student groups."
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The School of Theatre at OCU has updated its course descriptions in order to "be more inclusive and responsive to the ever-changing demographics in our country and to honor the excellent work across a number of cultural experiences."
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- Symbolic Actions
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OCU states that it is "committed to doing the work to create spaces that are diverse, equitable, inclusive, and reflect our position of leadership in the community."
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OCU's School of Theatre states that it is "committed to its ongoing efforts to create and maintain a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture and environment for our community."
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On May 31, 2020, President Martha Burger released a statement urging for the end of "white supremacy and systemic racism." She also announced that OCU’s new Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Talia Carroll, will help OCU "better infuse racial equity throughout our campus culture, practice, and policies."
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