Today’s education needs to reach beyond the classroom. Students are eager to participate in hands on activities and enrichment programs that will prepare them for life after Oakland University. Enrichment programs teach students to work together, push their critical thinking skills and build their confidence in their abilities. The College of Arts and Sciences eagerly provides students with such activities. These programs provide students with the well rounded liberal arts education that the College of Arts and Sciences prides itself in.
In February, the Political Science Department sponsored 17 students who traveled to the North American Model UN Conference where they met with students from 22 schools spanning eight countries. Students participated in authentic simulations of UN general assembly committees and the Security Council. OU students represented Israel, Turkey, Sudan, Canada and Turkmenistan. Six OU students earned honors for their participation including two who were named “Outstanding Delegate.”
“At this conference we got to experience the culture of metropolitan Toronto and meet people from all over the world,” explained OU Model UN President, Julia Hunko. “We had great debates about issues that are facing the world today, like religious freedom and discrimination, and women's rights in the Middle East. Discussing these topics in that multi-ethnic atmosphere helped us, as students, look at them in a new light.”
The Philosophy department’s Ethics Bowl Team also received recognition for its achievements at the Association of Practical and Professional Ethics 2009 Regional Ethics Bowl Competition. The team took second among 22 other schools qualifying them for the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Competition. “This year’s team was amazing,” according to Coach Lisa Campbell. “They had the best teamwork of any group I’ve ever been a part of, both academically and professionally.”
OU’s campus radio station 88.3 FM WXOU provides students hands on experience closer to home. The station offers an educational experience to those involved while delivering information and entertainment to its listeners. This winter, WXOU received several awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. The station overall received second for “Outstanding Achievements in the Field.” Individual students received awards in “Sportscast/Sports Play-by-Play,” “Station Activities Report,” “Daily Newscast/News Feature,” and honorable mention in the “Air Check category.”
To support these and other student enrichment programs, visit www.oakland.edu/donate.