Wilburton 8th grade GEAR UP students recently toured Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee (OSUIT). Sable Vasquez, OSUIT Special Events Coordinator and tour guide began the tour at the Donald W. Reynolds Technology Center. Students completed Tour Tracker information sheets, and Vasqiez provided an overview of what students should expect during the tour.
The students left the Donald W. Reynolds Technology Center and headed to the OSUIT Library where there are multiple free services offered to the students. Students can use the 3D laser machine, borrow class books for free, hold study groups, and spend time in a quiet environment.
Students were led to Covelle Hall where they were informed that students, faculty, and staff have free access to the sports field, outdoor recreation, weight room, sauna, and wellness center. Next, GEAR UP students visited the Miller-Kamm Housing, the newest coed facility. Each room has local telephone service, cable and Internet access. OSUIT provides other options for student housing which include traditional student dorms and family and non-traditional student dorms such as suites and apartments. Students walked through the Commons area and explored the on-campus University Market Convenience Store.
GEAR UP students visited the LASSO Center (Learning & Student Success Opportunity Center) in Covelle Hall where they learned about free tutoring and other free services offered to OSUIT students. The tour ended at the Student Union which houses the health services, post office, cafeteria, campus bookstore, copy center, ATM, and OSUIT Veterans Lounge.
“College tours are an important part of Eastern’s GEAR UP program,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Tara Martin.
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature. Eastern recently received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant and will serve over 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.
