What to Expect as a Student in Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences
Most freshmen on the OU campus are adjusting to the idea of being away from home for the first time. Although the majority of OU freshmen are from Oklahoma, over 70% of students in the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences are from out of state.
Our students come from over 30 states across the nation, so most of our majors aren't able to drive home for a weekend. While we can't begin to replace your real family, we think you'll find a strong sense of community in the College.
Students majoring in Geography and Meteorology form lasting friendships while at OU, drawn together by the rigors of their degree programs, a devoted faculty and staff, and social activities sponsored by the College of A&GS and by the College's individual academic units, including photo contests, Movie Mondays in the National Weather Center Library, the annual Bevo Barbeque, Sophomore Spotlight, the Multi-Cultural Festival, Groundhog's Day Party, trips to TV stations and sporting events, forecast contests, the activity-filled A&GS Week, The Weather Festival, and the Geography Bowl, to name just a few.
Students also form strong bonds through participation in student clubs, like the OU student chapter of the American Meteorological Society (OUSCAMS) http://weather.ou.edu/~ouscams/; the Oklahoma Weather Lab (OWL) http://owl.ou.edu/; the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) http://weather.ou.edu/~sac/; and the Geography Club (please contact faculty sponsor Dr. Darren Purcell at dpurcell@ou.edu for more information).
The University also sponsors dozens of social events and academic services and hosts numerous internationally known public figures each year. In 2007, the University hosted former President George H. W. Bush, former Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Mexican President Vicente Fox, and many other internationally recognized individuals. In addition, the city of Norman is a wonderful place to live while you pursue your degree. Norman hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Chocolate Festival, Jazz in June, the Medieval Fair, Groovefest and May Fair.
