Light it Up Conference at OSU a success

Friday, May 1, 2015

Students helped students prepare for college life at the recent Light it Up Conference sponsored by the Division of Institutional Diversity at OSU.

The Oklahoma State University Division of Institutional Diversity hosted its 2015 Light it Up Conference to equip high school students with the tools they need to be successful in college.

“Nine college students and six high school students who have participated in the division’s Inclusion Leadership Program conducted the conference for students from Del City High School, Dove Science Academy and Stillwater High School,” said Dr. Jovette Dew, director of diversity academic support at OSU. “We’re proud of the job they did in helping offer some practical advice that students can use as they prepare to attend OSU.”

The host students presented three workshops at the conference that walked the high school students through the various choices they will face academically, financially and socially in attending college.

The academic workshop, Talk to Me Nerdy, focused on academics at OSU, including the different majors and programs that are offered, and steps in selecting a major. Time and stress management, along with campus resources for tutoring, academic counseling, study areas, computer labs and libraries were covered.

The financial workshop, Money, Money, Money, taught students about managing their finances in college to ensure it would take them through the school year. It covered the different expenses they could expect such as housing fees, student meal plans, and textbooks as well as the various ways to fund college through scholarships, student loans, work study positions, and part time jobs.

The social workshop, Light Up My Life, was dedicated to campus life at OSU, starting with an overview of the various organizations that students can be involved in, both on and off campus. The workshop covered benefits to joining organizations on campus as well as how they provide fun and productive activities for students to participate in during their downtime from academic studies. Volunteerism was discussed as well as the importance of using a planner to maintain priorities and ensure more free time for social activities.