Oct 07, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Instructional Support Services



Odessa College makes a variety of programs and services available to students and community members. These offerings support the instructional mission of the college and offer enrichment opportunities to participants.

OC Support & Services

https://www.odessa.edu/future-students/support-and-services/index.html

The OC Pathways Advising Center provides information about getting started in college as well as degree planning, class schedules and other basic facts about the campus and programs of study. The OC Pathways Advising Center staff is available to assist potential and current students with general questions about the college.

The OC Pathways Advising Center also exists to help students make decisions and solve problems. Some of the services available to students are academic advisement, admissions/transfer information, crisis referral, and help with career guidance.

Assistance is free and confidential. Any problems or concerns that interfere with the attainment of academic, career, technical, and workforce or personal goals can be discussed with a Student Success Coach.

The center is located in Room 204 of the Saulsbury Campus Center. Students can schedule an appointment with a Student Success Coach by calling 432-335-6433, but walk-in students are also accommodated. Periodically, special activities, programs and structured group experiences will be offered as well. Online advising is also available by appointment.

Special Populations/Disability Services/Learning Assistance

Odessa College affirms that it will provide access to programs, services and activities to qualified individuals with known disabilities as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), unless doing so poses an undue hardship or fundamentally alters the nature of the program or activity.

Disabilities may include hearing, mobility or visual impairments as well as hidden disabilities such as chronic medical conditions (arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, lupus, seizure disorders, etc.), learning disabilities or psychiatric or emotional disabilities.

A student who comes to Odessa College with diagnosed disabilities which may interfere with learning may receive accommodations when the student requests them and submits proper documentation of the diagnosis. A Request for Accommodations form and guidelines for beginning the request process are available in the OC Pathways Advising Center or on the Odessa College web site at https://www.odessa.edu/future-students/support-and-services/other-resources/students-with-disabilities/index.html

The college strives to provide a complete and appropriate range of services for students with disabilities such as assistance with testing, registration, information on adaptive and assistive equipment, tutoring, assistance with access and accommodations for the classroom where appropriate.

For information regarding services, students with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services in the OC Pathways Advising Center located in Room 201A of the Saulsbury Campus Center or call 432-335-6861.

Career Services

The Pathways Advising Center includes Career Services which are available to both credit and non-credit students as well as alumni. Career guidance is available from a Student Success Coach who can administer and interpret various career assessments designed to assist students in determining the occupations and college majors that line up with their interests, work values, skills and abilities. Students will also be shown techniques for investigation of occupations that may be of interest.

Career services offered include career exploration, off campus employment opportunities, resume building, and job interview strategies. The OC Pathways Advising Center also coordinates and hosts an annual Job Fair for all OC students and the community.

Students who have not yet decided on a major, who need career information, referral to other services or job placement assistance should contact the OC Pathways Advising Center by calling 432-335-6433.

Testing Center

The Testing Center, Spur 150, offers a variety of testing and assessment services designed to help students set and meet educational goals. Tests that are offered on a walk-in basis every weekday include the TSIA test, which is required for placement into college classes; the TEAS and HOBET tests required for admission to many of the College’s Nursing and Allied Health programs; make-up tests for Odessa College classes and proctored testing for students enrolled in courses at other institutions. Tests that are scheduled on a regular basis include SAT and ACT.

Students with special testing needs are accommodated in the Testing Center. Individuals using the Center’s services must present photo identification and social security cards. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be left outside the testing rooms. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is not testing. Please visit https://www.odessa.edu/current-students/testing/index.html for more.

Learning Resources Center

The Murry H. Fly Learning Resources Center (LRC) is a full-service academic library whose mission is to serve Odessa College students, faculty, staff and community.

The LRC has more than 50,000 electronic books, 30,000 print books, and over 4,000 media holdings (including music, videos and CDs). The library subscribes to over 60 research databases that provide thousands of specialized sources, including magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals. Other services include:

  • Research librarians who are available in person or via email to help students with assignments and general questions
  • “How-to-Use-the-Library” orientation classes and other tutorials
  • Computers for online access
  • A reserve collection specifically dedicated to student coursework
  • Quiet study areas
  • Retrieval of materials from local and state libraries
  • Photocopiers and VHS/DVD players

Many of the LRC’s resources are available online via Odessa College’s web site, www.odessa.edu (LRC). There, students not only have a gateway to multiple research services, but also links to related, helpful sites.

Additionally, the LRC offers informational exhibits, a reading club, contests, and events. Contact the LRC at 432-335-6640 or at http://www.odessa.edu/current-students/Learning-Resources-Center-Library/index.html.

Developmental Education

Some students enter Odessa College lacking many of the basic skills necessary for college level reading, writing and mathematics. The developmental education program offers specialized courses and activities designed to help students acquire basic educational skills.

Developmental education courses and activities are available in basic English, basic mathematics and reading. All courses listed in this program grant one or three credit hours. These credit hours do not satisfy the requirements of any degree plan at OC, and they may not transfer to another college or university.

Student Success Center

Located in the SLR, the Student Success Center (SSC) provides assistance to students in meeting their academic and career goals. We strive to provide new and updated resources and services at no charge to OC students.

Academic support services include tutoring, study skills training, and workshops. Tutoring is available for a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, college mathematics, English, government, history, speech, chemistry, biology, and all developmental coursework. TSI test prep is also provided to students. Computer lab assistants are available to help students with Blackboard, OC portal, student email, and more.

The Student Success Center provides tutoring services in a number of locations on and off campus:

  • Math Lab, located on the second floor of the Wood Math and Science building, provides support for all math-related tutoring
  • Synapse Lab, located on the third floor of the Wood Math and Science building, provides support for all science-related tutoring
  • Writing Center, located on the first floor of Wilkerson Hall, provides support for all writing-related tutoring
  • Main Student Success Center located in the Learning Resources Center, provides tutoring support for all other subjects
  • Onsite tutoring is also available at our Ranch location in Gardendale.
  • Online tutoring services are available 24/7 through Upswing

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted as availability allows. All computers in the center have Internet access, Microsoft Office, and software resources to assist OC students in improving their reading, writing and mathematical skills. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 432-335-6673 or visit http://www.odessa.edu/current-students/student-success-center/index.html

Campus Facilities

Student Housing

https://www.odessa.edu/future-students/campus-life/student-housing/index.html

The experience of living on campus while attending college provides students with an environment for learning and growth that goes beyond the classroom experience. Students who live in the on-campus residence facilities have expanded opportunities to learn about interpersonal relations, personal planning and time management, problem solving, and the benefits of cooperation. On-campus housing is available for Odessa College students who are enrolled for a minimum of six semester hours in fall and spring semesters. Students on competitive athletic scholarships are required to live on campus except under extenuating circumstances approved in advance through the Director of Student Life and the Athletic Director.

The rules of campus living include the basic human-relations ideals of respect for each other and each other’s property as well as some specific restrictions, including but not limited to no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on campus, including student residences, no smoking in residence hall facilities, no weapons or explosive devices on campus, and no disruptive or destructive behaviors.

Century Commons

Century Commons, a contemporary on-campus residential facility with space for over 200 students, provides an apartment-type living arrangement with private bedroom space for each occupant. Each apartment is fully furnished, and residents share a common living area and kitchen. Students may choose either a four-bedroom or two-bedroom arrangement. Two-bedroom units have one bath, and four-bedroom units have two baths.

Wrangler Hall

Wrangler Hall is the on-campus home to the Men’s Rodeo team and is also used for overflow or temporary housing, as requested. This facility is a suite style residence hall that comes equipped with laundry services, community microwaves and refrigerators. Cable and Internet access are included in each room.

Both Residence hall options include 15 meals per week. There is no food service on weekends. For information and reservations for student housing, call 432-335-6300.

Payment Options – One of the following options must be completed before a resident will be allowed to move in:

  1. Pay the semester housing charge in full online via WebAdvisor, by mail, phone or in person at Wrangler Express. Payment can be made with cash, money order, check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover.
  2. Arrange for monthly payments through TouchNet installment plan by visiting WebAdvisor on the Odessa College web site www.odessa.edu. A $30 per semester nonrefundable enrollment fee will be charged on this plan. No interest or finance charges will be assessed. Scheduled payments will be automatically drafted from a checking, savings or credit card account.

Bookstore

http://www.odessacollegebookstore.com/Home

The Odessa College Bookstore is an auxiliary enterprise operated by Texas Book Company as a service to students, faculty, staff and the community. The bookstore’s objective is to provide all the necessary and supplementary materials needed for student success. Textbooks, school supplies and novelty items are among the items sold. Profits generated by the bookstore are used to provide scholarships for OC students.

Children’s Center

The Odessa College Children’s Center provides daytime care for 91 children throughout the year for children ages six weeks to five-years-old; offered first to OC students, faculty, and staff, and then to the community. 25 additional children ages 6 – 11 are added in the summer. We are open year-round from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on regularly scheduled college holidays. While providing childcare service, the Children’s Center also serves as a learning laboratory for Odessa College students in child development, child psychology and lifespan classes.

Sports Center

The OC Sports Center is the home arena to the OC Wrangler and Lady Wrangler basketball teams and Lady Wrangler Volleyball Team. In addition there are racquetball courts, two gymnasiums (one for competition and one for community activities), indoor and outdoor tracks, weight training facilities, a Fitness Center/Super Circuit training room, a dance room and an indoor pool.

Students and community members all benefit from the classes and activities centralized at the Sports Center.

Students who present a valid identification card have access to the facility and recreational equipment.

The public is invited to be a part of the Sports Center. Activity cards may be purchased by non-students and a variety of activity membership options are available. Individuals or groups also may rent the facility for special events or parties.

Wrangler Express Center

https://www.odessa.edu/future-students/wrangler-express/index.html

The Wrangler Express Center, located on the first floor of the Saulsbury Campus Center, is your first stop during your visit to Odessa College. The Wrangler Express provides various services and has extended hours to better serve YOU. During your visit, the Wrangler Express can assist you with:

  • Applying for admissions
  • Applying for financial aid
  • Making a payment
  • Setting up a payment plan
  • Obtaining a student ID
  • And much MORE…

Wrangler Express Center Hours:
Spring & Fall
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am-7 pm
Friday: 7:30 am-5 pm
Saturday: 9 am-Noon

Summer Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am-7 pm
Friday: 8 am-5 pm
Closed Saturdays

For information, please call 432-335-6848.

Meeting Facilities

Odessa College has meeting facilities available for businesses, non-profit clubs and organizations on a space-available basis. All events scheduled at OC requiring beverages and/or food service should contact Great Western Dining at 432-335-6817. For information on room availability, set-up arrangements, and applicable fees, please contact the Facilities Contracts Office at 432-335-6754.

Campus Police

The Odessa College Police Department is dedicated in helping to maintain the safety and security of all faculty, staff, visitors and students while they are on campus. Campus Police Officers are available to assist students and visitors with directions to campus buildings and events, courtesy escorts, vehicles with battery problems, keys locked in vehicles, and location of lost and found property. The Police Department’s phone is 432-335-6666. Police officers may be contacted on a 24-hour basis by calling or texting 432-238-6334. The Police Department is located in the Spur Building Room 101.

Emergency Messages

Students should notify their parents, spouses and friends that the college staff will not interrupt classes to deliver a message unless there is a medical emergency (as deemed by college officials) or a death in the family. Under federal law students’ schedules cannot be given to a third party in either verbal or written form without the students’ written permission.

Emergency messages for students should be directed to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services on weekdays during normal business hours.

After hours emergency messages should be directed to the campus police at 432-238-6334.

Emergency Information

Odessa College has determined two means of communication for the purpose of notifying students, faculty and staff of emergency situations.

Wrangler Alerts

Students, their family and employees may register for Wrangler Alerts online. Wrangler Alerts is an automated system which allows individuals to have emergency messages sent via text or voicemail to cell phones, home phones or email. This is an opt-out service for all active students, faculty, and staff. Other registrations occurs online and information can be revised at any time based on the individual’s preferences at http://www.odessa.edu/current-students/wrangler-alerts/index.html.

Emergency Message Boards

The college is equipped with Messaging Boards in each building and in the event of an emergency the boards will provide key information regarding the emergency situation. An audible alarm will be heard to draw attention to the boards which will provide instruction on emergency evacuations, lockdowns or severe weather situations.

Campus Life

Student Activities

Odessa College’s Philosophy is that classroom learning is only one part of its students’ education. Opportunities for students to grow as individuals are made possible through a variety of social and personal experiences, as well as through academic pursuits. Student Activities contributes to personal development through educational and social programming and through leadership in student organizations.

The interactions of students with each other and with faculty on an informal basis can provide students with insights and understanding about their society and can enrich the quality of students’ lives. Student Activities provides a wide range of extracurricular opportunities including a full calendar of campus-based events and a game room with free access to a wide library of table, board, and video games.

Information about all Student Activities programs is available by contacting the Student Activities Office. The office is located in Saulsbury Campus Center 232, or can be reached by phone at 432-335-6403 and email at https://www.odessa.edu/future-students/campus-life/student-involvement/index.html

Specific opportunities for students to participate in student activities include the following:

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)

An increasing number of diverse student organizations are active on campus. These groups include service organizations, honor societies, special interest groups, and organizations related to academic pursuits, such as criminal justice or welding. Odessa College RSOs meet on a regular basis, host campus events, and provide leadership and involvement opportunities for all students. Students may visit the Student Activities Office for more information about getting involved with an existing RSO, or creating a new one.

Student Government Association

https://www.odessa.edu/future-students/campus-life/studentgovernment/index.html

The Student Government Association (SGA) exists to give students an active role in campus life. SGA meets on a weekly basis to discuss campus issues; communicates with students, staff, faculty, administration, and community organizations; provides personal and professional development opportunities; and supports and recognizes the other Odessa College RSOs. SGA is involved in the overall policy and decision-making process and assists in enhancing the overall quality and scope of education for Odessa College. SGA encourages all students to attend their weekly meetings, and can always be reached via email at sga@odessa.edu.

Intramurals

https://www.odessa.edu/future-students/campus-life/athletics/index.html

Intramural Sports provide an outlet for casual competition among members of the Odessa College community. Recurring league sports include volleyball, basketball, and flag football, with other sports operating as single-day or weekend events. Intramural Sports are a function of the Student Activities Officer. Participation is free for all students, faculty, staff, and Sports Center members, and is open to community members for a nominal fee.

Choir and Band

Odessa’s College’s A Cappella Choir and Vocal Ensembles perform an array of programs throughout the school year, including choral classics, operas sung in English, and Broadway/pop music. The OC Choir has performed for the Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio, at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and on tour in England and Wales.

The music department also boasts a large Concert Band, which includes students and community members. In addition, the college has an active Jazz Band which performs regularly on campus and in the community, and has travelled to various locations in the United States. The Wrangler Pep Band provides entertainment and excitement to the OC Men’s and Women’s basketball games. All instrumental ensembles provide scholarship assistance to participating students.

Athletics

https://www.odessa.edu/future-students/campus-life/athletics/index.html

Odessa College has earned a national reputation for its outstanding athletic programs for student athletes. OC is among the nation’s elite with 51 national titles. OC has produced more than 500 National Junior College All-Americans.

OC offers competitive athletics for women in basketball, volleyball, softball, rodeo, and cross country. Men’s teams compete in basketball, baseball, golf, rodeo, and cross country. Coed cheerleading, women’s dance, and student trainers are also a part of Odessa College athletics.

The Wranglers are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. Each sport has a full schedule and the athletic teams compete in the NJCAA tournaments every year.

Women’s Softball

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/sball/index

The 2000-2001 season was the very first time OC fielded a women’s softball team. The Lady Wranglers wasted no time becoming a serious contender. They have qualified for the NJCAA Division 1 National Tournament 6 times. The Lady Wranglers finished third at the national tournament during the 2005 season, and have finished in the top ten nationally many times since.

Men’s Basketball

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/mbkb/index

The Wranglers have enjoyed a long and rich basketball tradition since beginning play in 1952. The team has produced over 200 Division I players. OC has also been the starting point for numerous NBA careers. Former #1 NBA draft pick Larry Johnson heads an impressive list of former OC players that includes Moochie Norris, Craig Ehlo, and Rodney Dent who have enjoyed success in the NBA.

Women’s Basketball

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/wbkb/index

The Lady Wranglers have won three national championships. The most recent championship came in 2007. The 2006 team finished second at the national tournament. During 2006 and 2007 the team posted a remarkable 56-3 record. The Lady Wranglers have produced 10 All-Americans, as well as over 50 All-Region players.

Baseball

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/bsb/index

Odessa College fielded a baseball team from 1965-1971. The program was dropped in 1971. After a 19-year hiatus, baseball was reinstated in 1990. Since 1990, the Wranglers have won 5 conference championships and finished third at the Junior College World Series in 1995. Former OC Wranglers who have made it to the Major League include Steve Kent, Jim Chamblee, and Rick Loiselle.

Men’s Golf

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/mgolf/index

The Wrangler’s have won an impressive 9 national championships, most recently winning in 2017. Hall of Fame coach Paul Chavez has led the Wranglers since 1996. Coach Chavez has led his team to seven top five finishes at the national tournament. The Wranglers won back-to-back national championships in 2004 and 2005.

Men’s and Women’s Rodeo

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/rodeo/index

OC is nationally recognized as a power rodeo school in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Southwest Region, fielding both men and women’s teams.

Rodeo began at OC in 1982 and during its twenty-plus year history, with the exception of only three years, members of the OC rodeo team have qualified for the College National Finals. The men’s teams have won 13 regional event titles, two regional team championships, 11 national event titles and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association National Team Championship in 1989. Since the team’s inception, members of the men’s team have brought home a first place in national competition in numerous years with the most recent wins being at the Canadian National Finals Rodeo in bull riding in 2006 and at the College National Finals in bareback riding in 2003 and 2004. Women’s team members also qualified for the College National Finals in 1993, 1994, 2000, 2004 and 2005.

The OC rodeo program also can boast of several former students, including Jim Sharp, Ty Murray, Shawn McMullan, Adam Carrillo, Gilbert Carrillo, Jerome Davis, Jason Lahr, Cimmaron Gerke, D.J. Domangue, Ryan Gray and Justin Arnold, who successfully moved into the professional ranks in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Volleyball

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/wvball/index

Odessa College played the initial season of Women’s volleyball during the 2011 fall term. With an entire team of freshman, the wranglers finished with a .500 record and were competitive within the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. Volleyball provides an exciting fall sport for the campus and the students of Odessa College.

OC Blues Dance Team

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/dance/index

Scholarship opportunities exist in both dance and cheerleading. The OC Blues Dance team at Odessa College serves as support for OC events, community events and to promote the college throughout West Texas. Additionally, they train throughout the season and compete at the National Level where they have won 4 consecutive National Titles in the Hip-Hop Division.

Student Trainers

http://www.wranglersports.com/information/athletic_trainers/directory

Student trainers have been an integral part of the success of the athletic program at Odessa College for the past 30 years. Student trainers work with each specific sport program to ensure the safety and health of the athletes at Odessa College.

Cross Country

http://www.wranglersports.com/sports/xc/index

A long history of success in cross country and track and field existed at Odessa College for many years. However, the program was discontinued and just recently has been reinstated. Cross country began once again during the 2009 season and limited track opportunities with the 2011 season.