Some students helping out with Habitat for Humanity
Volunteering Galore
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Spring is in the Air
Hey everyone!
So it’s back to the grind…spring break is over, and that means I graduate in just a little over ONE MONTH! AHHHHH that’s terrifying! My spring break was really cool…I got to travel to Washington, DC to attend a conference with my research advisor through the TURC program! I got to see all of the sights while I was there, which makes me really, really happy because seeing the original Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and standing in the exact spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream Speech” is every Political Science major’s dream. It was so neat!
I also got to go to the Smithsonian and see the WWII memorial, the Korean War memorial, the Vietnam War memorial, and the Pentagon 9/11 memorial. They were all so beautiful! I was so grateful I had the opportunity to see them! All around, it was an amazing spring break, and I’m so thankful that I had the chance to travel to DC–a city that I’ve wanted to see my whole life–and it’s all thanks to the TURC program at TU! I never thought I’d have an opportunity like this one, but I’m so grateful that I did!
I can’t wait to write to you all next time, because by then I’ll be on the brink of graduation. I officially enrolled in law school today (eek!), so I guess I really am a big kid now. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated on all of the happenings in my life! Until then, adios and happy spring!
Standing where MLK, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech! The reflecting pool is under construction, but it was still so pretty!
The National Mall
The National Mall from the other side of the river! The cherry blossoms were so pretty!
The Vietnam War Memorial
Tuesday with Tulsa: The Communication Department
Today’s Tuesday with Tulsa blog post was written by Dr. Joli Jensen, Professor of Communication at The University of Tulsa. We asked Dr. Jensen to tell us about the Communication Department at TU, and this is what she had to say….
I love teaching in the TU communication department because we teach relevant courses on media, culture and society that attract creative, engaged students. We have carefully designed our curriculum to blend theoretical, historical and skills courses so that our graduates understand the history, limits and possibilities of today’s media, and learn the skills to thrive as citizens, consumers and participants in the new media environment.
Our department website and Facebook page will tell you more about us.
Our majors can choose to specialize in journalism, advertising/pr or media studies. They learn how to think and write clearly and effectively for print communication, and how to use broadcasting, graphic design, and documentary techniques for electronic communication. We want to be sure that our majors can combine various modes of communication for effective participation in the emerging digital age.
Our graduates find employment in both profit and non-profit organizations, since there is always demand for students who can think and write well, plan campaigns, create innovative content, and use new media technologies, including social media, effectively.
Our faculty is always available to help each student shape their coursework to meet their goals. As professors, we not only teach, but also do research in media studies–our specialty interests include Native American images, country music, the Soviet Internet, and sports and computer games. Our adjunct faculty members are currently active in local journalism, public relations and advertising, and bring their expertise and connections into the classroom.
TU is a very supportive environment for communication students. You can write for our campus newspaper, the Collegian, as well as produce shows for our campus TV station, TUTV (click here to view TUTV’s programming). We have a public radio station, KWGS. Our faculty are also involved in various certificate programs, including Creative Writing, Women’s and Gender Studies, Native American Studies, Museum Studies, and Arts Management. We are developing a Digital Studies certificate right now.
So, if you are interested in communication, and want to understand and participate in the media, then TU gives you LOTS of ways to develop the insights and skills you’ll need. Feel free to contact me, our department chair Dr.Mark Brewin, or any of us, for more information—
- Dr. Joli Jensen
- Dr.Mark Brewin, Department Chair
- Dr. John Coward
- Prof. David Moncrief
- Dr. Benjamin Peters
Tuesday with Tulsa: The Honors Program
Today’s Tuesday with Tulsa blog post was written by Dr. Denise Dutton, Assistant Provost & Director of the Honors Program at TU.
Yesterday I had the privilege of talking about the Honors Program here at TU with some prospective students who were participating in Tulsa Time. It happened to be Presidents’ Day. And so, unsurprisingly, as I described how the Honors seminars invite students to investigate the big question, “What constitutes a well-lived life?” I was struck by the similarities between the virtues that mark great statesmanship and the habits of mind honed by our Honors scholars. In the course of reflecting upon just two of these similarities, I hope to give you a taste of the kind of intellectual community that grows out of our Honors seminars and the larger tradition of living freely and deliberately of which it is a part. Continue reading
Tuesday with Tulsa: MIS Faculty Member
Today’s Tuesday with Tulsa blog post was written by Dr. Lori Leonard, Associate Professor of MIS at The University of Tulsa. We asked her to tell us about the Management Information Systems program at TU. Here’s what she had to say…
I am often asked about the MIS program and why it is less heard of than other business programs such as accounting and finance. My answer generally is, “when people hear the word computers, they immediately think of computer science.” MIS is business-based, where as computer science is not. If you like technology and business, read on to learn more about what an MIS degree can do for you.
What is the value of a Management Information Systems (MIS) degree? MIS involves designing information systems that make the business run better and developing technological solutions that match the business needs. That means that a fundamental understanding of business is needed along with considering the value of computer technology. MIS is difficult to outsource because the MIS professional has to be present to interact with other business units on a daily basis in order to ensure the technology is working for them. Since all businesses use technology, every industry needs MIS majors, which means many job opportunities! MIS is a great major because it allows movement into different job functions as you progress through your career as well.
Why join the MIS program at TU? The MIS program enjoys small classes with a few, dedicated faculty. The program has approximately 45 majors which means that class sizes are anywhere between 10 and 20. The MIS professors know each student’s name and care about the success of the students. Students also are able to interact with the same peers in projects throughout their MIS courses. That translates into a lot of individualized attention and hands-on interaction!
Do MIS students find internships and full-time employment? Typically, there is 100% placement in MIS positions. That is because there is a shortage of MIS students versus MIS positions. This is good news for a prospective MIS student! Not only is placement high but the average starting salary is $55,000, with some starting salaries being in the high-$60s. Starting MIS jobs typically fall into one of three categories: (1) designing technology solutions for businesses whose core business in not technology, (2) consulting with different clients to develop and deploy solutions, or (3) providing technical sales and service support. There are also internship opportunities. While internships are not required for the MIS degree, many students are employed in paid summer internships that can translate into full-time positions upon completion.
How can I find out more about the MIS degree program? The MIS faculty are always glad to discuss how MIS can fit in your future. Call, write, or stop by anytime! Dr. Lori Leonard, lori-leonard@utulsa.edu, (918) 631-2787, Helmerich Hall, Room 313.
Presidential Lecture Series
Will’s popular twice-weekly column for The Washington Post syndicate reaches nearly 500 newspapers throughout the United States and Europe and he appears regularly on ABC’s This Week.
The lecture is open to the public; no registration, tickets or reservations are required!
Fall Happenings!
Fall Semster is my favorite semester because of all the fun happenings both on and off campus! Homecoming and Football being two of my personal favorites along with coming home for the Holidays! 
Tulsa State Fair was fun, we went with some of the freshmen on campus and saw Eli Young Band for 2$. Great night that did not break the bank!
Anna, Sarah, Myself, Alec, Christopher, & Thomas, some of the TU Top Ten Freshmen
Courtney, Alexa and I at Starbucks at Utica with our parents during Parent’s Weekend
l
Sarah, Maggie (My roomate) and I tailgating for the Pink Out!
One of my best friends and I with the President and his Wife!
Tuesday with Tulsa
I can’t believe I had just had my last fall Tulsa Time at TU! For those prospective students who don’t know, Tulsa Time is a two-day program where prospective students can stay overnight on campus to truly experience what TU is all about. There is programming on Sunday and Monday that gives students and parents a glimpse into all the majors, activities, and opportunities that are available on campus. It is my favorite program that I get to be a part of as a University Ambassador. Unfortunately I am not able to host a prospective student, but I still enjoyed being able to talk to them at the various activities.
Tuesday With Tulsa: Meet a TU Alum
Welcome to our first Tuesday with Tulsa blog post! On Tuesdays, we want to feature guest blog posts from the TU community- alumni, students, faculty, and anyone else that is affiliated with TU and has something they want to say.
Today’s blog post is by Britney Grayson, a TU alum who is finishing up a combined MD-PhD program at Vanderbilt University. Thanks, Britney, for contributing to our blog!
-Casey Reed
Hello from Nashville!
My name is Britney Grayson. I am a Tulsa native (graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and the International Baccalaureate Program) and alumna of The University of Tulsa, class of 2004. I am delighted that many of you reading are considering TU for college. I’d love to share a little bit of my story with you including why I am so thankful that I chose TU for my undergraduate education.
What I’m Waiting For
It’s Emily here. I have reached the point in the semester at which there is a brief lull in the total insanity characteristic of my life. It’s at about this point every year when I just want this semester’s classes to be over, and I start checking the utulsa site every day in the hope that the new schedule of courses has been posted early (it officially becomes available October 17). I couldn’t tell you why thinking about swapping this semester’s classes for a whole new batch is always soothing somehow, but I can tell you that it probably has something to do with getting closer and closer to graduation.
In other news, I have a feeling not many seniors pick up new clubs and activities in their final year, but I’ve gotten involved in a couple of organizations I’m happy to have the opportunity to be part of. The Collegian, where I am a staff writer, has become an addiction, and it’s a great excuse to talk to really interesting people on campus who I may not have gotten to know otherwise. I’ve also gotten involved with Earth Matters, and the dedicated people who are part of the group are really working to make TU a more sustainable place. We’re starting a campus garden and holding a kickoff October 22. Hooray for fresh produce!
