OVU Experience FAQ Sheet

1. What is the OVU Experience?
 

The OVU Experience is an exciting opportunity that enables each student to gain meaningful “real-world” knowledge in an off-campus setting. To complete the requirements of a bachelor’s degree, each student earns credit through two (or more) of many experiences organized into five broad categories:
• Academic Engagement
• Career Cultivation
• Servant Leadership
• Global Connection
• Cultural Enrichment

We believe your OVU Experience will be a transformational learning opportunity that will help you build a sturdy bridge between your life as a student and your life after OVU.

2. How will the OVU Experience benefit me?

The OVU Experience will assist you in becoming a well-rounded person, which, in turn, will make you more desirable to future employers and graduate schools. The OVU Experience will look excellent on your resume by showcasing yourself as having participated in an exciting and challenging experiential learning opportunity.

3. What are some examples of Experiences?

a. Participating in a research study
b. Interning with a volunteer agency, government agency, or business
c. Leading a community service project
d. Participating in a mission trip
e. Participating in a study abroad program
f. Volunteering with a community theater group
g. Performing in an individual music recital

4. What is the cost to participate in the OVU Experience?

a. In order to receive college credit, the student must register for the course and pay the standard tuition, plus any associated fees
b. If a student is going on a mission or study abroad trip, additional fees may be required (airfare, lodging, meals, passport fees, etc.)
c. The student is responsible for any and all associated costs of transportation, professional attire, meals, etc.

5. How many credit hours will I earn through the OVU Experience?

a. An OVU Experience could earn from one to 12 hours
b. Six hours are required for graduation
c. Students may be allowed to pursue more than one OVU Experience for additional credit (one to 12 hours)

6. How many experiences are required?

As many as needed to achieve the six hours required for graduation. Some students may earn all the required hours through one experience (e.g., a semester-long internship); others may need to complete more than one experience in order to achieve the six hours.

7. How do I choose an OVU Experience?

Discuss the opportunities available and the best “fit” for your major and career plans with your academic advisor. It is also recommended that you contact the Career Center for placement ideas.

8. Who will keep track of my OVU Experience?

a. Get approval from your academic advisor
b. Work with your advisor to select a faculty mentor to supervise your experience
c. File a plan form with the registrar’s office and other appropriate campus offices
d. Keep a log and reflective journal detailing the experience

9. Will the OVU Experience be recorded on my transcript?

The OVU Experience will be noted and explained on the transcript.

10. When should I complete the OVU Experience?

Ordinarily, students will complete the OVU Experience during the junior or senior years and ideally before the semester of graduation.

11. What is the minimum GPA needed in order to be accepted into the OVU Experience?

2.0 on a 4.0 scale

12. What is the process for completing the OVU Experience?

a. Discuss you interests with your advisor during the first year
b. Visit the Career Center to determine the variety of experiences available
c. By the first semester of your sophomore year, discuss the areas that most interest you with your academic advisor
d. Select one to two other faculty members to invite to work with your academic advisor as your guiding committee.
e. Schedule a meeting with your committee to discuss your ideas and plans for the OVU Experience.
f. Contact the faculty or person you want to work with to discuss the possibilities and expectations.
g. Register for course work related to the OVU Experience so credit can be given.
h. Show up for your OVU Experience, work hard, and learn as much as possible
i. Follow up with your committee as determined in proposal meeting
j. When the experience and all requirements have been met, give an oral presentation to a committee-approved audience

13. What are the minimum requirements for successful completion of the OVU Experience?

a. Written element (log, reflection, research, etc.)
b. Presentation element
c. Selection of committee by student
d. Off-campus basis e. Grade expectation (A, B, C, or F). The grades for the OVU Experience will be A, B, C, or F. A student must earn an A, B, or C in order successfully to complete the OVU Experience and graduate from OVU.