Student Life

Student Life FAQs

Below you'll find answers to several common OCC Student Life questions. Contact the Student Life Office at 417.626.1231 for more information. 

How do I change residence halls or rooms?

To make a housing change during a school break, contact Dawn Lahm at 417.626.1231. All other room reservations may be made through your Residence Directors (RDs). Room changes may be made through the RDs during the first two weeks of the semester. Following that time, a $50 fee, payable in advance in cash, is imposed for any room change.

How do I get a single room?

All first-semester freshmen are assigned a roommate. Single rooms may be requested by second-semester freshmen and above for an additional fee and are subject to availability. If during the semester you desire permission to move out of your residence hall, inform your RD and request the proper form from Student Life.

Can I live off campus?

A student enrolled in 8 or more credit hours of classes is required to live in a residence hall. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by Student Life in the following instances.

  • When a student will be living with his/her immediate family which provides a guardian relationship
  • When a student has completed 90 credit hours (senior status)
  • When a student will be 23 years of age or older before the upcoming semester
  • When a student has already lived in a residence hall for seven semesters

Before seeking off-campus housing (after being a dorm resident), you must inform your RDs and seek approval and documentation from Student Life.

All off-campus students are expected to adhere to OCC behavioral policies or they may forfeit the privilege of off-campus housing. Housing exceptions will not be granted to students on academic or disciplinary probation. Housing exceptions will not be granted solely for financial reasons.

A student enrolled in 7 credit hours or less must live off campus unless s/he is enrolled in the OCC/MSSU dual degree program. Otherwise, in order to live in the residence halls, special approval from Student Life is required.

What if I have a car on campus?

All vehicles must be registered and must have parking permits. Failure to have a permit on your vehicle will result in a $25 fine. Parking permits are available at Student Life.

Where can I ride my bike and store it?

Bicycles may be used on roadways only. Bicycle racks are provided at various locations on campus for your use. Guidelines for storage of bikes at specific residence halls will be provided.

Can I have a refrigerator in my room?

You may have one small refrigerator per room in the residence halls. Refrigerators must not exceed 4 cubic feet, 2 amps, and 120 volts. A three-pronged plug is required. No extension cords or plug adapters may be used. All refrigerator upkeep and maintenance is the student's responsibility.

What if my internet isn't working on campus?

Submit a request for help at [email protected], or contact the Information Technology Department at 417.626.1226.

How do I make an appointment for counseling?

To make an appointment with a counselor, contact Andy Storms at 417.626.1225, Randy Gariss at 417.626.1279, or Julie Gariss at 417.626.1286.

What if my job keeps me out past curfew?

If your employer requires you to work past curfew, advance permission must be obtained from Student Life. Work permit forms are available from your RDs or the Student Life Office.

How do I get a new Student ID card?

Replacement ID cards are available at the Student Financial Services Office (north wing of the Casteel Administration Building). There is a $25 fee for lost cards. Replacement of a broken card is free, but students must return the broken card.

Where can I make suggestions or complaints regarding my OCC experience?

Students may submit a Student Concern Form here or pick up a form in the Student Life Office. Students may also voice concerns directly to the appropriate individuals, either in writing or in person.

Forms and Resources

 

Meal Plans

On-Campus Student Meal Plans:

Each plan includes a double-occupancy room and a designated number of meals. Single-occupancy room is an additional $465.

  • Housing+ 110 Plan: $3,029
  • Housing+ 175 Plan: $3,229
  • Housing+ 240 Plan: $3,429

Off-Campus Student Meal Plans:

  • Commuter Flex Plan "Flex 40": $370
  • Commuter Flex Plan "Flex 80": $670

Commuter plans are available for off-campus students only and include 40 or 80 meals per semester. Email Dawn Lahm to add a commuter plan to your account.

*Unused meals will not be refunded or “rolled over” at the end of the semester.

Chapel Attendance Policy

Weekly chapel services provide an opportunity for the Bible college community to worship Christ together. All students enrolled in eight or more hours of a residential program OR who live on campus are required to attend every scheduled chapel service, with four absences allowed per semester. Students will receive a pass/fail grade based on attendance. Chapel meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Students must scan their ID cards outside of the chapel doors immediately after being dismissed from chapel. If a student is absent they will receive an email from the Chapel Office letting them know of their absence. No exceptions will be made for lost or broken cards, forgetting to scan, or any non-school-sanctioned absences. Excused absences and chapel exemption requests will be determined by the Academics and Chapel Offices. 

Questions? Contact [email protected] or 417.680.5609.