Through the advancement of the interests and welfare of the student body, the University of Central Oklahoma Pre-Dental Society serves those interested in pursuing careers in dentistry related fields.
The University of Central Oklahoma Pre-Dental Society strives to inform students about the different aspects of dentistry, to introduce and familiarize important philosophies associated with success in health care-related fields, and to provide a unique edge in the application process.
These are certainly exciting times for UCO's pre-dental community! All of the requested materials have been submitted to the Student Organizations. The active status of this organization is currently waiting to pass through UCOSA House and Senate.
In the meantime, UCO PDS is extremely pleased to annouce that Ms. Brenda Brent, UCO's Academic Adviser for Biology-related courses, has agreed to accept the role as the UCO Pre-Dental Society organization adviser. We look forward to working with her throughout the semester to establish the UCO Pre-Dental Society as one of UCO's premiere student organizations.
The following is a message from Jared Lamb concerning the availability of Microbiology Teaching Assistant positions.
Attention Students:
Do you need one or two more upper division biology credit hours? If so,the Introduction to Microbiology lab sections needs teaching assistant.One class counts as one 4000 Biology level credit hour.
If interested contact: Mr. Ralph Jones Microbiology Lab Coordinator OR Jared Lamb Microbiology Preparatory Lab Manager 974-5115 HOH 256
Other than that, we hope that you are all having a good semester. We look forward to meeting with you and serving you in the best way possible. Please be in touch with many comments or concerns. Be sure to check the web page or join the Facebook for regular updates.
Please take the time to answer the survey available on the web page. It is EXTREMELY important for us to hear from the pre-dental community.
We are looking to fill the remaining Executive Board position of Senator ASAP. If you are able to attend the UCOSA Senate meeting at 1pm every Monday, PLEASE contact me soon.
The new Executive Board will meet on this Sunday (8/31) at 2pm at the Edmond Public Library. We will be outlining our short term and long term goals for the semester as well as continuing to build upon the membership roster.
Executive Board meeting August 31st, 2008 2pm - 5pm Edmond Public Library 405.219.1598
An email has been sent out containing a survey. Please find it, take the time to fill it out and return it to us in a prompt manner. This organization's primary function is to cater to the needs of UCO's pre-dental community. Without any feedback, this organization can not help anyone achieve their goals. If you have not received this email, reply to this message with your contact information. A copy of the survey can be found on the web page below:
Name: Classification:
Are you interested in dentistry or dental hygiene?
Have you met with the Pre-Health Adviser?
What is your status with the Dental Admissions Test?
When do you plan to take the DAT?
Have you shadowed any dentists/dental hygienists? How many hours have you accumulated?
Do you have any related volunteer experience? Do you have any volunteer opportunities to suggest?
Have you applied to dental/dental hygiene school? Where? If not, when and where do you plan to apply?
Do you have any requests for guest speakers? Do you have any recommendations?
Would you be interested in mentoring underclassmen?
Do you have questions/comments/concerns?
What would you expect from this organization?
When would you be available for meetings? We would like to include everyone so writing down multiple dates and times would be helpful.
A copy of the final draft of the Constitution will be emailed to everyone who has provided me with their contact information either by signing the roster or messaging me through email/Facebook. All the proper paperwork will hopefully be submitted by the end of the week. It is important to get in touch with me by Wednesday (8/27) at the latest if you are interested in being a founding member of this organization.
There has been great interest in many of the available Executive Board positions. For the initial officers, the most important factors will be the level of time commitment and the willingness to see this organization come into fruition.
Important Notes:
Dues: $30/year (this fee will include opportunities to attend events hosted by OU ASDA).
Meeting dates/times: Wednesday afternoons are looking to be the most favorable date and time.
A calendar of events has been posted on the web page. Be sure to check on it for upcoming dates of importance.
As always, please message me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
The UCO PDS will host the second informational this upcoming Sunday (8/24). The meeting will start at 4pm at the Edmond Public Library. If you are interested in a position on the Executive Board, it is important that you attend this meeting. We will be discussing dues and the calendar for the semester including possible meeting dates and OU ASDA activities. This is EXTREMELY important. If you are unable to attend, please message me at uco.pds@gmail.com.
At the informational, we will be discussing and outlining the goals for this semester. Bring your ideas, help brainstorm, meet fellow pre-dental students and get involved! I hope to see you all there.
2nd Informational August 24th, 2008 4pm - 5pm Edmond Public Library 405.219.1598
The UCO Pre-Dental Society made its first official appearance on campus at the Student Involvement Fair. The potential member roster/petition is developing at a great pace.
Today, we plastered Howell Hall and the Night University Center with a promo flier advertising this organization.
If you have NOT signed the membership roster nor the PETITION, please contact me ASAP because it is imperative that we collect enough signatures before we officially apply for active status through UCOSA.
There is a potential event this Satuday (8/23) morning at 9am at OU College of Dentistry. This will serve as an opportunity to meet and interact with dental students who are associated with ASDA. I will create an event either tonight or by tomorrow with detailed information. Clear your schedule and make plans to attend. Car pooling might be a good idea! (edit: I was just informed that the event is only open to the President. I apologize for the misinformation.)
In addition, we have recruited the help of a talented graphic design major who has produced the following flier:
Today is the University of Central Oklahoma's Student Involvement Fair! The Pre-Dental Society will have a table set up to answer questions about the purpose and goals of this potential organization. The Pre- Dental Society table with be present from 10 am until 1 pm near Broncho Lake.
In other news, the first flier has been created and will be posted in the Nigh University Center and around Howell Hall once it is officially approved. A preview of the promo flier can be seen below:
a.Preside at all general and Executive Board meetings.
b.Oversee the Executive Board and promote communication between the officers in order to maintain good relations among the officers.
c.Be responsible for finalizing appropriate speakers for each meeting in coordination with the Executive Board.
d.Be responsible for discussing the purpose and goals of the organization before the start of each semester with the current Executive Board and the organization adviser.
e.Oversee the actions of the officers and any other officers/committees created under his/her jurisdiction.
f.Update the UCO Pre-Dental Society’s Pre-Dental and Pre-Dental Hygiene informational packets.
g.Regularly update the Community List once during his/her term.
h.Act as chief liaison to other groups and organizations.
i.Conduct the spring officer elections following the procedures outlined in Article IV, Section 2.
j.Maintain contact with OU Dental College’s ASDA.
k.Be responsible of updating the UCO Pre-Dental Society’s Constitution once during his/her term.
2.The Vice-President shall:
a.Aid the President in decision making and other responsibilities.
b.Assume the duties of the President in the event of an absence of disability.
c.Help the President promote the best communication possible between the members of the Executive Board in order to ensure that each officer is fulfilling his/her responsibilities.
d.Coordinate with OU Dental College and arrange trips and speakers.
e.To arrange and reserve the meeting room every semester and to acquire the necessary media equipment.
f.Coordinate and encourage community involvement and campus relations through campus leadership and volunteer opportunities and to arrange the proper speakers.
g.Oversee the actions of the officers and any other officers/committees created under his/her jurisdiction.
3.The Secretary shall:
a.Be responsible for recording minutes of each meeting and sending out weekly updates and reminders of upcoming events/meetings to the membership through email and Facebook.
b.Be responsible for the creation and distribution of advertisements and general announcements of the organization.
c.Be responsible for maintaining and updating the UCO Pre-Dental Society web page.
d.Oversee the creation of t-shirts for the current school year.
e.To coordinate with the Oklahoma City Kaplan center and arrange a mock DAT and speakers per semester.
f.Oversee the actions of the officers and any other officers/committees created under his/her jurisdiction.
4.The Treasurer shall:
a.Be responsible for maintaining the finances of the University of Central Oklahoma Pre-Dental Society and to maintain records of all expenditures and ensure that generally accepted accounting practices and monetary controls are in place.
b.Be responsible for maintaining and updating a current roster of active members.
c.Work in conjunction with the Executive Board to propose the budget for the next calendar school year.
d.Be responsible for budgeting and setting up all finances needed to fund events and activities.
e.Ensure the organization does not assess any liabilities.
f.Oversee fundraisers and events as deemed necessary by the rest of the Executive Board.
g.Oversee the actions of the officers and any other officers/committees created under his/her jurisdiction.
5.The Senator shall:
a.Act as a representative of the organization at all UCOSA Senate meetings.
The Executive Board will be determined within the week. Positions and official descriptions will be posted on the web page. Check the group for the site address. If you have any questions or concerns with any of the listings, let me know and they may be adjusted accordingly.
The Student Involvement Fair is this Wednesday (8/20) from 10am to 2pm. Our primary goal is to build a membership roster. This may be done by having a sign up sheet at the Involvement Fair in addition to promoting in Howell Hall.
The constitution has reached its third draft and is closely nearing completion. The constitution is expected to be submitted by Friday to Dr. Anne Ewing, UCO's Health Professions Adviser, who will hopefully agree to act as our organization's adviser. If you would like to be involved in the final draft of the Constitution, it is IMPERATIVE that you contact me through Facebook or the organization's email address (uco.pds@gmail.com).
Executive Board positions shall be decided upon soon. If you would like to know the available positions and their respective descriptions, let me know ASAP. The points of importance of the Constitution will be posted soon.
I will be speaking with Dr. Anne Ewing tomorrow afternoon about the feasibility and the potential of this organization. Our first informational will take place tomorrow evening (8/13) at the Edmond Public Library from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. We will discuss the purpose of the organization, the available offices, the specific duties and the goals of this semester. I do not expect the meeting to last that long. Please make plans to attend if you are interested in a leading role in this organization.
Help is needed with the Organization Fair that will take place on the 20th of August. I would like to claim a booth as well as promote this organization and collect names and contact information of potential members. If you would like to assist in creating fliers and pamphlets, please let me know.
The first unofficial meeting took place today at the Edmond Public Library where potential members worked on editing the constitution and discussed key points of the organization. If you would like to assist in the drafting of the constitution, please contact Daryn Lu at uco.pds@gmail.com.
The next informational meeting will take place on August 13th at 6 pm. The location is TBA.
Discuss the purpose of the new student organization with the Student Organizations Coordinator in the NUC room 150. (COMPLETE)
Schedule and advertise an informational meeting to inform the campus community about your new student organization and meet with potential members. (not required)(COMPLETE)
Complete the Petition for Consideration of Campus Student Organizations.(PENDING)
Create a constitution for your organization. A listing of required wording in the constitution can be found in this packet. The Vice President for Student Affairs must authorize exceptions to this wording.(COMPLETE)
Identify an advisor and have them sign the advisor agreement form.Main advisor must be a full-time faculty or staff member at UCO.(PENDING)
If any affiliation will exist with a department or national organization, obtain a letter from the national organization or academic department requesting approval.In addition, for social Greek letter organizations, a letter from the UCO Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Council and/or the Greek Advisor approving the colonization of a new chapter on campus.(N/A)
Submit all of the following required materials to the UCOSA office.(PENDING)
a. Petition for Consideration of Student Organizations
b. An organization constitution
c. An Advisor Agreement Form, listing at least one full-time faculty or staff member who will be serving as advisor. Additional advisors may be added from on and off campus.
Once all the materials have been submitted, the Student Organizations Coordinator will review the application packet. If all is in order, he or she will approve the application and forward all materials to the UCO Student Association (UCOSA) with a recommendation of recognition of the organization.(PENDING)
Organizations should allow up to a 60-day consideration and facilitation period by UCOSA.Once received, the Senate will propose a bill asking for the organization to be recognized.The bill is first approved through the Senate, followed by the House of Representatives.If there are no issues or questions, the bodies approve the organization for recognition.Once approved, a letter requesting university recognition will be written by UCOSA to the Vice President for Student Affairs.(PENDING)
The Vice President for Student Affairs will give final written administrative approval.(PENDING)
Once everything is approved, the organization must submit the Officer Update Form to UCOSA to initiate active status.(PENDING)
Remember, for an organization to remain active, UCOSA must have current versions of the following on file at all times:1) Organization constitution, 2) Officer Update form, and 3) Advisor Agreement form.If any of these become out-of-date, the organization can be placed into “inactive status.”In addition, an officer and the faculty/staff advisor of the organization must attend an annual Student Organization Orientation (for updates on policy, etc.).
UCO already offers a pre-med/health professions club and the club's goal includes guiding and informing students who are planning to enter various of fields of health care ranging from medicine and dentistry to physical therapy and speech pathology. The club's format consists of bi-monthly meetings with guest speakers from various organizations and fields along with various volunteer opportunities. People with busy schedules are able to come and go while attending the meetings that only interest them. The current format promotes accessibility for undergraduates who are unsure and still open to the possibility of other health care professions. While I fully support the organization's broad attempt to encompass any and all health-related fields, I strongly feel a narrower scope would be considerably more advantageous and beneficial to students demonstrating a propensity towards dentistry.
I am not without the understanding that a sizable student body would be required to generate a group of dedicated individuals. I still full-heartedly believe that this is accomplishable. Along with several other willing students, I feel that such an organization would be a wonderful addition to UCO's diverse group of organizations. The single purpose pre-dental club that I envision does not intend to duplicate nor encroach on the services that the pre-med/health professions club already offers, but to provide more in-depth programming. In addition, a more cohesive group would be able to promote dental health care awareness among UCO's student body and the neighboring community of Edmond. Guest speakers would include admissions advisers, dental hygiene students, dental students and residents, practicing dentists involving as many specialties as possible and dental hygienists , Kaplan representatives, volunteer opportunities as well as any other individuals willing and able to contribute information and knowledge pertaining to our interests.
Be sure to check out the Link List below for the various resources that we have to offer as well as the Past Updates to stay updated with the organization.
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