Parent Engagement

How Your Student Is Supported at ORU

Welcome to Parent Engagement at ORU—we’re so glad you’re here. Choosing a college is a big decision for your family, and we want you to feel confident about where your student will grow over the next few years. At ORU, your student will be supported academically, spiritually, and personally within a close-knit, Christ-centered campus community that truly cares. From strong academic advising and career preparation to vibrant student life and meaningful spiritual development, every part of the ORU experience is designed to help your student thrive.

The Office of Parent Engagement is your go-to connection point for staying informed and involved. Whether you have questions about campus resources, upcoming events, or how to best support your student, we’re here to walk alongside you. We also invite you to join the ORU Parent Engagement Portal to stay connected, receive important updates, and remain part of the ORU community throughout your student’s journey.

Join the ORU Parent Portal Connect with the Office of Parent Engagement

Why ORU Is the Best Christian College for Your Student

At Oral Roberts University, your student will receive a practical, Spirit-empowered education that prepares them to become Whole Leaders for the Whole World. Through strong academics, meaningful spiritual growth, and real-world preparation, ORU equips students to graduate with purpose, confidence, and direction.

17:1

Student-to-Professor Ratio

99%

Career Outcome Rate

100%

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A Spirit-Empowered Education

At ORU, a Spirit-empowered education means your student’s faith is nurtured alongside their academic growth. Every faculty member is a committed Christian who intentionally integrates faith and learning, helping students develop strong character, discern their calling, and grow in spiritual maturity. Through twice-weekly Chapel services, student-led worship, global missions opportunities, and daily discipleship on campus, ORU provides a distinctly Christian environment where your student is known, supported, and encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ.

Explore Spiritual Life

If I could go back, I would choose ORU over and over again. After my first visit, I can’t really explain what I felt, but it was different. I knew I could see myself living here.

Mikayla McClary

Charleston, South Carolina

150+ Academic Programs to Prepare Your Student for Any Career

ORU offers more than 150 academic programs across business, education, engineering, theology, healthcare, and more, giving your student options aligned with their goals. Hands-on experiences—like study abroad, innovation through the Stovall Center for Entrepreneurship, and advanced nursing simulation labs—build real-world skills. Strong support services, including advising and success coaching, help students stay on track and graduate with confidence.

Explore Our Programs View the Academic Calendar

Understanding What the FERPA Means for Your Family

Talk to Your Student About Their Choices for Confidentiality

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records. Once a student turns 18 or enrolls in college, access to their academic and financial information belongs to them—not their parents—unless they choose to grant permission. We encourage families to have open conversations about FERPA so your student can make an informed decision about the level of parental access that feels right for them.

Learn About the FERPA

What Kind of Information Is Protected by FERPA?

FERPA protects more than just your student’s grades—it covers a wide range of education-related records, including financial aid, housing, billing, and student conduct information. Without your student’s written permission, details such as semester billing statements, financial aid award offers, housing assignments, or academic performance cannot be shared. Explore the categories below to better understand what information is protected.

Academic Records

Academic records include grades, transcripts, class schedules, academic standing, degree progress, and any documentation related to your student’s coursework or performance. Professors and university staff cannot release this information without your student’s consent.

Housing

Housing records include residence hall assignments, room changes, housing contracts, and related correspondence. Details about where your student lives on campus or issues related to their housing are protected under FERPA.

Financial Aid

Financial aid records include scholarship awards, grants, loans, verification documents, and financial aid eligibility information. Specific details about your student’s award package or aid status require student authorization to be shared.

Billing, Tuition & Fees

Billing records include tuition charges, fee statements, payment history, account balances, and payment plans. Even if a parent is making payments, access to detailed billing information requires student permission.

Student Conduct

Student conduct records include disciplinary actions, incident reports, and outcomes related to violations of university policy. These records are confidential and protected under federal law.

Faculty & Professors

Communication between faculty and students regarding grades, performance, or classroom matters is protected. Professors cannot discuss a student’s academic progress or classroom concerns with parents unless permission has been granted.

Parent of a High Schooler? Get Ahead with ORU’s Dual Enrollment Program

If you’re the parent of a high school student, ORU Advantage Dual Enrollment allows your student to earn college credit early—saving valuable time and tuition dollars later. Students gain a head start on their degree while experiencing college-level coursework in a supportive, Christ-centered environment. It’s a practical way to reduce future costs and help your student step securely into their college journey.

Learn About ORU Advantage

Come Visit Us in Tulsa, Oklahoma

We invite you and your student to experience ORU in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a beautiful campus and vibrant city come together to create an exceptional college environment. As you explore campus, you’ll see recent and upcoming enhancements to academic facilities, dining and residence halls, and research initiatives—including continued investment in science and healthcare spaces. Visiting in person is one of the best ways to envision your student thriving in our welcoming community.

Plan Your Visit Take the Virtual Tour

We’re Committed to Making ORU Affordable

Every student deserves access to an exceptional Christian education, and ORU is committed to making that possible. Through abundant scholarship opportunities, grants, work-study options, and personalized financial aid packages, we partner with families to make the cost of a degree manageable. Our team is here to walk with you and help you understand every option available.

Explore Undergraduate Financial Aid File the FAFSA

Get Ready for Move-In! See Where Your Student Will Live on Campus

There’s nothing quite like move-in day—when your student begins making ORU their home. From comfortable residence halls to welcoming community spaces, campus housing is designed to foster connection, growth, and belonging. Explore housing options and move-in details to start planning for this exciting milestone.

Explore Housing at ORU Get Move-In Day Information

Health and Wellness Resources for a Whole Person College Experience

Health and Safety

Learn About Health & Safety

Your student’s safety is a top priority at ORU. With campus security, safety protocols, and a proactive approach to student care, we are committed to providing a secure environment where students can focus on learning and growing.

Wellness Resources

Explore Wellness Resources

ORU supports the whole person through comprehensive wellness resources, including access to the recreation center, fitness classes, counseling services, and programs that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Disability Services

Discover Disability Services

Our disability services team partners with students and families to provide resources and reasonable accommodations that allow students to thrive in the classroom and campus community.

Help Your Student Apply Today—It’s Free and Easy

Applying to ORU is simple and student-friendly. The application is free, and most students receive an admission decision within three days of completing their file. All it takes is submitting the online application along with official transcripts and optional test scores—so you and your student can get started today with clarity and confidence.

Learn About Our Application Process

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

The Office of Parent Engagement is here to support you as your student considers ORU and transitions into college life. While we’re always happy to connect personally, reviewing these frequently asked questions is a helpful place to begin.

At ORU, your student's first year is designed to lay the foundation for a successful college experience. Through Whole Person education, intentional community, academic advising, residence life, chapel, and Student Success resources, students are equipped to grow academically, spiritually, physically, and socially from the moment they arrive on campus.

Applying to ORU is simple. Students complete an online application and submit their official high school transcripts. Upon admittance, our Admissions team guides them through each enrollment step, making the process clear and manageable for both students and families.

The Office of Parent Engagement is here to keep you informed throughout your student's ORU journey. Through the Parent Portal, you'll have access to important deadlines, campus updates, helpful resources, family events, and answers to common questions so you can confidently support your student every step of the way.

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Parent Portal

Stay connected and informed by joining the ORU Parent Portal. You’ll receive important updates, event information, and helpful resources designed to keep you engaged in your student’s ORU experience.

Contact Us

We welcome your questions and look forward to connecting with you. Whether you’re exploring ORU for the first time or preparing for your student’s next step, our team is here to support your family every step of the way.

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