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Special Academic Services, Programs and Facilities
planners to coordinate on-site conference management, event logistics consultation, in-house catering and several off-site caterers to choose from for catered events, and parking details. The Wes Watkins Center, in conjunction with the Student Union, serves as a central location for international events, business meetings, social functions, and conferences at OSU. The Cleo L. Craig Child Development Laboratory The Department of Human Development and Family Science has a rich tradition of excellence in early childhood education. The Child Development Lab-Rise Program was established in 1924 with the inclusion of RISE School of Stillwater in 2010. The laboratory presently resides in a facility opened in 1983 and renovated in 2010. The program serves as a field placement for early childhood education majors. Equipped with observation booths, the Child Development Laboratory is also used as a site for observation and interpretation of human growth and development by students in courses throughout the university. Research on developmentally-appropriate practice, children’s learning and development, and the preparation of teachers is conducted in the facility. The Child Development Laboratory is licensed by the Department of Human Services and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The program offers planned learning activities that are developmentally appropriate and designed to model best developmental practices; frequent and positive interactions between children and students; nutritious meals and snacks; regular communication with parents; positive guidance techniques; high teacher- child ratios; experienced Early Childhood Education degreed staff; and on- going systematic programing. The program provides the highest quality of early childhood education to children with and without developmental disabilities by providing exemplary services based on recommended practices to young children with diverse abilities and their families. The Child Development Laboratory provides family-centered services designed to meet the individualized needs of all children and families; offers a blend of educational and therapy services within the context of a developmentally- appropriate curriculum; and prepares children for their next educational environment. Subject to availability, families have the opportunity to enroll in this model early childhood program. Children enrolled in the program range in age from 12 months through six years of age. The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Experiential Learning Laboratories Taylor’s Teaching Restaurant is an experiential laboratory that emphasizes quality food service utilizing a thoughtfully prepared menu featuring seasonal ingredients. Students develop skills in food preparation, service techniques, dining room management and profitability. Focus is on professionalism, quality management and guest satisfaction. Planet Orange Café is a quick service concept with an upbeat and dynamic atmosphere. Students progress through staged learning in this lab developing the skills to assume management responsibility.
The Hirst Center for Beverage Education promotes a curriculum at the forefront of beverage education featuring a variety of formats including coffees, teas and other beverages. Experiential and connectional learning opportunities are facilitated in these learning laboratories through three student-led events: the Distinguished Chef Scholarship Benefit Series, Hospitality Days Career Fair and the Wine and Craft Beer Forums of Oklahoma. All students are encouraged to participate in these service-learning activities and earn elective credits in doing so.
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