Welcome to Bison U
Big learning. Zero homework. All the Bison spirit.
Bison U is your chance to get back in the classroom—minus the finals. These one-session events, hosted in person or online, are led by amazing OBU faculty and give alumni, parents, and friends a front-row seat to what students are learning right now on Bison Hill.
You’ll explore today’s curriculum, hear directly from our professors, and even get a peek at OBU’s newly renovated spaces and innovative degree programs.
And the best part? You don’t have to be an alum to join in. Bison U is open to everyone—alumni, parents, friends, prospective students—you name it. If you love learning and love OBU, you belong here.
Upcoming Events
All Fall 2026 Bison U events will be conducted within The Weekend, October 1-3, 2026. Registration for each event can be done through the official registration for The Weekend. All sessions have limited space and require pre-registration. Use this link:
Friday, October 2, 2026
Bison U: Engineering Experience | 11 am | Thurmond Hall, Room 108
Join OBU Engineering Director, Chuck Baukal, for this Alumni College experience in the new engineering lab! This will be an interactive hour of hands on activities that our freshman engineering students experience within the program. Activities will include the opportunity to work in groups to dismantle basic household appliances and then reassemble them, all while learning more about this exciting new program at OBU.
Bison U: School of Education Immersive Classroom Experience | 11 am | Shawnee Hall, 1st Floor
Come experience OBU in 360: Tradition, Technology, and Transformational Learning! Step inside OBU’s immersive classroom for a hands-on look at how today’s students are using emerging technology to create engaging learning experiences. Alumni will experience student-designed immersive lessons, OBU traditions such as Ka-Rip Wars, and see how the university blends innovation, storytelling, and teaching. This session offers a fun and interactive glimpse into how classroom learning is expanding beyond the walls of a traditional classroom.
Bison U: Music Alumni Class Experience & Musical Gala Rehearsal | 1 pm | Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC)
Music and choir alumni are invited to gather ahead of the Musical Gala for a special time of rehearsal and reconnection. Join fellow alumni and current students as we prepare for a collaborative performance later that evening. Rekindle old friendships, warm up those vocal cords, and celebrate the enduring spirit of music on Bison Hill.
Bison U: Cybersecurity Experience | 3 pm | Thurmond Hall, 3rd Floor
Join OBU faculty and staff for this Bison U experience in the new Cybersecurity Lab! This will be an interactive hour of hands-on activities that our cybersecurity students experience within the computer information science program. Activities will include the opportunity to work in groups to learn about cybersecurity fundamentals, including ethics, online safety, and cyber threats, all while learning more about this exciting new program at OBU.
Bison U: School of Education Immersive Classroom Experience | 3 pm | Shawnee Hall, 1st Floor
Come experience OBU in 360: Tradition, Technology, and Transformational Learning! Step inside OBU’s immersive classroom for a hands-on look at how today’s students are using emerging technology to create engaging learning experiences. Alumni will experience student-designed immersive lessons, OBU traditions such as Ka-Rip Wars, and see how the university blends innovation, storytelling, and teaching. This session offers a fun and interactive glimpse into how classroom learning is expanding beyond the walls of a traditional classroom.
Bison U: OBU Traditions Refresh | 3:30 pm | Pergola outdoor classroom, south side of Shawnee Hall
Need to brush up on your Bison spirit? Join current OBU students and alumni for a lively 30-minute session where you'll relearn Ka-Rip, review the words to the OBU Hymn to Alma Mater, and revisit the traditions that have united Bison for generations. All alumni, parents, students and friends welcome!
Bison U: Nursing Experience | 4 pm | Stavros Hall, 1st Floor
This event will showcase the innovative simulation-based learning experiences of our current nursing students and will provide a unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on simulation scenario. Don't miss this chance to see how our program continues to evolve and inspire the next generation of nursing professionals!
Bison U Planetarium Adventures | 4 pm | OBU Planetarium, 1st floor, Wood Science Building
Come join us at the first of three identical sessions in OBU’s planetarium for adventures in space! Take a tour of the night sky. Learn to find stars and constellations from any place on the globe. This event is open to all alumni, parents, students and families!
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Bison U: OBU Traditions Refresh | 11 am | Pergola outdoor classroom, south side of Shawnee Hall
Need to brush up on your Bison spirit? Join current OBU students and alumni for a lively 30-minute session where you'll relearn Ka-Rip, review the words to the OBU Hymn to Alma Mater, and revisit the traditions that have united Bison for generations. All alumni, parents, students and friends welcome!
Bison U Planetarium Adventures | 11 am | OBU Planetarium, 1st floor, Wood Science Building
Come join us at the first of three identical sessions in OBU’s planetarium for adventures in space! Take a tour of the night sky. Learn to find stars and constellations from any place on the globe. This event is open to all alumni, parents, students and families!