UW Oral Communication Center Open House Sept. 30 in Ross Hall

For more than 20 years, the Oral Communication Center (OCC) at the University of Wyoming has helped many people improve their skills, and now it is time to celebrate.

The OCC will host an open house in Room 441 of Ross Hall at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, to commemorate the renovations made over the summer.

"The OCC is open to all students and faculty across the university," says Beau Bingham, OCC director and a UW senior lecturer. "Whether you're working on a class or conference presentation, the OCC can help with organizing and developing it. The OCC also provides focused feedback and helps with speaking anxiety."

The center opened in 2004 and was last remodeled in 2008. Upgrades include an electronic podium with adjustable height and a touchscreen television at the front of the room.

"It's been updated to fit the environment that students will experience in the classroom today and prepare them more adequately for the presentations that they would give in their class," Bingham says. "The open house is a chance for people to come in and see the center if they have not done it yet."

Since opening, the OCC has helped more than 21,893 students and is expecting to celebrate the 22,000th-student milestone later this semester.

The open house is free and open to the public. Cookies and refreshments will be provided by UW's Department of Communication and Journalism.

For more information about the OCC, email Bingham at [email protected].