11/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/11/2025 11:39
The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Computer Club and SWOSU Esports hosted their annual Extra Life lock-in fundraiser, raising $1,000 to support the Oklahoma Children's Hospital. The funds help support needed medication, equipment, and other resources for children receiving care.
This year marked the 12th year that SWOSU has held the public lock-in to support the cause. Approximately 60 individuals attended throughout the evening, including students, parents, siblings, and friends. While referred to as a lock-in, attendees were able to come and go.
The Computer Club and Cybersecurity Club jointly prepared for this year's event, which welcomed a variety of gaming interests. Participants brought their own equipment and took part in activities such as electronic gaming, tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, card games, and group puzzles. A 1,000-piece Halloween puzzle was also completed during the night by Dr. Brian Rickel, Dr. Karen Sweeney, and Dr. Sherry Westmoreland.
The lock-in is volunteer-led and supported by donated food from Weatherford businesses, with the Computer Club providing additional items as needed. Dr. Westmoreland, Dr. Rickel, Dr. Sweeney, and Dr. Hayden Harrington, Director of SWOSU Esports, assisted with planning and operations before and during the event.
"The event demonstrates to our students the need for volunteer work and what can be accomplished when good teamwork and planning take place," said Westmoreland, faculty sponsor for Computer Club.
Recently, the Computer Club met with Special Agent Brian Exinia from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), who shared insight into his role as a Polygraph Examiner and answered questions from students. The visit provided students pursuing careers with government agencies a better understanding of the polygraph process, which can be stressful as part of security clearances. The session offered practical insight and helped students feel more prepared for future opportunities in related fields.
The SWOSU Computer Club provides opportunities for students interested in technology, gaming, and computer science, offering events, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences throughout the year.
For more information about the SWOSU Computer Club or upcoming events, contact Dr. Sherry Westmoreland at [email protected].
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
Choosing the right university comes with plenty of questions about applications, costs, and campus life. At SWOSU, students benefit from strong programs, a supportive community, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. This FAQ highlights answers to some of the questions students most often ask when considering SWOSU.
Start your application process by visiting SWOSU's admissions page to choose the path that fits you to submit your application!
To learn more, visit the SWOSU Admissions page.
For graduate degrees, you submit your application through the Graduate Application Portal and include transcripts and immunization records. Deadlines vary by program.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Tuition rates for SWOSU vary based on residency status and credit hours. For the most accurate and current tuition information, please refer to the official SWOSU Tuition and Fees page.
SWOSU welcomes transfer students! Requirements depend on hours completed: if under 24 hours, submit an application, test scores, and transcripts. For more than 24 hours, submit your application, transcript(s), and immunization records. A GPA of 1.7 is required for up to 30 hours; 2.0 is required beyond that.
To learn more, visit the Transfer Students page.
SWOSU offers a range of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. These can come from academic departments, foundations, or federal and state resources.
To learn more, visit the Scholarships & Grants page.
SWOSU's "In-State + $1 Tuition Program" allows non-resident (including transfer and international) students to pay the in-state tuition rate plus $1 per credit hour. No extra application is needed. Savings can exceed $3,450 per semester (based on 15 credit hours).
Note: This rate applies to tuition only, not fees, housing, meal plan, or books. To learn more, visit the In-State + $1 Tuition page.
Yes! SWOSU offers graduate programs in areas such as Education, Business, Nursing, Allied Health, and more.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Yes. SWOSU offers online courses and degree options across undergraduate and graduate levels to give students flexibility with their schedules.
To learn more, visit our SWOSU Online page.
On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. These options offer amenities like meal plans, laundry, and social spaces.
To learn more, visit our Residential Life page.
SWOSU hosts more than 90 student clubs and organizations-ranging from Chemistry Club, Scuba Club, League of Legends Club, Honors Association, Spanish Club, to Faith-based, academic, and recreational groups.
To learn more, visit the Student Organizations page.
SWOSU offers services including academic advising, tutoring, writing support, health and counseling services, financial aid assistance, residence life, library, and more.
To learn more, visit the Student Services page.