Ohio Christian University has participated in the Higher Learning Commission’s Persistence and Completion Academy for the past two years. This group of around 20 institutions collaborate on ideas to improve retention and graduation rates. Through this collaboration, Ohio Christian has worked on several initiatives for both the Adult & Graduate Studies (AGS) and Traditional programs to improve first to second-year retention rates.
As part of this effort, the university enacted programs to intentionally reach students at greater academic risk through coaching and tutoring. One example of a program meant to improve student retention is the recently launched personalized coaching program aimed at providing hands-on assistance to students within the AGS program. Since its inception in 2018, the program has seen a 6% increase in first course persistence of new students and a 7% increase in second course pass rate.
As a result of efforts like the personalized coaching program, retention rates have increased 13%. The current retention rate from first to second-year is 70%, which is similar to peer institutions who offer open-enrollment for online classes.
The university is committed to building on this positive trend through the introduction of new orientations for AGS and traditional students, as well as, the creation of an Early Alert System to notify advisors when students are at risk of failing a course.
Ohio Christian will continue to review existing retention programs, improve or restructure them as needed, and initiate new strategies to help students succeed and persist. By developing better programs that equip students for success, OCU seeks to continue its mission to prepare students to impact the world for Christ.
Articles of Interest
Dr. Melvin Maxwell Graduates to Glory
Published: July 4, 2020
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born
in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great
Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly
man and raised him and his brother Millard to follow Christ no matter how
hard the situation.
On August 25, 1942, Maxwell married his wife, Laura. They had three children
together: Lawrence (Larry), John, and...
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Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born
in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great
Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly
man and ... Read More
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with ... Read More
Prospective Students Have Many Options to Experience Campus this Summer
Published: June 4, 2020
Ohio Christian University is excited to offer several options to connect with
prospective students of our Undergraduate Campus Program over the summer
and help them experience OCU:
Option 1: Individual Campus Visits
Ohio Christian University is now open for prospective students to visit
campus. The university has social distancing procedures in place to help
everyone on campus stay safe. Learn more.
Option 2: Virtual Preview Day
Join us for a Virtual Preview Day on Friday, June 26th! Learn why students
choose OCU, ask our panelists questions, virtually tour campus, win prizes,...
Read More
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Ohio Christian University is excited to offer several options to connect with
prospective students of our Undergraduate Campus Program over the summer
and help them experience OCU:
Option 1: Individual Campus Visits
Ohio Christian University is now open for prospective students to visit
campus. The university has social distancing procedures in place to help
everyone on campus stay safe. ... Read More
Ohio Christian University is excited to offer several options to connect with
prospective students of our Undergraduate Campus Program over the summer
and help them experience OCU:
Option 1: ... Read More
Summer Institute to Offer New Online Courses and Certificates
Published: May 5, 2020
Ohio Christian University’s Summer Institute provides the opportunity for
professionals, K-12 teachers, professors, university students, and high
school students to complete online graduate or undergraduate level courses at
a reduced rate.
OCU is also introducing ten new stand-alone certificate programs as part of
the Summer Institute for anyone interested in furthering his or her skills in
an area. Most courses begin June 1, 2020.
Graduate Level Courses for Teachers and Professors
These courses are designed to help K-12 and undergraduate instructors work
towards a graduate degree....
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Ohio Christian University’s Summer Institute provides the opportunity for
professionals, K-12 teachers, professors, university students, and high
school students to complete online graduate or undergraduate level courses at
a reduced rate.
OCU is also introducing ten new stand-alone certificate programs as part of
the Summer Institute for anyone interested in furthering his or her skills in ... Read More
Ohio Christian University’s Summer Institute provides the opportunity for
professionals, K-12 teachers, professors, university students, and high
school students to complete online graduate or ... Read More
Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Ray
Published: April 26, 2020
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – A familiar face is once again killing it for Ohio
Christian University, only this time her impact is being seen off the court.
Lauren Ray, a 2018 Emergency and Disaster Management graduate of OCU,
currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Life – Housing and
Discipline, a role she took over earlier this year. Lady Trailblazer
Volleyball fans will remember Lauren as a key member of the program, playing
for the team for three seasons (2015-17). Originally from Canal Winchester,
OH, Lauren transferred into OCU following her freshman year at Ohio
University,...
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CIRCLEVILLE, OH – A familiar face is once again killing it for Ohio
Christian University, only this time her impact is being seen off the court.
Lauren Ray, a 2018 Emergency and Disaster Management graduate of OCU,
currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Life – Housing and
Discipline, a role she took over earlier this year. Lady Trailblazer
Volleyball fans will remember Lauren ... Read More
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – A familiar face is once again killing it for Ohio
Christian University, only this time her impact is being seen off the court.
Lauren Ray, a 2018 Emergency and Disaster Management ... Read More
Online Emergency & Disaster Management Program Ranked #2 in the Country
Published: March 18, 2020
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency...
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Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency ... Read More
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency ... Read More
Archived Articles of Interest
Orientation Day Added Anticipating Enrollment Growth
Published: July 6, 2018
On Friday, June 29th, 2018 Ohio Christian University held its third
Orientation Day for students enrolled for the 2018-2019 school year. Fifty
new students learned about the fellowship, education, and activities offered
at the university.
Fully prepared to ensure incoming students succeed, faculty and staff showed
their exceptional level of care and servant leadership in preparing them for
the upcoming school year. Joe Wuest, Assistant Vice President of Student
Development, explained that “God created our uniqueness and individuality
to impact the world for His Kingdom.” He shared...
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On Friday, June 29th, 2018 Ohio Christian University held its third
Orientation Day for students enrolled for the 2018-2019 school year. Fifty
new students learned about the fellowship, education, and activities offered
at the university.
Fully prepared to ensure incoming students succeed, faculty and staff showed
their exceptional level of care and servant leadership in preparing them ... Read More
On Friday, June 29th, 2018 Ohio Christian University held its third
Orientation Day for students enrolled for the 2018-2019 school year. Fifty
new students learned about the fellowship, education ... Read More
First 2018 Orientation Day Biggest Ever!
Published: May 21, 2018
Seventy-eight newly enrolled Ohio Christian University students, including
nine transferring in from other schools, attended the day-long initial
orientation with luncheon and campus tours.
This day was the first of OCU’s several annual spring and summer
orientation days. The next days are scheduled for June 8 and 29.
Many students were accompanied by parents who appeared as eager to learn
about the University experience as their daughters and sons.
The day began at 8:30 am with a continental breakfast and concluded after
walking tours of campus facilities. Cool-to-warm sunny...
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Seventy-eight newly enrolled Ohio Christian University students, including
nine transferring in from other schools, attended the day-long initial
orientation with luncheon and campus tours.
This day was the first of OCU’s several annual spring and summer
orientation days. The next days are scheduled for June 8 and 29.
Many students were accompanied by parents who appeared as eager to learn ... Read More
Seventy-eight newly enrolled Ohio Christian University students, including
nine transferring in from other schools, attended the day-long initial
orientation with luncheon and campus tours.
This ... Read More
Experience Spring Semester 2019 in Italy!
Published: March 29, 2018
OCUOnline Plus is partnering with Saints Bible Institute (SBI) to provide
students an opportunity to spend a semester in Italy. In the spring of 2019,
the semester-long trip will enable students to achieve personal growth,
mission training, and intensive learning as they study and explore with a
community of learners.
“This semester of study in Italy will expand students’ horizons as they
interact with Italians, SBI’s faith-filled faculty, and fellow students
from across the United States. Participants will be able to walk the same
paths as Apostle Paul, sit in Leonardo da Vinci’s...
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OCUOnline Plus is partnering with Saints Bible Institute (SBI) to provide
students an opportunity to spend a semester in Italy. In the spring of 2019,
the semester-long trip will enable students to achieve personal growth,
mission training, and intensive learning as they study and explore with a
community of learners.
“This semester of study in Italy will expand students’ horizons as they ... Read More
OCUOnline Plus is partnering with Saints Bible Institute (SBI) to provide
students an opportunity to spend a semester in Italy. In the spring of 2019,
the semester-long trip will enable students to ... Read More
OCU Online BA in English Ranked #1 for Affordability
Published: March 22, 2018
SR Education Group has ranked Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor
of Arts in English the #1 program most affordable for a yearly tuition of
only $5,940.
Courses include History and Nature of the English Language, Literary
Criticism, and Studies in Shakespeare.
Learn more about SR Education Group and view its methodology.
...
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SR Education Group has ranked Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor
of Arts in English the #1 program most affordable for a yearly tuition of
only $5,940.
Courses include History and Nature of the English Language, Literary
Criticism, and Studies in Shakespeare.
Learn more about SR Education Group and view its methodology.
... Read More
SR Education Group has ranked Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor
of Arts in English the #1 program most affordable for a yearly tuition of
only $5,940.
Courses include History and Nature ... Read More
Serving the Great Commission
Published: February 7, 2018
The Great Commission is a directive that Ohio Christian University and World
Gospel Mission take seriously. Through OCU’s Student Center in 2018, World
Gospel Mission Student Involvement Director Natasha Grimmett will be leading
three separate teams of OCU students around the world to join in the
long-term work that God is doing.
The first trip is schedule for March 2-9 to Choluteca, Honduras. A team of
nine students will be serving alongside long-term missionaries there to
complete a variety work projects and support the children’s ministry.
The second team will be serving in...
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The Great Commission is a directive that Ohio Christian University and World
Gospel Mission take seriously. Through OCU’s Student Center in 2018, World
Gospel Mission Student Involvement Director Natasha Grimmett will be leading
three separate teams of OCU students around the world to join in the
long-term work that God is doing.
The first trip is schedule for March 2-9 to Choluteca, ... Read More
The Great Commission is a directive that Ohio Christian University and World
Gospel Mission take seriously. Through OCU’s Student Center in 2018, World
Gospel Mission Student Involvement ... Read More
