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
OCU School of Education Earns 7 Year CAEP Accreditation
Published: January 18, 2023
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has granted 7 years
of accreditation to the Teacher Education Program at Ohio Christian
University, the highest award the organization allows. The current
Accreditation has been granted at the initial-licensure level for all major
concentrations OCU offers at the undergraduate level for Teacher Education
Preparation.
CAEP Accreditation is granted when the Accreditation Council determines that
an Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) meets all CAEP Standards, even if
areas for improvement (AFIs) are identified in the final
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has granted 7 years
of accreditation to the Teacher Education Program at Ohio Christian
University, the highest award the organization allows. The current
Accreditation has been granted at the initial-licensure level for all major
concentrations OCU offers at the undergraduate level for Teacher Education
Preparation.
CAEP
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has granted 7 years
of accreditation to the Teacher Education Program at Ohio Christian
University, the highest award the organization
Peter Pan Record-Breaking Production
Published: November 14, 2022
Ohio Christian University closed on their production, Peter Pan, Saturday,
November 5th, and it was a record-breaking fall show for the OCU performing
arts team. With 585 tickets sold, this magical show brought in lots of
families and audience members of all ages. Needless to say, it was a big hit
with the youngest members in the audience as they were transported to
Neverland. Some even came to the show in their own costumes!
Ohio Christian’s very own Brandon Benner took on the role of Peter Pan as a
freshman and a first-time performer. Hallie Graf (Little Women, Dark Road)
played
Ohio Christian University closed on their production, Peter Pan, Saturday,
November 5th, and it was a record-breaking fall show for the OCU performing
arts team. With 585 tickets sold, this magical show brought in lots of
families and audience members of all ages. Needless to say, it was a big hit
with the youngest members in the audience as they were transported to
Neverland. Some even came
Ohio Christian University closed on their production, Peter Pan, Saturday,
November 5th, and it was a record-breaking fall show for the OCU performing
arts team. With 585 tickets sold, this magical
Five Things to Consider When Choosing an Online University
Published: May 31, 2022
“I know that I want to pursue an online degree, but what are some of the
things I should I consider?” If this question sounds familiar, rest
assured that you are not alone. Many aspiring students ponder whether one
online program over another will offer a leg-up advantage in their career
pursuits.
The cornerstone of most online programs is their flexible schedule, however,
all online programs are not alike. There are Massive Open Online Courses
(MOOCs) that offer certifications and there are postsecondary degrees, which
the data shows most employers still prefer for their employees
“I know that I want to pursue an online degree, but what are some of the
things I should I consider?” If this question sounds familiar, rest
assured that you are not alone. Many aspiring students ponder whether one
online program over another will offer a leg-up advantage in their career
pursuits.
The cornerstone of most online programs is their flexible schedule, however,
all online
“I know that I want to pursue an online degree, but what are some of the
things I should I consider?” If this question sounds familiar, rest
assured that you are not alone. Many aspiring students
Reunion 2022 to Culminate with OCU Night at Mount of Praise
Published: May 24, 2022
Ohio Christian University alumni, their family and friends are invited to
Reunion2022: an all-day event on Saturday, June 25. Through alumni athletic
games, class reunions, our Trailblazer Celebration and dinner, our goal is to
build and cultivate stronger alumni engagement and relationships throughout
the OCU community. The evening will culminate with OCU Night at Mount of
Praise followed by our annual Ice Cream Social.
“This is always an exciting event, where alumni and their friends get to
celebrate the accomplishments and valuable contributions of Ohio
Christian’s own. We’ve
Ohio Christian University alumni, their family and friends are invited to
Reunion2022: an all-day event on Saturday, June 25. Through alumni athletic
games, class reunions, our Trailblazer Celebration and dinner, our goal is to
build and cultivate stronger alumni engagement and relationships throughout
the OCU community. The evening will culminate with OCU Night at Mount of
Praise followed
Ohio Christian University alumni, their family and friends are invited to
Reunion2022: an all-day event on Saturday, June 25. Through alumni athletic
games, class reunions, our Trailblazer
C.S. Lewis is Coming to Ohio Christian University
Published: December 22, 2021
Ohio Christian University is excited to bring “The Most Reluctant
Convert” to its Circleville Campus. There will be one show only, on
January 15, 2022, at 1:00 PM in the Ministry and Performing Arts Center
(MPAC). This Fellowship for Performing Arts production has toured the United
States from New York to California and played on campuses such as Princeton,
Vanderbilt, Wheaton, UNC-Chapel Hill, and many other esteemed institutions of
higher learning. Using C.S. Lewis’ own words, award-winning actor Max
McLean brings the brilliant Oxford fellow to life, taking us on his
extraordinary
Ohio Christian University is excited to bring “The Most Reluctant
Convert” to its Circleville Campus. There will be one show only, on
January 15, 2022, at 1:00 PM in the Ministry and Performing Arts Center
(MPAC). This Fellowship for Performing Arts production has toured the United
States from New York to California and played on campuses such as Princeton,
Vanderbilt, Wheaton, UNC-Chapel
Ohio Christian University is excited to bring “The Most Reluctant
Convert” to its Circleville Campus. There will be one show only, on
January 15, 2022, at 1:00 PM in the Ministry and Performing
Archived Articles of Interest
Incoming Campus Students Attend Summer Orientation
Published: July 13, 2020
On July 10th, Ohio Christian University welcomed 62 incoming students to
campus for the first Orientation Day of the summer. Orientation Days are
for incoming students to the Undergraduate Campus Program to register for
classes and prepare for their first semester on campus.
OCU had several COVID-19 procedures in place including taking temperatures,
requiring masks, social distancing guidelines, and hand sanitizing stations
to help ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
OCU President Dr. Jon S. Kulaga welcomed the students and encouraged them to
be part of God’s story. Students and
On July 10th, Ohio Christian University welcomed 62 incoming students to
campus for the first Orientation Day of the summer. Orientation Days are
for incoming students to the Undergraduate Campus Program to register for
classes and prepare for their first semester on campus.
OCU had several COVID-19 procedures in place including taking temperatures,
requiring masks, social distancing
On July 10th, Ohio Christian University welcomed 62 incoming students to
campus for the first Orientation Day of the summer. Orientation Days are
for incoming students to the Undergraduate Campus
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
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
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
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,
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.
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:
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.
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
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
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,
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
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