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
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
Semester Begins With Revival Services
Published: September 10, 2021
Students started the new semester with three days of revival services in the
Ministry
Students started the new semester with three days of revival services in the
Ministry
Students started the new semester with three days of revival services in the
Ministry
OCU Among The 25 Safest Colleges Campuses in America
Published: September 10, 2021
Ohio Christian University earned twelfth place on college data and review
site Niche's list of the top 25 safest college campuses in America. Niche
analyzed data and student reviews to look at which campuses are the safest.
This honor did not escape the attention of Newsweek magazine, read their
article here.
Niche's Safest College Campuses ranking is intended to highlight colleges
with little to no campus crime, drugs, or alcohol usage. They consider not
only the campus data, but also the crime incidents in the local area, rates
for violence and arrests, and comb through student
Ohio Christian University earned twelfth place on college data and review
site Niche's list of the top 25 safest college campuses in America. Niche
analyzed data and student reviews to look at which campuses are the safest.
This honor did not escape the attention of Newsweek magazine, read their
article here.
Niche's Safest College Campuses ranking is intended to highlight colleges
with
Ohio Christian University earned twelfth place on college data and review
site Niche's list of the top 25 safest college campuses in America. Niche
analyzed data and student reviews to look at
2021 Summer Celebration Picnic
Published: August 6, 2021
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food, Friends and Fellowship. In
spite of some scattered storms, many people of all ages gathered together.
Matt Hunnell, VP of University Advancement commented: “Despite a little
rain, we had a great turn out. It was wonderful to see smiling faces on
campus, and our friends enjoying music, a good meal, and time together. We
look forward to many more events and gatherings on campus in the
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food, Friends and Fellowship. In
spite of some scattered storms, many people of all ages gathered together.
Matt Hunnell, VP of University Advancement commented: “Despite a little
rain, we had a great
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food
2021 Refer-A-Friend Program Announced
Published: February 2, 2021
Ohio Christian University (OCU) is pleased to announce an ongoing
Refer-A-Friend Program where individuals can invite a friend to learn more
about OCU. A monthly drawing for referrers and a scholarship for prospective
students make this an excellent opportunity to refer a friend.
The referrer should enter his or her friend’s information at
ohiochristian.edu/referafriend. This will automatically qualify the referrer
to enter that month’s drawing for a $50 e-gift card of the winner’s
choice and qualify the referred student for a Refer-A-Friend Scholarship.
Refer A Friend
Program
Ohio Christian University (OCU) is pleased to announce an ongoing
Refer-A-Friend Program where individuals can invite a friend to learn more
about OCU. A monthly drawing for referrers and a scholarship for prospective
students make this an excellent opportunity to refer a friend.
The referrer should enter his or her friend’s information at
ohiochristian.edu/referafriend. This will
Ohio Christian University (OCU) is pleased to announce an ongoing
Refer-A-Friend Program where individuals can invite a friend to learn more
about OCU. A monthly drawing for referrers and a
Archived Articles of Interest
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
Online Emergency & Disaster Management Program Ranked #2 in the Country
Published: March 18, 2020
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency
Distance Learning Supports Social Distancing
Published: March 17, 2020
Suddenly the term “social distancing” has invaded our vocabulary and
people are much more aware of their surroundings. They are seeking ways to
maintain some normalcy in their day-to-day lives while keeping a safe
distance from others. The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in many
universities shifting onsite classes to distance learning, including Ohio
Christian University.
Thankfully, Ohio Christian is experienced in this area having offered online
classes for over a decade to adults and teens. Students have the option to
enroll in Trailblazer Academy (College Credit Plus), Online-
Suddenly the term “social distancing” has invaded our vocabulary and
people are much more aware of their surroundings. They are seeking ways to
maintain some normalcy in their day-to-day lives while keeping a safe
distance from others. The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in many
universities shifting onsite classes to distance learning, including Ohio
Christian University.
Thankfully,
Suddenly the term “social distancing” has invaded our vocabulary and
people are much more aware of their surroundings. They are seeking ways to
maintain some normalcy in their day-to-day lives
Ohio Christian Prepares for Potential Coronavirus Outbreak
Published: March 13, 2020
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of measures, including moving
classes online and canceling events on campus. The health and safety of our
OCU family is our utmost concern and we’re committed to doing all that we
can to ensure that we follow the guidelines set out by our state and national
leaders in response to this developing situation.
Our athletics programs are part of the National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics (
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of measures, including moving
classes online and canceling events on campus. The health and safety of our
OCU family is our utmost concern and we’re committed to doing all that we
can to ensure that we
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of
