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
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
Archived Articles of Interest
Ohio Christian University Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Published: January 18, 2019
On January 21, Ohio Christian University will close to honor the memory of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his essential leadership in achieving victory
in the Civil Rights Movement, the struggle for which he ultimately sacrificed
his life.
This day offers an opportunity to consider the wisdom and enduring importance
of Dr. King’s contributions to establishing and maintaining liberty,
freedom, and equality for all -- regardless of race, religion, or gender, not
only in the United States but everywhere worldwide.
Some of King’s insightful and profound observations to recall on his
On January 21, Ohio Christian University will close to honor the memory of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his essential leadership in achieving victory
in the Civil Rights Movement, the struggle for which he ultimately sacrificed
his life.
This day offers an opportunity to consider the wisdom and enduring importance
of Dr. King’s contributions to establishing and maintaining liberty,
On January 21, Ohio Christian University will close to honor the memory of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his essential leadership in achieving victory
in the Civil Rights Movement, the struggle
New Sports, Recreation and Fitness Ministry Concentration
Published: December 13, 2018
For Ohio Christian University (OCU) Director of Ministry Programs Dr. Wayne
Pessia, sports, recreation, and fitness (SR
For Ohio Christian University (OCU) Director of Ministry Programs Dr. Wayne
Pessia, sports, recreation, and fitness (SR
For Ohio Christian University (OCU) Director of Ministry Programs Dr. Wayne
Pessia, sports, recreation, and fitness (SR
Master of Arts in Leadership Adds Value
Published: December 6, 2018
The Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) graduate degree at Ohio Christian
University prepares professionals to lead organizations effectively. The
program emphasizes acquiring proficiency and skill in critical and strategic
thinking, ethics, and the application of leadership philosophy all while
integrating Christian principles in management planning and leadership
execution.
Students apply leadership in teams and learn processes to benefit for-profit
and not-for-profit organizations, and discover how to evaluate enterprises,
understand group dynamics, and improve performance. Jobs in
The Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) graduate degree at Ohio Christian
University prepares professionals to lead organizations effectively. The
program emphasizes acquiring proficiency and skill in critical and strategic
thinking, ethics, and the application of leadership philosophy all while
integrating Christian principles in management planning and leadership
execution.
Students apply
The Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) graduate degree at Ohio Christian
University prepares professionals to lead organizations effectively. The
program emphasizes acquiring proficiency and skill
Marketing and Consumer Behavior Degree Opens Doors
Published: December 11, 2018
The Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Consumer Behavior at Ohio Christian
University provides students with insight into human behavior, emphasizing
what motivates consumers to buy products and services. Students gain the
knowledge needed for developing effective consumer segmentation, the starting
point in all marketing strategies, programs, and campaigns. Graduates can
articulate the psychology, analyze the motivations, and create effective
marketing strategies based on an understanding of both consumer behavior and
marketing.
The degree adds value by providing a mix of business,
The Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Consumer Behavior at Ohio Christian
University provides students with insight into human behavior, emphasizing
what motivates consumers to buy products and services. Students gain the
knowledge needed for developing effective consumer segmentation, the starting
point in all marketing strategies, programs, and campaigns. Graduates can
articulate the
The Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Consumer Behavior at Ohio Christian
University provides students with insight into human behavior, emphasizing
what motivates consumers to buy products and
Ohio Christian University Ranks #3 in Central Ohio Online Degree Programs
Published: December 11, 2018
Columbus CEO Magazine’s Leaderboard for Central Ohio Online Degree
Programs ranks Ohio Christian University (OCU) among the top institutions
providing online higher education.
OCU’s #3 rank is based on the University’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio,
competitive annual tuition, and long-standing accreditation since 1976.
Fifty-nine full-time and 400 part-time faculty members provide the online
degree programs through the University’s Adult and Graduate Online Studies
using an advanced online delivery platform on flexible schedules well-suited
for working adults.
The ranking is
Columbus CEO Magazine’s Leaderboard for Central Ohio Online Degree
Programs ranks Ohio Christian University (OCU) among the top institutions
providing online higher education.
OCU’s #3 rank is based on the University’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio,
competitive annual tuition, and long-standing accreditation since 1976.
Fifty-nine full-time and 400 part-time faculty members provide the
Columbus CEO Magazine’s Leaderboard for Central Ohio Online Degree
Programs ranks Ohio Christian University (OCU) among the top institutions
providing online higher education.
OCU’s #3 rank is
