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
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
Ohio Christian recently named top online college in Ohio
Published: March 13, 2020
Value Colleges recently named Ohio Christian University as one of the top
online colleges in Ohio, awarding Ohio Christian the #2 spot.
According to the Value Colleges article, “The programs featured in Value
Colleges’ Best Online Colleges in Ohio have found the best balance between
affordability, accessibility, and quality.”
Ohio Christian’s Online Program offers over 50 Certificate, Associate,
Bachelor and Master level degree programs in the areas of Business,
Marketing, Data Analytics, Information Technology, Emergency Management,
Human Services, Criminal Justice, Ministry,
Value Colleges recently named Ohio Christian University as one of the top
online colleges in Ohio, awarding Ohio Christian the #2 spot.
According to the Value Colleges article, “The programs featured in Value
Colleges’ Best Online Colleges in Ohio have found the best balance between
affordability, accessibility, and quality.”
Ohio Christian’s Online Program offers over 50 Certificate,
Value Colleges recently named Ohio Christian University as one of the top
online colleges in Ohio, awarding Ohio Christian the #2 spot.
According to the Value Colleges article, “The programs
Archived Articles of Interest
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
Behind the Scenes: Inside Festival of Carols
Published: December 3, 2018
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
effortlessness.
Learning choreography with live choirs singing was a challenge that Movements
from the Heart (MFTH), the creative movement team, met in the practice time
afforded before the first
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative
Hands-on Teaching: OCU Professor Keeps Science 'Fun'
Published: November 19, 2018
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes a hands-on approach is a way to keep
both students and teachers interested and engaged.
Hurtt, an Affiliate Professor in the Teacher Education department at Ohio
Christian University, shares her hands-on approach with her students who can
then pass it on to their students once they are in the classroom.
“We always try to have fun,” she said. “I want my students at OCU to
enjoy what we’re
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes a hands-on approach is a way to keep
both students and teachers interested and engaged.
Hurtt, an Affiliate Professor in the Teacher Education department at Ohio
Christian University, shares her
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes
Partnership Provides Online Higher Education for Missionaries
Published: November 16, 2018
Ohio Christian University (OCU) and World Gospel Mission (WGM) are pleased to
announce a new partnership that provides education opportunities for WGM
full-time missionaries, missionary volunteers, staff members, retirees, and
their children. The partnership provides a tuition discount for OCU’s
online programs: Adult and Graduate Studies Program (AGS) for adults and
OCUOnline Plus for 18-24 year-olds.
"The AGS program is perfect for missionaries in their second career who want
another degree to help them in their field and for missionaries who followed
God’s call before completing
Ohio Christian University (OCU) and World Gospel Mission (WGM) are pleased to
announce a new partnership that provides education opportunities for WGM
full-time missionaries, missionary volunteers, staff members, retirees, and
their children. The partnership provides a tuition discount for OCU’s
online programs: Adult and Graduate Studies Program (AGS) for adults and
OCUOnline Plus for 18-24
Ohio Christian University (OCU) and World Gospel Mission (WGM) are pleased to
announce a new partnership that provides education opportunities for WGM
full-time missionaries, missionary volunteers
