OCU Improves Retention Through Persistence and Completion Academy

Events of Interest

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.

Events of Interest

Articles of Interest

Community Action Day - It was a GREAT Day!

Published: April 18, 2019

April 11th proved to not just be a nice day to be outside, but a great day to serve the community of Circleville and surrounding areas. In its 20thyear, Community Action Day brought out over 400 students to serve residents and businesses who were in need. A tradition at Ohio Christian University, classes were canceled, and students were able to go into the public and implement the service attitude taught at OCU. With help from Volunteer Economy and RPHF Solid Waste District, students were equipped to effectively serve and feel prepared to do so. Students served in various capacities

April 11th proved to not just be a nice day to be outside, but a great day to serve the community of Circleville and surrounding areas. In its 20thyear, Community Action Day brought out over 400

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Archived Articles of Interest

Ohio Christian University serves military families

OCU Named Top Military Friendly University

Published: July 31, 2016

Ohio Christian University remains in the top 20 percent of colleges, universities, and trade schools that are dedicated to serving those who serve. For the sixth year in a row, Ohio Christian University was named a Top Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs, the premier resource for military personnel transitioning into civilian life. G.I. Jobs’ mission is to simplify the military transition experience using education and employment tools and resources to guide military service members to a successful civilian career. The annual military friendly schools list honors the institutions

Ohio Christian University remains in the top 20 percent of colleges, universities, and trade schools that are dedicated to serving those who serve. For the sixth year in a row, Ohio Christian

OCU Graduates Celebrate Commencement at the Morning Ceremony

Record 810 Graduates Celebrate Commencement

Published: May 26, 2016

On Saturday, April 30, 2016, Ohio Christian University held its 66th Commencement Ceremonies at the university’s main campus in Circleville, Ohio. A record 810 associate, bachelor, and master level graduates participated a total of four ceremonies: three in Ohio and one in Georgia earlier this month. Kelvin J. Cochran of Atlanta, Georgia, was the 2016 Commencement speaker. Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Cochran followed his childhood dream and became a firefighter in 1981. Working his way through the ranks, he was appointed Fire Chief of the Shreveport Fire Department in 1999

On Saturday, April 30, 2016, Ohio Christian University held its 66th Commencement Ceremonies at the university’s main campus in Circleville, Ohio. A record 810 associate, bachelor, and master level

Deputy Thomas takes a selfie with the students beside the new D.A.R.E Hummer

Local D.A.R.E. Officer receives new Hummer

Published: May 11, 2016

Ohio Christian University had the honor of standing by the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office today as Deputy Dale Thomas received an award for the D.A.R.E program — a new D.A.R.E Hummer with a slick, patriotic paint job — from local nonprofit Hetty’s Hopes and Dreams. The event was held in the Pickaway County Fairgrounds Colosseum — a warehouse-like space filled with more than 400 students, dozens of local law enforcement, and Deputy Thomas’ family. Seven bus loads brought more than 400 students, filling the Colosseum bleachers. The excited students could barely contain their

Ohio Christian University had the honor of standing by the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office today as Deputy Dale Thomas received an award for the D.A.R.E program — a new D.A.R.E Hummer with a slick

A Leader's Legacy - by Dr. John Maxwell

Published: April 6, 2016

Legacies that matter are connected with people. A hundred years from now all that will matter is the people that you connected with in such a way that you added value and meaning to their lives. Political commentator Walter Lippmann said, “The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in others the conviction and will to carry on.” Ultimately, if your people can’t do it without you, you haven’t been successful in raising up other leaders. We have all heard that “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.” I also believe that when the teacher is ready, the student appears.

Legacies that matter are connected with people. A hundred years from now all that will matter is the people that you connected with in such a way that you added value and meaning to their lives.