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 Boasts Mighty Network with OARnet
Published: August 5, 2019
Ohio Christian University now boasts a mighty network thanks to recent
upgrades and optimization by John Bocook; Assistant Vice President of
Information Technology and Jared Bader, Director of Network Operations. With
over 3,600 students – 80% of which are remote – a stable network
connection is crucial for students and professors.
"There have been issues in the past where we have had to shut down our
internet connection, which, in turn, shuts down our user authentication,"
Bocook said. "Our remote students couldn't login in to the learning
management system. Because of this new
Ohio Christian University now boasts a mighty network thanks to recent
upgrades and optimization by John Bocook; Assistant Vice President of
Information Technology and Jared Bader, Director of Network Operations. With
over 3,600 students – 80% of which are remote – a stable network
connection is crucial for students and professors.
"There have been issues in the past where we have had to
Ohio Christian University now boasts a mighty network thanks to recent
upgrades and optimization by John Bocook; Assistant Vice President of
Information Technology and Jared Bader, Director of
Ohio Christian to Host Fifth Annual Forge Leadership Summit
Published: July 19, 2019
Ohio Christian University will host the fifth annual Forge Leadership Summit
on July 23-27. The five-day conference is the Forge Leadership Network’s
foundational event that on-ramps students into their yearlong mentorship
academy to develop the next generation of conservative leaders. Forge will
welcome 75-80 young adults to the summit where they will participate in
dynamic trainings, professional development programs and listen to over two
dozen renowned speakers on current issues.
“Forge is raising up a farm system for the conservative movement in the
state [of Ohio],” said Co-
Ohio Christian University will host the fifth annual Forge Leadership Summit
on July 23-27. The five-day conference is the Forge Leadership Network’s
foundational event that on-ramps students into their yearlong mentorship
academy to develop the next generation of conservative leaders. Forge will
welcome 75-80 young adults to the summit where they will participate in
dynamic trainings,
Ohio Christian University will host the fifth annual Forge Leadership Summit
on July 23-27. The five-day conference is the Forge Leadership Network’s
foundational event that on-ramps students into
Ohio Christian Offers New Concentrations for Online Business Program
Published: July 18, 2019
Ohio Christian University recently announced two new concentrations in the
Bachelor of Arts in Business degree for students in the Adult
Ohio Christian University recently announced two new concentrations in the
Bachelor of Arts in Business degree for students in the Adult
Ohio Christian University recently announced two new concentrations in the
Bachelor of Arts in Business degree for students in the Adult
Atlanta Site Honored by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce
Published: July 16, 2019
Last week, Ohio Christian University’s Atlanta site in Georgia was awarded
Member of the Week by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding
commitment and service to the community. President of the Chamber Monica
Colbert presented the award with two other members of the chamber to the
campus. The Atlanta site has been a member of the Chamber for four years and
has worked hard to impact the surrounding community, which boast over 6000
businesses.
In an effort serve their community, the Atlanta site has opened up their
chapel for community events, including several job fairs
Last week, Ohio Christian University’s Atlanta site in Georgia was awarded
Member of the Week by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding
commitment and service to the community. President of the Chamber Monica
Colbert presented the award with two other members of the chamber to the
campus. The Atlanta site has been a member of the Chamber for four years and
has worked hard to
Last week, Ohio Christian University’s Atlanta site in Georgia was awarded
Member of the Week by the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding
commitment and service to the community.
Emergency Management Degree Now Offered Online
Published: June 17, 2019
A bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management is now available
through Ohio Christian University's Adult
A bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management is now available
through Ohio Christian University's Adult
A bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management is now available
through Ohio Christian University's Adult
Archived Articles of Interest
Criminal Justice Program Keeps Students Current
Published: September 7, 2018
Ohio Christian University (OCU) Criminal Justice Program students
participated in several learning enrichment events recently that included
attending expert advisory council discussions, touring an Ohio penal
institution, and observing canine-assisted narcotics crime apprehension.
Criminal Justice Advisory Council Meeting
OCU’s Criminal Justice Department held its annual Criminal Justice
Advisory Council meeting. The Council collaborates with the Criminal Justice
Program director to ensure students receive a current and comprehensive
curriculum that prepares them to succeed in
Ohio Christian University (OCU) Criminal Justice Program students
participated in several learning enrichment events recently that included
attending expert advisory council discussions, touring an Ohio penal
institution, and observing canine-assisted narcotics crime apprehension.
Criminal Justice Advisory Council Meeting
OCU’s Criminal Justice Department held its annual Criminal Justice
Ohio Christian University (OCU) Criminal Justice Program students
participated in several learning enrichment events recently that included
attending expert advisory council discussions, touring an
Ohio Christian University Named 2017-18 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution
Published: September 5, 2018
Ohio Christian Named Champions of Character Five-Star Institution
Published: September 5, 2018
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that
they have been named an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution for
the 2017-18 academic year.
Each year, NAIA schools use the Champions of Character scorecard to measure
the pursuit of character-driven athletics. Schools scoring a minimum of 60
out of 100 points earn the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution
Award.
The Champions of Character Scorecard measures growth in training, promotion,
conduct in competition and commitment in five key areas with a possibility of
earning 100 points.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that
they have been named an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution for
the 2017-18 academic year.
Each year, NAIA schools use the Champions of Character scorecard to measure
the pursuit of character-driven athletics. Schools scoring a minimum of 60
out of 100 points earn the Champions of Character Five-Star
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that
they have been named an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution for
the 2017-18 academic year.
Each year, NAIA
OCU Leads the Way at Local Alzheimer's Event
Published: August 25, 2018
AlzheimerGroupPhoto.jpg
Sixty faculty, staff, and students, including President Dr. Jon Kulaga and
his wife Lena, participated in the Circleville, Ohio, 2018 Walk to End
Alzheimer’s, one of over 600 similar events held annually nationwide.
Ohio Christian University (OCU), the top local sponsor, was tasked with
underwriting the spinning flowers along the route, earning the title Promise
Garden Sponsor. Team captain, Kelsey Cutright, Director of Student Life at
OCU, had this to say of the event, “It was an upbeat atmosphere. There was
exciting music, and everyone walked in a
AlzheimerGroupPhoto.jpg
Sixty faculty, staff, and students, including President Dr. Jon Kulaga and
his wife Lena, participated in the Circleville, Ohio, 2018 Walk to End
Alzheimer’s, one of over 600 similar events held annually nationwide.
Ohio Christian University (OCU), the top local sponsor, was tasked with
underwriting the spinning flowers along the route, earning the title
AlzheimerGroupPhoto.jpg
Sixty faculty, staff, and students, including President Dr. Jon Kulaga and
his wife Lena, participated in the Circleville, Ohio, 2018 Walk to End
Alzheimer’s, one
2018 OCU Fall Move-In Day Proves One of Best!
Published: August 18, 2018
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 fall semester Move-In Day proved one of
the best. As rain-laden early-day clouds dispersed, a bright sun emerged to
enliven this much-anticipated and event-filled day.
Greeted by “#OCUMoveIn - Welcome Home” posters, an eager class of new
students streamed into the University’s Ministry and Performing Arts Center
(MPAC) to sign in, check into dorms, and finish financial arrangements.
Admissions staff, clad in OCU-blue polo shirts, warmly greeted the
newcomers. Blue and silver balloons festooned check-in tables where the
freshmen picked up First Year
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 fall semester Move-In Day proved one of
the best. As rain-laden early-day clouds dispersed, a bright sun emerged to
enliven this much-anticipated and event-filled day.
Greeted by “#OCUMoveIn - Welcome Home” posters, an eager class of new
students streamed into the University’s Ministry and Performing Arts Center
(MPAC) to sign in, check into dorms, and
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 fall semester Move-In Day proved one of
the best. As rain-laden early-day clouds dispersed, a bright sun emerged to
enliven this much-anticipated and event-filled
