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 Welcomes Students at Orientation Day 2019
Published: June 14, 2019
Ohio Christian University was pleased to welcome 69 students to Orientation
Day 2019 on June 14. Incoming students started the morning doing activities
together where they had the opportunity to meet their fellow classmates.
After the students settled down, OCU Provost, Dr. Bradford Sample and Dr.
Valerie Jones, Teacher Education Department Chair, encouraged the new
students to pursue academic excellence and to, above all, grow in Christ.
Jones also gave a warm welcome to the students saying, “We here are family,
and your faculty members here truly care about you the student and
Ohio Christian University was pleased to welcome 69 students to Orientation
Day 2019 on June 14. Incoming students started the morning doing activities
together where they had the opportunity to meet their fellow classmates.
After the students settled down, OCU Provost, Dr. Bradford Sample and Dr.
Valerie Jones, Teacher Education Department Chair, encouraged the new
students to pursue
Ohio Christian University was pleased to welcome 69 students to Orientation
Day 2019 on June 14. Incoming students started the morning doing activities
together where they had the opportunity to
Remembering D-Day 75 Years Later
Published: June 6, 2019
On June 6th 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on the shores of
Normandy to fight Nazi Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower described the
operation as a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full
victory.” The bravery and strength shown on this day allowed soldiers to
infiltrate Europe and work to combat Adolf Hitler. D-Day commemorates the
first day of the Normandy landings and is still honored and remembered 75
years later.
Still the largest seaborne invasion in history, D-Day serves as a solemn
reminder of the sacrifices of soldiers and the international
On June 6th 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on the shores of
Normandy to fight Nazi Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower described the
operation as a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full
victory.” The bravery and strength shown on this day allowed soldiers to
infiltrate Europe and work to combat Adolf Hitler. D-Day commemorates the
first day of the Normandy
On June 6th 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on the shores of
Normandy to fight Nazi Germany. General Dwight D. Eisenhower described the
operation as a crusade in which “we will accept
Memorial Day
Published: May 22, 2019
By Dave Hirschler, Director of Brand Identity
Ohio Christian University is grateful for those who paid the ultimate price
for our freedom. It is with appreciation that we celebrate with our fellow
Americans in observing Memorial Day. Previously known as Decoration Day,
Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering and honoring persons who
have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
On a personal level, I love history and all things patriotic, as does my
wife. As such, our family has developed a tradition of attending a Memorial
Day service each year. We generally
By Dave Hirschler, Director of Brand Identity
Ohio Christian University is grateful for those who paid the ultimate price
for our freedom. It is with appreciation that we celebrate with our fellow
Americans in observing Memorial Day. Previously known as Decoration Day,
Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering and honoring persons who
have died while serving in the United States
By Dave Hirschler, Director of Brand Identity
Ohio Christian University is grateful for those who paid the ultimate price
for our freedom. It is with appreciation that we celebrate with our fellow
Remembering Sarah Dorsey
Published: May 10, 2019
The wife of Rev. Morton Dorsey, Ohio Christian University’s 5th president,
Sarah Dorsey, passed away at Fox Run Manor in Findlay, Ohio on Monday, May
6th, 2019. Rev. Dorsey served as the president from 1959-1964. During
Dorsey's years at Ohio Christian University, the Ohio Board of Education
awarded the University its first State Charter.
Sarah became very involved with the University while her husband was
president. She taught music and was the choir director during their time
here. We are grateful for everything Sarah and Rev. Morton Dorsey did for
Ohio Christian University. Our
The wife of Rev. Morton Dorsey, Ohio Christian University’s 5th president,
Sarah Dorsey, passed away at Fox Run Manor in Findlay, Ohio on Monday, May
6th, 2019. Rev. Dorsey served as the president from 1959-1964. During
Dorsey's years at Ohio Christian University, the Ohio Board of Education
awarded the University its first State Charter.
Sarah became very involved with the University while
The wife of Rev. Morton Dorsey, Ohio Christian University’s 5th president,
Sarah Dorsey, passed away at Fox Run Manor in Findlay, Ohio on Monday, May
6th, 2019. Rev. Dorsey served as the president
Archived Articles of Interest
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
Ohio Christian University Ranks #3 of Online Emergency Management Programs!
Published: August 6, 2018
Best Schools has ranked Ohio Christian University’s Emergency and Disaster
Management Program #3 among the top 15 programs based on its quality and
courses provided, as well as the school’s other awards, rankings, and
reputation.
OCU's Emergency and Disaster Management program trains students to lead
during disasters. Graduates contribute during every stage of disaster
management and recovery, including providing immediate relief and rebuilding
and redeveloping communities.
Student Lesli Holt, Operations Manager for Warren County Ohio's Office of
Emergency Management, comments that “
Best Schools has ranked Ohio Christian University’s Emergency and Disaster
Management Program #3 among the top 15 programs based on its quality and
courses provided, as well as the school’s other awards, rankings, and
reputation.
OCU's Emergency and Disaster Management program trains students to lead
during disasters. Graduates contribute during every stage of disaster
management and
Best Schools has ranked Ohio Christian University’s Emergency and Disaster
Management Program #3 among the top 15 programs based on its quality and
courses provided, as well as the school’s other
