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Seventy-eight newly enrolled Ohio Christian University students, including nine transferring in from other schools, attended the day-long initial orientation with luncheon and campus tours.

This day was the first of OCU’s several annual spring and summer orientation days.  The next days are scheduled for June 8 and 29. 

Many students were accompanied by parents who appeared as eager to learn about the University experience as their daughters and sons.

The day began at 8:30 am with a continental breakfast and concluded after walking tours of campus facilities.  Cool-to-warm sunny weather prevailed to enhance the pleasure of this first-day experience.

“This year’s Registration Day was great!” exclaimed Kevin Edwards, Director of Residential Enrollment, “We began preparing for this initial orientation in December, collaborating with Student Development and Financial Aid staff to ensure the new students and their parents received the best possible orientation.  My impression from observing the informational sessions and panel discussions is that everything went better than expected.  There was great anticipation, and the team exceeded expectation.  Students and parents were pleased.  It was an awesome day, just terrific.”

The incoming class divided into three cohorts for efficiency.  First, students and parents split into groups for getting-acquainted networking.  Then, an informative panel addressed commonly asked questions, followed by a briefing with Financial Aid staff on the many options for grants and scholarships.

Students registered for their classes.  Campus Security Office provided ID cards and parking passes.  And, the tutoring and coaching/mentoring staff gave an overview of valuable services available to new enrollees that they can use to become successful OCU students.

Topic-specific sessions covered student development, residential housing, commuting, the computer lab, athletics, musical instrument and choir auditions, and optional tours for athletes and musicians.   During lunch in the Dining Hall, students and parents were invited to meet faculty who were seated at tables displaying banners and posters identifying their academic departments and disciplines.

This orientation day excelled in showcasing the University’s welcoming family hospitality, demonstrating its Christian core values and trailblazing goodwill.

Articles of Interest

Hannah Skaggs and Mike Conway

Two Scholars Win Full-Ride Scholarship to University

Hannah Skaggs and Mike Conway

Published: February 14, 2023

Ohio Christian University’s Scholars Day competition for the first Commitment to Excellence full-ride scholarships has successfully concluded, and we are proud to announce that Mike Conway and Hannah Skaggs have been selected as the scholarship recipients. After three rounds of interviews, these two outstanding students received the highest marks and were personally awarded by Phil Hooks, the Vice President of Enrollment, with their scholarship certificate and an official scholarship award letter from President Smith. The Scholars Day panelists were thoroughly impressed by all of the
Ohio Christian University’s Scholars Day competition for the first Commitment to Excellence full-ride scholarships has successfully concluded, and we are proud to announce that Mike Conway and Hannah Skaggs have been selected as the scholarship recipients. After three rounds of interviews, these two outstanding students received the highest marks and were personally awarded by Phil Hooks,
Ohio Christian University’s Scholars Day competition for the first Commitment to Excellence full-ride scholarships has successfully concluded, and we are proud to announce that Mike Conway and
CAEP Accreditation

OCU School of Education Earns 7 Year CAEP Accreditation

CAEP Accreditation

Published: January 18, 2023

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has granted 7 years of accreditation to the Teacher Education Program at Ohio Christian University, the highest award the organization allows. The current Accreditation has been granted at the initial-licensure level for all major concentrations OCU offers at the undergraduate level for Teacher Education Preparation. CAEP Accreditation is granted when the Accreditation Council determines that an Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) meets all CAEP Standards, even if areas for improvement (AFIs) are identified in the final
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has granted 7 years of accreditation to the Teacher Education Program at Ohio Christian University, the highest award the organization allows. The current Accreditation has been granted at the initial-licensure level for all major concentrations OCU offers at the undergraduate level for Teacher Education Preparation. CAEP
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has granted 7 years of accreditation to the Teacher Education Program at Ohio Christian University, the highest award the organization

Five Things to Consider When Choosing an Online University

Published: May 31, 2022

“I know that I want to pursue an online degree, but what are some of the things I should I consider?”  If this question sounds familiar, rest assured that you are not alone. Many aspiring students ponder whether one online program over another will offer a leg-up advantage in their career pursuits. The cornerstone of most online programs is their flexible schedule, however, all online programs are not alike. There are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that offer certifications and there are postsecondary degrees, which the data shows most employers still prefer for their employees
“I know that I want to pursue an online degree, but what are some of the things I should I consider?”  If this question sounds familiar, rest assured that you are not alone. Many aspiring students ponder whether one online program over another will offer a leg-up advantage in their career pursuits. The cornerstone of most online programs is their flexible schedule, however, all online
“I know that I want to pursue an online degree, but what are some of the things I should I consider?”  If this question sounds familiar, rest assured that you are not alone. Many aspiring students

Archived Articles of Interest

Ohio Christian University to Celebrate a Record Number of Graduates on May 5, 2012 image

Ohio Christian University to Celebrate a Record Number of Graduates on May 5, 2012

Ohio Christian University to Celebrate a Record Number of Graduates on May 5, 2012 image

Published: April 30, 2012

President Mark A. Smith will preside over the largest graduation ceremony in the history of Ohio Christian University this coming Saturday, May 5, 2012, with 386 graduates.This year's graduation includes the conference of 141 associate's degrees and 235 bachelor's degrees. OCU also celebrates its first conference of master's degrees with 10 students earning the Master of Arts in Ministry.Graduation practice (required for all graduating students) begins a 1 p.m. on Friday, May 4. The graduation ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 5 in the OCU Maxwell Center. 
President Mark A. Smith will preside over the largest graduation ceremony in the history of Ohio Christian University this coming Saturday, May 5, 2012, with 386 graduates.This year's graduation includes the conference of 141 associate's degrees and 235 bachelor's degrees. OCU also celebrates its first conference of master's degrees with 10 students earning the Master of Arts in Ministry.
President Mark A. Smith will preside over the largest graduation ceremony in the history of Ohio Christian University this coming Saturday, May 5, 2012, with 386 graduates.This year's graduation
Dr. Jim Smith

OCU Professor is Published

Dr. Jim Smith

Published: November 30, 2010

Ohio Christian University Professor of Substance Abuse Counseling Dr. Jim Smith contributed two chapters for the recently published collaborative work Nelson's Church Leader's Manual for Congregational Care, available from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The two chapters are on lay ministry care for those with substance abuse issues and mental disorders.  Smith is well qualified to write on these topics as he holds three graduate degrees and is a licensed counselor as well as an ordained minister.  Smith states, "The connection to be part of this collaboration was brought about by God." OCU
Ohio Christian University Professor of Substance Abuse Counseling Dr. Jim Smith contributed two chapters for the recently published collaborative work Nelson's Church Leader's Manual for Congregational Care, available from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The two chapters are on lay ministry care for those with substance abuse issues and mental disorders.  Smith is well qualified to write on these
Ohio Christian University Professor of Substance Abuse Counseling Dr. Jim Smith contributed two chapters for the recently published collaborative work Nelson's Church Leader's Manual for