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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

Hands-on Teaching: OCU Professor Keeps Science 'Fun' image

Hands-on Teaching: OCU Professor Keeps Science 'Fun'

Hands-on Teaching: OCU Professor Keeps Science 'Fun' image

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
Chapel Speaker Touts Value of Liberal Arts Education image

Chapel Speaker Touts Value of Liberal Arts Education

Chapel Speaker Touts Value of Liberal Arts Education image

Published: November 19, 2018

By Cynthia Tweedell, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Rick Bartlett, Director of Theological Education at Tabor College spoke at Ohio Christian University’s Chapel Service on Wednesday, October 31. He encouraged students to value their liberal arts education as the best way to prepare for the future. Dr. Bartlett reminded students of the speed with which technology has changed in their lifetimes. They can recall YouTube videos that were so influential a few years ago but have run their course. Likewise, many jobs like telemarketer, paralegal, and
By Cynthia Tweedell, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Rick Bartlett, Director of Theological Education at Tabor College spoke at Ohio Christian University’s Chapel Service on Wednesday, October 31. He encouraged students to value their liberal arts education as the best way to prepare for the future. Dr. Bartlett reminded students of the speed with which
By Cynthia Tweedell, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Rick Bartlett, Director of Theological Education at Tabor College spoke at Ohio Christian University’s
Faculty Profile:  Dr. Darren M. Johnson image

Faculty Profile: Dr. Darren M. Johnson

Faculty Profile:  Dr. Darren M. Johnson image

Published: November 16, 2018

Dr. Darren M. Johnson joined Ohio Christian University’s Psychology Department as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Chemical Dependency Counseling.  He is currently teaching Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling, Diversity Issues in Counseling, Principles of Counseling, and Physiological Psychology. In 2017, ProQuest published Johnson’s “The Experience of Being an Atheist in the United States,” a report on his study of interviews with twelve atheists. He has presented on Coping with Stress in the Workplace, Good Grief: How Grieving Properly Can Be
Dr. Darren M. Johnson joined Ohio Christian University’s Psychology Department as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Chemical Dependency Counseling.  He is currently teaching Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling, Diversity Issues in Counseling, Principles of Counseling, and Physiological Psychology. In 2017, ProQuest published Johnson’s “The Experience of
Dr. Darren M. Johnson joined Ohio Christian University’s Psychology Department as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Chemical Dependency Counseling.  He is currently teaching Abnormal
OCU Develops Future Teacher's Skills in Educating 'Whole Child' image

OCU Develops Future Teacher's Skills in Educating 'Whole Child'

OCU Develops Future Teacher's Skills in Educating 'Whole Child' image

Published: November 16, 2018

By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald Circleville Herald, November 15, 2018 The Ohio Christian University’s Teacher Education program is guiding the next generation of teachers into modern day teaching. Valarie Jones, chair of the education department, said they’re teaching their education students about trauma-informed educating, a way to teach students who have been affected by trauma to their maximum potential. “Everything we do has the idea to love the kids first and then everything else comes after
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald Circleville Herald, November 15, 2018 The Ohio Christian University’s Teacher Education program is guiding the next generation of teachers into modern day teaching. Valarie Jones, chair of the education department, said they’re teaching their education students about trauma
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald Circleville Herald, November 15, 2018 The Ohio Christian University’s Teacher
Caleb Friedeman - Religion Professor

Faculty Profile: Dr. Caleb Friedeman

Caleb Friedeman - Religion Professor

Published: November 1, 2018

Dr. Caleb T. Friedeman recently joined Ohio Christian University’s Religion Department as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. A disciple of Jesus Christ with a passion to serve the Church as a pastor-theologian, Friedeman brings to the department the heart of a pastor and the mind of a scholar. Friedeman holds a B.A. in Ancient Languages from Asbury University, an M.A. in Biblical Literature from Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Theology (New Testament) from Wheaton College. His doctoral dissertation focused on the Christology of Luke chapters 1 and 2 and its
Dr. Caleb T. Friedeman recently joined Ohio Christian University’s Religion Department as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. A disciple of Jesus Christ with a passion to serve the Church as a pastor-theologian, Friedeman brings to the department the heart of a pastor and the mind of a scholar. Friedeman holds a B.A. in Ancient Languages from Asbury University, an M.A. in Biblical
Dr. Caleb T. Friedeman recently joined Ohio Christian University’s Religion Department as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. A disciple of Jesus Christ with a passion to serve the Church as a