Office of Student Affairs at Ohio Northern University
Establishing Ethics is Essential
The Student Affairs staff is committed to creating and sustaining a nurturing, learning community vital to holistic student development.
Interim Vice President of Student Affairs
Dean of Students
a-thompson@onu.edu
(419) 772-2433
Ms. Thompson-Bradshaw came to Ohio Northern University in August of 1987 as Director of Student Activities. She has since held various positions at the University including Director of Minority Affairs and Director of Multicultural Development. Ms. Thompson-Bradshaw has recently assumed the title of Dean of Students. In her new position she will continue to be responsible for Orientation programs and judicial affairs. Ms. Thompson-Bradshaw earned her B.A. in Speech/Mass Communications (with a minor in Theatre) from Old Dominion University and her M.A. in Popular Culture from Bowling Green State University.
Ms. Thompson-Bradshaw is involved with various campus organizations and activities. She is the advisor and director of the O.N.U. Gospel Ensemble, advisor to the Latino Student Union and Women of Color organizations and also hosts a weekly gospel program on the campus radio station WONB 94.9 FM.
The Role of Student Affairs
- Support and explain the values, mission, and policies of the institution
- Participate in the governance of the institution and share responsibility for decisions
- Assess the educational and social experiences of students to improve institutional programs
- Provide and interpret information about students during the development and modification of institutional policies, services, and practices
- Establish policies and programs that contribute to a safe and secure campus
- Effectively manage the human, technical, and fiscal resources for which student affairs is responsible
- Assist students in successful transition to college
- Prepare students for successful transition to the professional world
- Teach students how to resolve individual and group conflicts
- Encourage development of friendships among students and a sense of community within the institution
- Help students understand and appreciate racial, ethnic, gender, religious, and other differences
- Design opportunities for student leadership throughout the University
- Encourage faculty-student interaction in programs and activities
- Support and advance institutional values by developing and enforcing behavioral standards for students
- Provide programs and services for students who want to improve their study skills
- Provide essential services and programs through student center, orientation, counseling, Chapel, student health, residence life, career services, multicultural development, student activities, information systems, and Greek life which contribute to the institutional mission and goals
- Create opportunities for students to experience spiritual development and growth
- Collaborate and support the functions of academic and non-academic areas
- Represent all department mission statements
Student Affairs Assumptions and Beliefs
- The academic mission of the institution is a priority
- Each student is unique
- Each person is valued for his/her worth and dignity and contributions to enhancing the University community
- Bigotry is unacceptable; respect for others is expected
- Feelings affect thinking and learning
- Student involvement enhances learning
- Personal circumstances affect learning
- Out-of-Class environments affect academic performance
- A supportive and friendly community life helps students learn
- The freedom to doubt and question must be guaranteed
- Effective citizenship should be taught
- Students are responsible for their own lives