You’re going to love being a Polar Bear!
But first, you need to get acclimated to college life in general, and life at ONU in particular. That’s exactly what our fun-packed Summer Orientation Program and Welcome Weekend are designed to do!Register for Summer Orientation 2025
Four summer orientation dates are offered in June. Each of these dates will take place in-person on our campus.
Summer Orientation Dates: June 3, June 4, June 12, and June 13
Summer Orientation Q&A
Got questions about Summer Orientation? We’ve got answers! If you don’t see your question below, please reach out to orientation@onu.edu.-
Yes! You can bring up to two family members with you to Summer Orientation.
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Reservations can be made at The Inn on campus for an overnight stay prior to Summer Orientation sessions.
The Inn at Ohio Northern University
401 West College Avenue
Ada, Ohio 45810
419-772-2500
866-713-4513 (toll-free)Located in the heart of the ONU campus, The Inn is steps away from the University’s vibrant campus life and the first session during Summer Orientation. Stay in our deluxe hotel rooms and experience the height of luxury for exceptionally low rates. Reservations can be made online at www.innatonu.com. Please use promo code ONUBEST to ensure the deepest discount. In addition, reservations can be made by calling 866-713-4513. Please mention "ONU Summer Orientation Program" to receive the best value. All room rates include the Fresh Start Breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, business center access, onsite parking, local and long-distance telephone calls (in-room), and the 24-hour fitness room.
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The Summer Orientation Program includes a course registration program where you will meet with an advisor to schedule your classes for the fall semester.
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Our financial aid staff is here to guide you through the financial aid process, so please contact us with any questions you may have. You can reach us from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 419-772-2272 or financial-aid@onu.edu. Our fax number is 419-772-2313.
Additionally, students and families can stop into the 2nd Floor of Weber Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on orientation days for any financial questions.
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- Register for Summer Orientation!
- Activate your ONU email.
Be sure to regularly check your email account. ONU faculty and staff will use this email address to communicate important information to you. - Review your information to ensure that it is correct.
Log in to Self-Service Banner. Please review the information available in each category and your Personal Information. This information will help you in day-to-day activities while at ONU. If you have already logged in to your ONU email, you will not be prompted to log in again. - Check your ONU email regularly for information about placements assessments: Directed Self-Placement for Writing (all students), ALEKS mathematics placement (select Arts & Sciences, Engineering and Pharmacy students).
- Access the housing registration form on my.onu.edu using your ONU network account. Deadline for submission is June 21.
- Planning to commute? All incoming freshmen and new transfer students who wish to commute must turn in a form by June 24. All forms received after this deadline will incur a $50 late-processing fee and could result in the student not being approved for off-campus commuting. Visit Self-Service Banner to complete the Off-Campus Housing Form by clicking the "Student" tab, "My Housing", and then select the off-campus housing application within the housing self-service site.
- Bring a copy of any classes you have taken/completed through the College Credit Plus (CCP) Program.
- Sign up for your TREX online course (Arts & Sciences students only, beginning April 1).
- All incoming pharmacy students need to read the Technical Standards.
- You're a Polar Bear now, so why not discover who else has joined the family? Join the New Polar Bears Facebook Group to connect and get to know each other before August!
Starting to think ahead to August? Additional details and the full list of items to complete can be found here.
What happens during Summer Orientation?
You’ll meet new friends. Tour a residence hall. Register for classes. Learn everything you need to learn about being a Polar Bear and navigating campus. Check out the schedules from last summer below.-
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES SCHEDULE
Time STUDENT SCHEDULE FAMILY/GUEST SCHEDULE 8 a.m. Registration
Freed Center for the Performing Arts, Lobby8:30 a.m. Opening Session
Freed Center for the Performing Arts, Biggs Theatre9:15 a.m. Adult-ish for New Polar Bears
McIntosh Center, BallroomCampus Expo
Hakes-Pierstorf Pharmacy Education Center (HPPEC)11 a.m. Student Life
English Chapel, Sanctuary11:30 a.m. Residence Hall Tours (Optional)
Departing from English Chapel, Sanctuary11:30 a.m. Lunch
McIntosh Center, Dining Hall12:50 p.m. Financial Information
HPPEC 1511:30 p.m. Academic Meeting
English Chapel, Sanctuary2 p.m. Course Registration
Center for Student Success(2:15 p.m.) Family Connection
McIntosh Center (various locations)3 p.m. New Polar Bear Social
Heterick Memorial Library(2:45 p.m.) Navigating the Next Chapter: A Session for Family Members
McIntosh Center, Ballroom3:45 p.m. Evaluation and Wrap-Up
Heterick Memorial LibraryEvaluation and Wrap-Up
McIntosh Center, Ballroom -
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Time STUDENT SCHEDULE FAMILY/GUEST SCHEDULE 8 a.m. Registration
Freed Center for the Performing Arts, Lobby8:30 a.m. Opening Session
Freed Center for the Performing Arts, Biggs Theatre9:15 a.m. Adult-ish for New Polar Bears
McIntosh Center, BallroomCampus Expo
Hakes-Pierstorf Phamacy Education Center (HPPEC)11 a.m. Residence Hall Tours (Optional)
Departing from Ballroom / Families: Departing from HPPEC11 a.m. Lunch
McIntosh Center, Dining Hall12:10 p.m. Financial Information
HPPEC 15112:50 p.m. Student Life
English Chapel, Sanctuary1:30 p.m. Academic Meeting
Dicke Hall, Forum2 p.m. Course Registration
Dicke Hall, Room 140(2:15 p.m.) Family Connection
McIntosh Center (various locations)3 p.m. New Polar Bear Social
Heterick Memorial Library(2:45 p.m.) Navigating the Next Chapter: A Session for Family Members
McIntosh Center, Ballroom3:45 p.m. Evaluation and Wrap-Up
Heterick Memorial LibraryEvaluation and Wrap-Up
McIntosh Center, Ballroom -
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Time STUDENT SCHEDULE FAMILY/GUEST SCHEDULE 8 a.m. Registration
Freed Center for the Performing Arts Center, Lobby8:30 a.m. Opening Session
Freed Center for the Performing Arts Center, Biggs Theatre9:15 a.m. Adult-ish for New Polar Bears
McIntosh Center, BallroomCampus Expo
Hakes-Pierstorf Pharmacy Education Center (HPPEC)11 a.m. Financial Information
HPPEC 15111:40 a.m. Student Life
English Chapel, Sanctuary12:10 p.m. Residence Hall Tours (Optional)
Departing from English Chapel, Sanctuary12:10 p.m. Lunch
McIntosh Center, Dining Hall1:30 p.m. Academic Meeting
James Lehr Kennedy, Room 1032 p.m. Course Registration
James Lehr Kennedy, Room 103(2:15 p.m.) Family Connection
McIntosh Center (various locations)3 p.m. New Polar Bear Social
Heterick Memorial Library(2:45 p.m.) Navigating the Next Chapter: A Session for Family Members
McIntosh Center, Ballroom3:45 p.m. Evaluation and Wrap-Up
Heterick Memorial LibraryEvaluation and Wrap-Up
McIntosh Center, Ballroom -
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Time STUDENT SCHEDULE FAMILY/GUEST SCHEDULE 8 a.m. Registration
Freed Center for the Performing Arts, Lobby8:30 a.m. Opening Session
Freed Center for the Performing Arts, Biggs Theatre9:15 a.m. Adult-ish for New Polar Bears
McIntosh Center, BallroomCampus Expo
Hakes-Pierstorf Pharmacy Education Center (HPPEC)11 a.m. Residence Hall Tours (Optional)
Departing from Ballroom / Families: Departing from HPPEC11 a.m. Lunch
McIntosh Center, Dining Hall12:10 p.m. Financial Information
HPPEC 15112:50 p.m. Student Life
English Chapel, Sanctuary1:30 p.m. Academic Meeting
HPPEC 1512 p.m. Course Registration
HPPEC 151(2:15 p.m.) Family Connection
McIntosh Center (various locations)3 p.m. New Polar Bear Social
Heterick Memorial Library(2:45 p.m.) Navigating the Next Chapter: A Session for Family Members
McIntosh Center, Ballroom3:15 p.m. Evaluation and Wrap-Up
Heterick Memorial LibraryEvaluation and Wrap-Up
McIntosh Center, Ballroom
Welcome Weekend
After Summer Orientation, gear up and get ready for the start of classes in August. Our Welcome Weekend includes action-packed days of activities to immerse you in Polar Bear culture.
Dates for Welcome Weekend
August 20-August 24
First day of classes: Monday, August 25
Welcome Weekend Q&A
Welcome Weekend is a required event for new ONU students and serves as a comprehensive introduction to nearly everything ONU has to offer. Throughout Welcome Weekend, you’ll meet other new students, faculty and staff while engaging in more than 20 events on campus. You’ll be led in small groups with upperclassman ONU students known as orientation leaders. They will share the ins and outs of being an ONU student and answer your questions as you prepare to start classes on Monday.-
Whether you are living on campus or commuting from home, Welcome Weekend is essential to your transition to life at ONU. Commuters should participate in ALL of the activities and events throughout Welcome Weekend, only returning home to sleep at night. On the Wednesday of Welcome Weekend, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., commuters need to stop by the Activities Room in McIntosh Center to pick up your schedule for the weekend. Throughout the weekend, there will be specific opportunities for commuter students to come together and get to know one another in addition to coming together as an entire class for an amazing weekend! If you have any questions regarding Welcome Weekend, please contact 419-772-3557 or orientation@onu.edu.
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You will be busy throughout the weekend with many different activities, so dress casual and comfortable.
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The bookstore will be open all weekend so you can purchase your books and, of course, ONU swag. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the bookstore will be open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The bookstore will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m on Saturday. and 10 a.m.-3p.m. on Sunday.
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Move-in Day for new students is Wednesday, Aug. 20. Residence Halls open at 7:30 a.m. (Note: If you are a member of a fall sport or the marching band, please contact your coach/advisor for your specific arrival information.) Students are able to select their arrival time in July. All students will receive an email with the information on how to select a time. If you have any questions, please contact orientation@onu.edu. Please print the Move-In packet for your hall. As you arrive on campus, there are many things you will need to do throughout the day on Aug. 20. Here is a quick list of reminders and things you should know prior to your arrival:
- Please plan accordingly to follow your selected arrival time.
- All traffic should enter campus from College Avenue. Please refer to the map in your packet for the route.
- You'll need to have a photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state ID, etc.) in order to get your key at the residence hall.
- Upon arrival, Klondike’s Crew (upperclassmen students from Greek and Religious Life) will greet you and help unload your vehicle. We request that your driver does not leave the car during this time. Unloading will occur very quickly with the help of Klondike's Crew. Your driver will then be able to move the car and park in various lots noted on the map.
- Please mark all items with your hall and room number to help Klondike’s Crew get them to your room without delay.
- If you have any questions regarding Move-in Day, please contact 419-772-3557 or orientation@onu.edu.
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If you submitted your picture over the summer, you can pick up your ID card on Wednesday. If you did not submit a photo over the summer, please go to Public Safety during this time to have your picture taken. Additionally, parking passes are available for pick up on the Wednesday of Welcome Weekend.
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Absolutely! Welcome Weekend will introduce you to a myriad of opportunities at ONU, from Greek Life, to Student Organizations, to Campus Employment. Additionally, you’ll also get familiar with the village of Ada and its people during our ACE (Ada Community Engagement) Day!
Welcome Weekend 2025
Check out this year's schedule below
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7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. New Student Move-In
By assigned time emailed to each studentFirst-Year Halls 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Grab a Bite to Eat
See the handout that will be provided for additional information
On Your Own 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Student ID & Parking Permit Pick-Up McIntosh Activities Room 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Commuter & Transfer Student Check-In McIntosh Activities Room 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Spirit Rock Signing
Sign the Spirit Rock as new Polar Bears!Spirit Rock 3:30 p.m. New Student & Family Convocation King Horn Field House 4:45 p.m. Floor Meetings: Founders Hall Residents
Dinner: Affinity, Maglott & Park ResidentsLocation Emailed to You
McIntosh Dining Room4:45 - 6:30 p.m. Commuter Student Dinner & Meeting McIntosh Activities Room 5:45 p.m. Dinner: Founders & Apartment Residents
Floor Meetings: Affinity, Maglott & Park ResidentsMcIntosh Dining Room
Location Emailed to You7:00 p.m. Meet and Greet with Your Orientation Group Location Emailed to You 8 p.m. Playfair Field House 9:30 p.m. Welcome Weekend Kick Off + Pizza Pizza Pizza Field House -
7:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast McIntosh Dining Room 8:45 a.m. Black Team: Making Sound Choices
White & Orange Teams: Living & Learning Harmoniously at ONU
Blue & Gray Teams: Ada AdventureHPPEC 151
English Chapel
Village of Ada10 a.m. Class Photo Tundra 10:45 a.m. Black Team: Living & Learning Harmoniously at ONU
Orange & White Teams: Ada Adventure
Blue & Gray Teams: Making Sound ChoicesEnglish Chapel
Village of Ada
HPPEC 15111:45 a.m. - 1:00p.m. White & Orange Teams: Lunch McIntosh Dining Room Noon - 1:15p.m. Black, Blue & Gray Teams: Lunch McIntosh Dining Room 1:30 p.m. Black Team: Ada Adventure
White & Orange Teams: Making Sound Choices
Blue & Gray Team: Living & Learning Harmoniously at ONUVillage of Ada
HPPEC 151
English Chapel2:45 p.m. Free Time 4:30 - 7 p.m. Dinner McIntosh Dining Room 6:30 p.m. Munch from Main Street Tundra 7 - 10 p.m. Campus Block Party (sponsored by Residence Life) Tundra -
7:30-9 a.m. Breakfast McIntosh Dining Room 8:30 a.m. College Time: Academic Meeting + First Class (Business) Dicke Forum 9 a.m. College Time: Academic Meeting + First Class (Engineering) JLK 103 9 a.m. Transfer Student Meeting (Pharmacy) HP 157 9 a.m. Transfer Student Meeting (Arts & Sciences) Mathile 311 9:30 a.m. Explore ONU (Pharmacy) Location Emailed to You 10:30 a.m. Explore ONU (Arts & Sciences) Location Emailed to You 11:00 a.m. Lunch (Pharmacy) McIntosh Dining Room 11:30 a.m. Lunch (Arts & Sciences) McIntosh Dining Room Noon Lunch (Business) & (Engineering) McIntosh Dining Room 1 p.m. Transfer Student Meeting (Engineering) JLK Dean's Suite 1 p.m. Explore ONU (Business) Location Emailed to You 1:15 College Time: Academic Meeting + First Class (Pharmacy) Location Emailed to You 1:30 p.m. TREX Classes (Arts & Sciences) Location Emailed to You 2 p.m. Explore ONU (Engineering) Location Emailed to You 2:30 p.m. Academic Department Meetings (Arts & Sciences) Location Emailed to You 3 p.m. Transfer Student Meeting (Business) Dicke 119 4:30-6 p.m. Dinner McIntosh Dining Room 7 p.m. A Night with SPC: Bingo (sponsored by Student Planning Committee) King Horn Field House 8:45 p.m. A Night with SPC: Movie or Bowling - You Pick! (sponsored by Student Planning Committee) Ada Movie Theater or Norada Lanes -
8 a.m. - Noon ACE Day (Ada Community Engagement Day)
Get involved with volunteer service in the Ada community!English Chapel 11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. Brunch McIntosh Dining Room 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Commuter Central
McIntosh Ballroom
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Transfer Track English Chapel 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. The Tundra Games Tundra 4:30 - 6 p.m. Dinner McIntosh Dining Room 6:30 p.m. Klondike's Carnival King Horn Field House 8 p.m. Made in Ada Football Festival Train Depot / Downtown Ada -
11 a.m. Preview Chapel English Chapel 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Brunch McIntosh Dining Room 2 - 4 p.m. Welcome Fest King Horn Field House 4:30 - 6 p.m. Dinner McIntosh Dining Room 6 - 8 p.m. Greekapalooza Tundra