As a regional leader in higher education, Ohio Northern University is committed to civic engagement. Every year we host thousands of K-12 students and community members on campus for camps, workshops, concerts and special events. Take time to explore all of our public offerings!
For K-12 Students
We host a variety of camps and programs for students in grades K-12. Young learners can grow their knowledge and hone their skills while getting a glimpse of college life.
Summer Music Camp for 7-12
DEADLINE IS JUNE 1 FOR ALL FORMS AND REGISTRATION.Ohio Northern University’s Summer Music Camp is designed for students in grades seven-12 and provides many performing and educational opportunities. Campers register as vocal, band or string majors, with auditions held the first day of camp to determine chair and voice placement.
Campers will have the opportunity to perform in the symphonic band, symphonic choir, string orchestra, instrumental ensembles and jazz band, and they will be exposed to music theory, music technology, conducting, dance, piano classes and jazz improvisation. The symphonic choir, symphonic band and string orchestra rehearse throughout the week and perform during the Friday night concert. The small ensembles will perform on Thursday night.
For any questions, contact Sarah Waters at s-waters@onu.edu or 419-772-2704.
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Students now enrolled in grades seven-12 are eligible. Applications must be printed and mailed in with the deposit of $50.
The deadline for camp applications is June 1.
The deadline for the submission of compositions for the composers contest is May 14. Winners will be announced by June 4.
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Resident Campers: $485
Includes 15 meals; room (two campers per room). No linens are included.Day Campers (option 1): $235
No meals.Day Campers (option 2): $320 meal card
Includes lunch and dinner. (No breakfast included.)A nonrefundable deposit fee of $50 is required with all applications.
Sibling Discount
$100 off for the second child, and $200 off for the thirdReturning Camper Discount
Returning campers receive $50 off tuition.The balance of fees is due in June. Payable at registration.
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The camp is held on the beautiful campus of Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. All rehearsals, classes and performances are held in Presser Hall and the outstanding Freed Center for the Performing Arts.
Campers will reside in air-conditioned rooms featuring private sleeping quarters and bathrooms.
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Eligibility
Students now enrolled in grades 7-12 are eligible. Attendance at camp is mandatory for all winners. Composers should submit their camp application before or with their contest submission.
Requirements
* Full score of original music, at least 3 minutes in length * Any instrumentation or choral setting is acceptable * A computer produced or live recording of the piece
Awards
First Place: Free tuition to camp, $100.00 cash prize
Second Place: Half-off tuition to camp, $50.00 cash prize
Third Place: Half-off tuition to camp, $25.00 cash prize
Applications
Please use the camp application found on-line (or the one included in this mailing) and submit it before or with your score and recording. Scores and recordings are due by May 15 with winners announced by June 1st .
Summer Academic and Honors Institute (SAHI)
Designed for gifted high school students, grades 9-12, SAHI offers weeklong courses during the summer. Students can investigate potential career choices or college majors while earning college credit. Courses are taught by ONU professors and guest lecturers and cover topics like astronomy and physics, forensic science, pharmacy, biology and anatomy, chemistry, computer science, engineering and more.WEEK 1 – JUNE 7-12
ENGINEERING PATHWAYS
“FLY”ING INTO THE FUTURE WITH GENETICS
FORENSIC SCIENCE (BASIC)
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
HUMAN ANATOMY AND HISTOLOGY
WEEK 2 – JUNE 14-19
ASTRONOMY AND PHYSICS
DESIGN CAMP 2020 – ART AND DESIGN
FORENSIC SCIENCE (BASIC)
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY
PHARMACY
WEEK 3 – JUNE 21-26
ADVANCED FORENSICS
PHARMACY
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Registration begins at 3:00 and extends to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Affinity Northwest Housing complex.
We anticipate your arrival to Ohio Northern University on Sunday between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. for registration and dorm room check-in. You and your parents will have the opportunity to meet with some faculty and counselors of the SAHI that will be participating in your course instruction at ONU. Following registration and dorm room check-in, you and your parents are required to stay for a meeting with the SAHI Director, Director of Admissions and course counselors. Your parents are also welcome to stay for dinner. The cost of dinner is approximately $12.00 for each person.
In the air-conditioned room/suite, you will find:
Dresser, blinds, desks, closets, desk chairs, cable and WIFI internet connection (a passcode will be provided for access). The apartments contain two separate beds and shared bathroom. There will be two people per bedroom. You must bring your own linens and sheets, pillows, blankets and towels.
In the common area of the Affinity complex, there is a kitchen with a complete set of appliances such as: refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and microwave oven and dining area. Beverage and other vending machines are also available for drink purchases.WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO BRING:
- Cell phone – reception is good for carriers such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon.
- Camera – there are always picture perfect events all week long.
- Clock Radio with alarm, iPod or iPhone or other mobile device.
- Small amount of spending money – since the university bookstore is usually open.
- Soap, comb/brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
- Insect repellent – DEET-based works best, Off Brand, pump instead of aerosol.
- Extra athletic socks, a pair of long jeans/slacks, Shorts, shirts, blouse.
- Sweatshirt/jacket (classrooms are air-conditioned and maybe cool).
- Comfortable shoes, closed toed shoes, shoes to be worn in the gym.
- Swimwear, beach towel, Sunscreen, Rain gear (coat, umbrella).
- Sandals/water shoes for shower.
- A business casual outfit for the final class presentation (khaki slacks/polo, dress shirt) for final presentation.
If you anticipate washing clothes, bring along a small container of detergent. Machines are free.
You do not need to bring food. All meals are provided in the cafeteria. Snacks and bottled water are offered during the day and evening. **Please notify us of any dietary restrictions.
If medications need to be dispensed, the SAHI director will make appropriate arrangements.
Additional Questions? If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
- Director, Dennis De Luca
- Tel: 419-772-2331 or 419-204-3361.
- Email:d-deluca@onu.edu
We look forward to welcoming you to the Ohio Northern University Summer Academic and Honors Institute courses.
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WEEK 1 June 7-12, 2020
ENGINEERING PATHWAYS
Laurie Laird
Engineers improve our world by finding new ways to design, build and use technology. During the week, you will learn about the basic engineering fields of civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering through hands-on projects, workplace tours and presentations by faculty and practicing engineers. All engineering activities will take place in the University’s newest building: the James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building. The 105,000-square-foot facility opened in fall 2019 and features space for collaboration, research, projects and community-building.
“FLY”ING INTO THE FUTURE WITH GENETICS
Jamie Siders-Sanford
Have you ever wondered why you and your sibling look nothing alike? Or why some people think cilantro tastes like soap? The answer to these and many other questions in biology is genetics. Understanding our genes is critical to understanding how our cells and bodies work. Doctors are now routinely using genetics to help treat diseases such as cancer. Moreover, gene therapy is being investigated as a means to potentially cure inherited disorders such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. As medicine advances, understanding our genetics will only become an even more integral part of understanding our overall health. This course will introduce you to a variety of topics in genetics from traditional Mendelian inheritance to DNA sequencing technologies. You will utilize the common fruit fly to conduct experiments such as DNA isolation and the polymerase chain reaction. You will also have the opportunity to view genetics in action through the observation of a variety of fruit fly mutants. Finally, you will design your own experiments utilizing fruit flies to analyze the effects of different genetic mutations.
FORENSICS/CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
The Crime Scene and Evidence
Dennis De Luca
In this basic crime scene investigation course, you’ll be exposed to many aspects of forensic investigation through lectures on forensic theory and practice with hands-on activities, including two or three days spent at ONU’s Forensic Training and Crime Scene House. The main processes will embrace the embodiment of Locard’s principle of transferability as emphasized by Dr. Paul L. Kirk. The recognition, collection and preservation of evidence will emphasize the importance of on-site and field presumptive testing and analysis with final laboratory reports and presentations as the end product. Your presentations will be assessed, and feedback will be provided prior to the final presentation.
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
Harold Schueler
The instructional content of this course will include several topics related to the various sub-disciplines within forensic toxicology. The interpretation of forensic toxicology drug test results will also be presented. Forensic toxicology laboratory sessions will involve many hands-on activities such as: color tests performed for the detection of salicylates and acetaminophen; use of UV/Vis spectrophotometry for the quantitation of caffeine and salicylates; performance of immunoassays and thin layer chromatography for the analyses of several different classes of drugs. You will become proficient at the two most common methods for extraction of drugs and metabolites: liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction of legal and illicit drugs from biological fluids.
Methods for the detection and quantification of serum alcohol will be conducted. Additional laboratory skills include the use of liquid handling devices such as pipet, the operation a pH meter, and urine toxicological drug screening devices and instruments.
HUMAN HISTOLOGY AND ANATOMY –
Exploring Human Anatomy and Histology
Jacqueline Connour and Amy Aulthouse
The human body is an incredible living machine. Have you ever thought about how different tissues and organs are organized to function? In this course, you will explore the human body by looking at tissues and organ systems using three different approaches in anatomy: gross anatomy, histology (microscopic anatomy) and developmental anatomy. Gross anatomy is the “big-picture,” and you will explore this level of anatomy by looking at the organ systems in dissections of preserved mammalian specimens. Through the microscope, you will discover the patterns and internal organization of tissues and organs. You will look at many different tissues and organs mounted on microscope slides. The theory and application for histology-slide preparation will be explained, and you will have the opportunity to prepare and stain a histology slide of an organ. To see how organs/systems form and change (develop) over time, you will observe living chicken embryos (a model for the study of animal and human development). Lastly, you will learn about selected diseases and see how the gross anatomy and histology has been altered. Note: Students should be entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grade, and the class size is limited to 14 students per week (no exceptions)
WEEK 2 June 14-19, 2020
ASTRONOMY AND PHYSICS
Cedar Point Freefall and the Heavens
Jason Pinkney and David Lusk
During this camp, you will gain fundamental knowledge of the principles of physics and solve problems in the context of using critical thinking and inquiry skills of applied physics. There will be spills, thrills and chills – and that’s just the math and science. This camp closely examines the physics behind the scream machines that make our hearts race and stomachs drop. Classroom projects in engineering and physics will provide the basis for the science behind the thrill rides. The course’s “final exam” is a full day at the world’s biggest physics lab – Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Through the astronomy segment of the course, significant time will be devoted to exploring the skies by day and by night.
Design Camp 2020
Brit Rowe
This camp exposes you to the power of graphic design in making meaningful differences in our everyday lives, communities and the world. Working in teams, you will design an integrated campaign that allows local restaurant diners to contribute to Unicef’s clean water initiative. You will learn a variety of processes and methods, including the design thinking process. You will be introduced to the field of graphic design and basic tools, and you will present a solution to your “client.” This camp will also acquaint you with a variety of design fields including education, careers and professional practices.
FORENSICS/CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
The Crime Scene and Evidence
Dennis De Luca
In this basic crime scene investigation course, you’ll be exposed to many aspects of forensic investigation through lectures on forensic theory and practice with hands-on activities, including two or three days spent at ONU’s Forensic Training and Crime Scene House. The main processes will embrace the embodiment of Locard’s principle of transferability as emphasized by Dr. Paul L. Kirk. The recognition, collection and preservation of evidence will emphasize the importance of on-site and field presumptive testing and analysis with final laboratory reports and presentations as the end product. Your presentations will be assessed, and feedback will be provided prior to the final presentation.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY
Katherine Krynak and Kenneth Oswald
Molecular ecology uses techniques of modern genetics to answer ecological questions. You will therefore learn both field and laboratory skills during this course. You will first learn field skills by collecting samples from various organisms from the region. You will then examine variation in these organisms' DNA using modern molecular genetic techniques, including extraction of DNA from tissue, gel electrophoresis, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By the end of the course, you will use genetic data from the organisms you collected in the field to answer a fundamental ecological question.
PHARMACY
Pharmacy for the Future
Karen KierDuring this weeklong pharmacy course, you’ll discover the expanding role pharmacists play in improving patients’ lives. You will gain insight into the various science disciplines involved in the research and development of pharmaceutical products and patient care. This camp will evolve as you first learn the history of pharmacy and then progress through an enriching set of hands-on experiences that will expose you to a vast array of pharmacy disciplines. With the guidance of experienced ONU faculty and health care leaders in the area, you will learn drug modeling, design and development; work in a compounding lab; venture into the field of pharmacy, where you will visit multiple pharmacy settings; perform research on drug information; and learn more about the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care, assessment and counseling. Lastly, through hands-on lab and research experiences, you will learn the steps required to manufacture a product and how to counsel patients on the use of medications. All of this will prepare you to present your final project to ONU faculty and your parents. Note: The class size is limited to 20 students per week (no exceptions).
WEEK 3 June 21-26, 2020
FORENSICS ADVANCED
Forensic Lab Science
Dennis De Luca
Exposure to the major probative areas of forensic science will be emphasized, including fingerprint analysis with latent prints collection and examination, DNA analysis, firearm identification, toxicology, and illicit drug chemistry. There will be less emphasis on the crime scene investigation aspect and greater emphasis on laboratory science, although ONU’s Forensic Training and Crime Scene House will be utilized for collection of evidence to be analyzed. You’ll write laboratory reports, which will be assessed and given feedback.
PHARMACY
Pharmacy for the Future
Karen KierDuring this weeklong pharmacy course, you’ll discover the expanding role pharmacists play in improving patients’ lives. You will gain insight into the various science disciplines involved in the research and development of pharmaceutical products and patient care. This camp will evolve as you first learn the history of pharmacy and then progress through an enriching set of hands-on experiences that will expose you to a vast array of pharmacy disciplines. With the guidance of experienced ONU faculty and health care leaders in the area, you will learn drug modeling, design and development; work in a compounding lab; venture into the field of pharmacy, where you will visit multiple pharmacy settings; perform research on drug information; and learn more about the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care, assessment and counseling. Lastly, through hands-on lab and research experiences, you will learn the steps required to manufacture a product and how to counsel patients on the use of medications. All of this will prepare you to present your final project to ONU faculty and your parents. Note: The class size is limited to 20 students per week (no exceptions).
Camp GEMS
A real “gem” for girls who love math and science! Camp GEMS is a highly regarded summer camp for girls entering the seventh or eighth grade. Students spend four days on ONU’s beautiful campus exploring the vast and exciting worlds of technology, math, chemistry, computers, and civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. Courses are taught by expert faculty members, with just 12 students per teacher. Students also partake in fun activities like movie night, tennis, hiking and swimming. Camp GEMS will occur from July 12-15, 2020.
Athletic Camps, Clinics and Tournaments
Young athletes can refine their skills by working with seasoned ONU coaches and college athletes. Throughout the year, ONU’s athletic department sponsors numerous sports camps, prospect clinics and tournaments for area youth and teams. Below you’ll find an overview of the programs offered for each sport. For additional information and registration, visit the athletic department’s website.-
We offer advanced skills camps for football players in grades 9-12 in the spring and summer. Players receive instruction in strength and conditioning, and evaluation and feedback on football-specific skills. In addition, our football program sponsors a free, one-day youth camp for players ages 9-13 in the spring. Participants learn drills, participate in activities, meet the ONU football players and watch them scrimmage.
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We offer preseason training camps (weekend days) for baseball players in grades 7-12 in the winter. Players can prepare for the upcoming season with these indoor workout sessions. In addition, we offer indoor prospect workouts for players in grades 9-12. During these four winter sessions, players can prepare for their high school tryouts by working on offensive and defensive skills.
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Softball players in grades 7-12 can attend a one-day elite skills camp in the winter to work on offensive and defensive skills. In addition, ONU’s softball program sponsors an indoor winter tournament for 16u and 18u softball teams.
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We host a men’s basketball shootout in early summer for junior high and high school teams. It’s a great opportunity for players and teams to build skills while competing in a fun tournament. ONU also hosts a summer basketball camp for boys in grades 5-12. The camp features top-notch instructors, excellent competition (boys come from all over Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky), fun activities and great food.
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ONU hosts a women’s basketball shootout in early summer for high school teams. Participating teams can build their skills while enjoying great competition. In addition, ONU hosts a summer basketball camp for girls in grades 5-9. Participants will encounter excellent instruction, fun, competition and friendships.
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The ONU men’s lacrosse team hosts fall and winter prospect clinics for high school students interested in playing lacrosse at the collegiate level. The clinic includes intense drills and skill development followed by a scrimmage where players can showcase their talents. A campus tour and meeting with admissions staff is also offered.
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The ONU women’s lacrosse team hosts a winter prospect clinic for high school students. The clinic focuses on lacrosse fundamentals including skills, techniques, workout routines and drills, and ends with a scrimmage and campus tour. In addition, ONU hosts a girls lacrosse 5V5 tournament with a middle school (grades 6-8) and a high school (grades 9-12) division for lacrosse teams.
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ONU men’s soccer hosts summer camps for high school soccer players to work on tactical, technical and team-building skills.
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ONU hosts a four-day high school team girls camp in the summer. The camp focuses on preparing high school teams for the challenges of the upcoming season by working on tactical, technical and team-building skills.
Learn to Swim
The Polar Bear Swim School provides one-on-one and small group swimming lessons to children ages 4 and up. Swimming is an important life skill that all children should master. Experienced student-athletes on ONU’s swimming and diving teams serve as instructors. Classes take place in the spring and fill up quickly. Visit the athletic department’s website for more information and registration.
District Science Day: March 21
This event is open to students in grades 5-12. All student participants, teachers, judges and volunteers MUST register through STEM Wizard. The fee is $25 for each student participant, and payment can be made through STEM Wizard. All questions should be directed to 419-772-2325.
Workshops
Chemistry and Biology Refresher Courses (Incoming Students)
Set yourself up for success in the fall. Ohio Northern University offers incoming students the chance to review and refresh their skills in chemistry and biology. The four-day refresher courses take place in the summer and include intensive review (six hours a day) of the material ordinarily covered in a good high school course. Participation in these refresher courses will give you a solid foundation to build upon during your college-level classes in the fall. You’ll also get a chance to meet some fellow incoming students!2020 Chemistry Refresher Courses: Dates Coming Soon.
2020 Biology Refresher Courses: Dates Coming Soon.
Youth Cheer Clinics
Young cheerleaders – both girls and boys – can participate in ONU cheer clinics! We offer clinics for students in grades K-8 and 9-12 during the year. Participants are divided into mini-squads based on their age and ability and work with ONU cheerleaders and coaches on chants, jumps and stunting and tumbling techniques. Clinics are packed with fun, friendship and cheering and typically include a t-shirt, pizza and participation in an ONU game.
HOBY Ohio West Seminar
For more than 50 years, HOBY has inspired young people all over the country to be positive leaders and instruments of change in their school, community and world. HOBY, which stands for Hugh O’Brian Youth, is America’s foremost youth leadership organization and stresses volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity, and community partnerships. Ohio Northern University is proud to be the host site for the HOBY Ohio West Seminar every summer. This year’s event takes place June 4-7, 2020.
For Community Members
For local professionals and community members, ONU provides many enrichment programs and activities.
Social Media Workshop
Learn social media tips from the professionals. Every spring ONU’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter hosts a one-day social media workshop. Engage in professional development, networking and interactive conversations with leading experts in the field to learn how to optimize your company or organization’s social media presence. Join us this year on March 20, 2020.Lecture Series
Our Lecture Series brings to campus renowned academics and leaders in a variety of fields. The public is invited to join the campus community at these lectures. It’s an opportunity to hear from the experts on relevant topics in science, business, engineering, health/medicine and law.
Keiser Distinguished Lectureship in Life Sciences
Kritzler Lectureship in Chemistry
Spotts Lecture Series (Engineering)
Sebok Pharmacy Lecture
Kormendy Lecture Series (Law)
Lovett Distinguished Lecture Series (Business)
Celebrate Red, White and Blue
ONU celebrates our nation’s birth every July with a free public concert on campus featuring the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Community members are invited to pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends listening to patriotic music performed by the area’s top musicians. Join us on July 2, 2020, at 7 p.m. on the sculpture mall east of McIntosh Center between Presser and Weber halls. Come early and bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Enrichment and Entertainment
With a vibrant arts scene and a tranquil setting, Ohio Northern provides the perfect setting for getting away from it all. Stay at the Inn at Ohio Northern and catch a concert or visit our art galleries.
Reaching Out, Making an Impact
ONU students make a positive impact in West Central Ohio through a variety of outreach activities. Check out some of the ways we are helping people and contributing to local communities.
There's More!
Restaurants, festivals, recreation, shopping and more. See what else Ada has to offer!