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!
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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.
Pharmacy Camp
High School students who will be entering their Junior or Senior year;During a two-day pharmacy course, you'll discover the expanding role pharmacists play in improving patient lives. You will gain insight into the various science disciplines involved in the research and development of pharmaceutical products and patient care.
With the guidance of experienced ONU faculty and health care leaders in the area, during Monday's virtual sessions, you will learn drug modeling, design and development; perform research on drug information; and learn more about the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care, assessment and counseling.
During Tuesday's on campus session, you will work in a compounding lab; you will learn the steps required to manufacture a product and how to counsel patients on the use of medications and spend time in ONU's HealthWise Pharmacy and the Mobile Health Clinic.
The class size is limited to 24 students and the camp dates are Monday, Jun 14 (virtual) and Tuesday, June 15 (on campus). Cost for the two-day camp is $100. Registration information is coming soon.
Summer Music Camp for 7-12
INFORMATION FOR MUSIC CAMP 2021 WILL BE COMING SOONSummer 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 .
Camp GEMS
CAMP GEMS 2020 HAS BEEN CANCELLED. REFUNDS WILL BE SENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.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. For any questions, contact Laurie Laird at l-laird@onu.edu or 419-772-2421.
Piano Camp - July 27-30
PIANO CAMP 2020 HAS BEEN CANCELLED. REFUNDS WILL BE SENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
ONU offers an elementary and middle school piano camp. Campers will have the opportunity to improve their own solo piece during daily master classes, and play in a duet or trio - all featured in a recital on Friday. Campers will also participate in activities to further develop their musical skills such as ear-training, improvisation, and movement.
Elementary School Piano Camp is intended for students entering first through fifth grade, with at least six month of previous piano experience. It meets Monday through Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A recital is scheduled for Friday at 12:30 p.m.
Middle School Piano Camp is intended for students entering fifth through eighth grade, with at least two years of previous piano experience. This camp meets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a recital on Friday at 12:30 p.m.
Register by May 15th to receive a 10% discount!
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.
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.-
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.
District Science Day: March 2021
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 (For Incoming Students)
Set yourself up for success in the fall. Ohio Northern 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 other new Polar Bears!-
College chemistry is not an easy course. It needs to be rigorous in order to properly prepare students who will use chemistry in their major field of study and/or their professional careers. However, any student who has the ability and motivation to prepare for such careers should be able to master the fundamentals of chemistry.
We offer you an opportunity to experience a smooth start into college chemistry. Most of you have had no chemistry since your junior year in high school. Much of the specialized vocabulary, symbolism, basic theory, and fundamental calculations can easily slip from your mind. To alleviate this problem, we are once again offering a chemistry refresher course during the summer for any who wish to take it.
This four-day course is an intensive (6 hours per day) and interactive review of the material ordinarily found in a good high school chemistry course. The intent is to prepare students for a successful start in General Chemistry (CHEM 1711/1811) or Chemistry for Engineering (CHEM 1501) at ONU.
Refresher Sessions
• The Chemistry Refresher sessions will be held July 26-30 & August 2-5, 2020.
• The sessions can fill up, so register early to ensure you get a spot. The registration deadline for the July session of the Refresher is July 8, 2020, and for the August session is July 15, 2020.
• An introductory meeting will occur on the first day and instructional time will happen in the morning and afternoons.
• A complete schedule of events will be sent with the acknowledgement of your enrollment in the Refresher.• NOTE: Students attending the August session will be assigned to their residence hall room for the upcoming academic year, depending on availability. They may bring some of their personal belongings at this time, and leave them in the room from the end of the Refresher until they return. If you would like to confirm your room assignment, please contact Residence Life at 419-772-2430 in the week before the Refresher.
Course Notes
• Instructors for the Chemistry Refresher are Ohio Northern University chemistry professors. They will work directly with you during all the instructional sessions with no more than 20 students in an individual section.
• Students will have time outside of class to explore the University and Ada.
• Chemistry faculty will be available during the summer orientation weekends if you want to discuss the Chemistry Refresher with them before enrolling.
The coverage includes:
• Symbols, formulas, and names of elements and compounds
• The periodic table & how to use it
• The mole concept
• Dimensional analysis and problem solving
• Significant Figures
• Simple equations - molecular, ionic, net ionic
• Stoichiometry - formulas and equations
• Graphing data
• Problem Solving Strategies
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• Room and meal fees are not applicable to commuters.
• For those staying on campus meals are provided.
• Students who arrive early or stay longer may pay for the extra room nights through the Residence Life Office (419-772-2430). Meals will be available on campus or in Ada on a pay-as-you-go basis for the extra days.
• If you need any additional information, please contact the director at:
Dr. Trilisa Perrine : t-perrine@onu.edu, 419-772-2340
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Instructional Fee: $225
Room & Board Fee: $155
Total cost for students staying on campus: $380
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Register here for one of two chemistry refresher courses.
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Register here for one of two biology refresher courses.
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.
For Community Members
For local professionals and community members, ONU provides many enrichment programs and activities.
Social Media Workshop - 2020 Workshop has been cancelled
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.-
The 2020 Social Media Workshop has been cancelled.
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Keynote: Kevin Saghy, Senior Director of Social Media, The Ohio State University
Title: Social Media Strategy: Does Yours Earn a Passing Grade?
Session Description: While the lectures and exams may subside after attending dear ONU, we’re challenged with a whole new standard of work when representing our organizations and clients in the increasingly analytical world of social media. Thus, it’s worth asking … do our social media strategies truly pass the test? Session attendees will walk through a cheat sheet with proven strategies to find out. And don’t worry, you can grade on your own.
Bio: At The Ohio State University, Kevin Saghy is leading a social media strategy that has elevated the university to fourth in the nation for audience engagement, while overseeing a change management initiative across a large, decentralized campus environment. Prior to joining Ohio State, Kevin managed public relations and social media for the Chicago Cubs, earning recognition as the top-performing baseball team for social engagement and the only MLB club ranked among the top 25 global sports organizations. Saghy started his career in the corporate practice of Ketchum, a global public relations agency, following his graduation from Ohio Northern University.
Session 1 & 2: Alisa Agozzino, Associate Professor of Public Relations and Social Media at ONU
Title: Hands-On Social Experience
Session Topic Description: Attendees have spoken, and we want to prove we are listening! This 2-session block will be held in the computer lab on ONU campus to get you working on your social media strategy NOW. Bring your laptop, or use ours, and get a hands-on immersive experience in the digital space. Whether it is cleaning up your social media strategy or learning and playing on different platforms, this session is intended to serve less to the why and more to the how!
Bio: Alisa Agozzino, Ph.D., APR is an Associate Professor of Public Relations at Ohio Northern University. As the PR program head, she has taught over 16 different classes within the major and developed a social media minor for any major on campus. She has received numerous awards for teaching, including the international Pearson Award for Innovation in Teaching with Technology. Agozzino's research interest lies in social media tools within the public relations field. Her work has been published in over 20 academic and trade publications
Session 1: Hannah Brown, Digital Marketing Specialist at Oodle
Title: Pay to Play
The days of leveraging only organic social media are limited. Learn how to maximize your social media marketing dollars in an increasingly pay-to-play world.
Bio: Hannah Brown is a Digital Marketing Specialist at Oodle, a tech agency in Cincinnati. With a large focus on digital strategy, social media, content marketing/SEO, paid search, and programmatic, Hannah helps impact the bottom line for clients including UC Online, Makino, and Leisure Systems. When she’s not working in the digital world, Hannah co-runs an event design/coordination startup. Outside of business hours, she loves to travel, hike, read, and occasionally get a few hours of sleep.
Bio: Megan Cottongim leads the social media landscape at United Way Worldwide, which includes all content creation, implementation, data analysis, and social strategy across United Way’s social channels. Previously, Megan worked at a local United Way in Ohio creating digital content. She graduated with a dual degree in Public Relations and Communication and Media Studies with concentrations in Social Media and Graphic Design.
Session 2: Níel Jurist, Director of Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Communications & Engagement
Title: Engagement Strategies for Social Media.
This session will cover the basics of social media and discuss how to use this communications vehicle to engage a variety of audiences. Additionally, the session will feature tips and tricks to be successful and highlight emerging trends.
Elevator Pitch: Increasingly, social media has been a critical element in disseminating key messages and information to target audiences. Equally important is the ability to reach and engage audiences. Social media allows us reach people real-time.
Bio: Níel Jurist is the director of MORPC’s Communications & Engagement Department. In this role, she serves as the agency’s chief communications officer and oversees the agency’s public information, engagement, membership, and events programming. Jurist’s career spans more than 15 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications. In addition to her tenure in government, Jurist held similar positions at the YMCA of Central Ohio, Franklin County Children Services and served as the assistant director of diversity and inclusion for the United Way is Central Ohio.
Session 3.1: Megan Cottongim, Head of Social Media Marketing, United Way Worldwide
Title: Translating Your Brand Identity Through Social Media
Technology changes fast and social media changes even faster, with new networks emerging constantly and new strategies being discovered daily it can be hard to keep up. Hear from one of the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofits and how they translate their brand on social media to adapt as fast as the social network themselves are adapting.
Elevator Pitch: Technology changes fast and social media changes even faster. To succeed is to adapt as fast as the social network themselves are adapting.
Bio: Megan Cottongim leads the social media landscape at United Way Worldwide, which includes all content creation, implementation, data analysis, and social strategy across United Way’s social channels. Previously, Megan worked at a local United Way in Ohio creating digital content. She graduated with a dual degree in Public Relations and Communication and Media Studies with concentrations in Social Media and Graphic Design.
Session 3.2: Brian Hammel, Account Executive, Fahlgren Mortine
Title: Balloon Time: Content that LIFTS Conversion
Presentation summary: In May 2018, Balloon Time Helium Tanks faced a 50% marketing budget reduction during a product shortage and loss of a retail partner. Previously, Balloon Time’s digital content was earning social engagements, but wasn’t generating sales. The brand needed to develop a courageous but authentic content strategy. Grounded in research, Balloon Time developed a new approach to digital content focused on converting an audience from followers to customers.
Elevator pitch: Can a shift in social media content result in increased sales? Learn how brands like Balloon Time Helium Tanks create data-driven, creative social media content to achieve real business goals.
Bio: Brian creatively and strategically executes media relations and social media strategies that move the needle for clients including Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Balloon Time Helium Tanks and DHL Supply Chain. Brian’s work has been recognized locally and nationally, at both PRSA Silver and Bronze Anvil levels. He holds certification in principles of public relations from the PRSA Universal Accreditation Board and was recently named a PR Up-and-Comer by the Bulldog Reporter Awards.
Session 4.1: Amy Hertsenberg, Account Manager at Dooley Social Studio
Title: What can Facebook ads do for you for just $5 a day?
Elevator pitch: Should you be bothering with Facebook Ads? Absolutely. Even small budgets can have a huge impact on your business goals. We’ll walk through how you can set up a Facebook ads strategy and take a tour through the ads platform so you can walk away with a social media advertising strategy in hand.
Bio: Amy Hertsenberg is an Account Manager at Dooley Social Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has spent the last 5 years and exploring the world of digital marketing and social media and discovering how she can help businesses best use platforms like Facebook, Instagram and more to accomplish their goals. She volunteers her time and expertise to help teach churches and non-profits how they can use social media to spread their message and reach their target audience.
Session 4.2: Karen Bailey, Founder of Alignd On Purpose
Title: Stories Aren’t Just for Bedtime: The Art of Crafting Purposeful Content
Elevator pitch: Intentional, engaging and well-branded content is the backbone of great social media, yet we still occasionally find ourselves sitting in front of a blank screen trying to decide what to post. Explore the process of finding and sharing stories that build your brand, define your purpose and generate engagement.
Bio: Karen Bailey is the founder of Alignd On Purpose, a consulting firm helping organizations define their purpose and align their business around it. Karen has more than 15 years of experience working in corporate communications and PR agencies. In 2017, she launched Purpose Greater Than Profit, a blog dedicated to the business case for brand purpose. Karen is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and a past president of the Central Ohio chapter of PRSA.
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Our scenic campus is located within 90 minutes of several major cities: Dayton, Columbus, Toledo and Ft. Wayne, Ind.
For mobile maps or GPS directions to the Office of Admissions in Weber Hall, use:
300 West College Avenue, Ada, OH 45810Click here for the Campus Map
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 Sept. 7 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!