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Student Life

Northern is an open frontier for exploration and fun. Excitement, creativity and tradition are cornerstones of campus.

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Your new home away from home

Choose from a variety of homey residence halls, and never go hungry with lots of delicious food options.
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Fun times ahead!

Welcome to life outside of the classroom where good times are easy to come by and new friends are found.

Fraternities and Sororities
Klondike's Pool Table
Bowling
Surfing on the Tundra
Concerts at ONU
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Fraternities
Good time on the Tundra

Sports, Clubs and More

There are so many options at ONU to participate in! Most students join at least one club, sport, ensemble, etc. What are you passionate about?

  • 22% Students participating in at least one sport on campus
  • 82% Students involved in student organizations last year
  • 18% Students participating in a fraternity/sorority
  • 200+ Student organizations on campus to join
Student signs the Spirit Rock in front of McIntosh Center at Ohio Northern University

Check out highlights from Welcome Weekend!

Right out of the gate, our first-year students are treated to a sampling of the fun, energetic spirit that is the ONU experience.

Student Resources

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Polar Careers
Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness
Student Success Center
Student Success Center
  • With more than 200 clubs and organizations, there’s something for nearly every interest at ONU. And if you can’t find the club you’re after, start it yourself! By getting involved in organizations, you’ll uncover opportunities to make new friends, give back, travel, network and learn how to lead.

     

    Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Indian Student Association Polar Paws
    Ada Friends Innovators of Ohio Northern Polar Pediatrics
    African Student Association Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Polar Rhythms 
    AIGA, the Professional Association for Design Interfraternity Council Polar Robotics
    Alpha Epsilon Delta Japanese Student Organization  PolarFit
    Alpha Lambda Delta Jewish Union Polaris
    Alpha Mu Alpha Joint Engineering Council Powerlifting Team
    Alpha Phi Omega Kappa Alpha Theta Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Club
    Alpha Sigma Phi Kappa Delta Pi President's Club
    Alpha Xi Delta Kappa Epsilon Professional Association of Medical Laboratory Students
    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Kappa Kappa Psi Professional Association of Women in Science
    American Marketing Association Kappa Mu Epsilon Psi Chi
    American Pharmacist Association Kappa Phi Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice Club
    American Society for Engineering Education Kappa Pi Public Relations Student Society of America
    American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kappa Psi Rho Chi
    American Society of Civil Engineers Lambda Pi Eta Sigma Alpha Iota
    American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Latino Student Union Sigma Delta Pi
    American Society of Mechanical Engineers Le Cercle Francais Sigma Iota Epsilon
    American Statistical Association Leaders' Council Sigma Phi Epsilon
    Amnesty International Mathematical Association of America Sigma Pi
    Arts & Sciences Student Advisory Board Men's Club Soccer Team Sigma Tau Delta
    Asian American Student Union Men's Club Volleyball Sigma Theta Epsilon
    Association of Computing Machinery Men's Rugby Sister to Sister
    Association of Future Forensic Professionals Men's Ultimate Frisbee Society for the Advancement of Management
    Astronomy Club Merge Society of Automotive Engineers
    Badminton Club Mock Trial Society of Collegiate Journalists
    Beta Alpha Psi Model UN Society of Manufacturing Engineers
    Beta Beta Beta Mortar Board Society of Medical Professionals
    Beta Gamma Sigma National Alliance on Mental Illness  on Campus Society of Physics Students
    Biological Student Association  National Communication Association Student Club/Lambda Pi Eta Society of Women Engineers
    Black Student Union  National Community Pharmacists Association Spanish Club
    Bowling League National Student Nurses' Association Student Athletic Advisory Committee
    Brother 2 Brother Nerf Club Student Consulting Group
    Calculator Club Newman Club Student Investment Group
    Campus Girl Scouts Northern Chimes Student Member of the American Chemical Society
    Cheerleaders Northern Christian Fellowship Student National Pharmaceutical Organization
    Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International Northern Entrepreneurs' Organization Student Personalized Medicine Coalition
    Club Ice Hockey Northern Nurses Without Borders Student Planning Committee
    College Broadcasters Inc. Northern Review Student Senate
    College Democrats Northern Stars Dance Team Student Society of Health System Pharmacists
    College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists Northern Yearbook Studia Socialia Americae
    College Republicans Omicron Delta Kappa Tau Beta Pi
    Colleges Against Cancer ONU Recycles Tau Beta Sigma
    Collegiate Music Education Association Open Doors Teachers of Tomorrow
    Construction Management Association Order of Omega The Arctic
    DCBA Dean's Advisory Council Orientation Leaders The Polar Rhythms
    Delta Sigma Phi Panhellenic Council Theta Alpha Phi
    Delta Zeta Pharmacy Council Theta Chi
    Disc Golf Club Phi Alpha Theta Theta Tau
    Epsilon Pi Tau Phi Beta Delta Veterans Organization
    Fearless Shenanygans Phi Eta Sigma Women's Club Fastpitch Softball
    Fellowship of Christian Athletes Phi Gamma Delta Women's Club Lacrosse
    Fencing Club Phi Lambda Sigma Women's Club Soccer
    Gaming Club  Phi Mu Alpha Women's Club Volleyball
    Gamma Sigma Epsilon Phi Mu Delta Women's Ultimate Frisbee
    Good News Bears Phi Sigma Rho WONB
    Gospel Ensemble Photographer's Association World Student Organization
    Habitat for Humanity Pi Delta Phi Yoga Club
    Healthcare Business Association Pi Sigma Alpha Zeta Tau Alpha
    Herb Society Polar Merchandise  
  • You don't have to be a major in a music or theatre program to participate in our many music ensembles, marching band or theatre performances. It doesn't matter what you major in; we encourage you to continue your other passions! There are even non-major talent award options. Click here for more information.

  • We welcome diversity in all its forms at ONU. When you surround yourself with people from different backgrounds and cultures, you begin to look at the world through a new lens. Nineteen percent of our students are from other states and foreign countries, and the Office of Multicultural Development works to create an inclusive campus environment for everyone. We encourage you to develop new, diverse relationships at ONU. Who knows what inspiration could come of it?

    CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

  • The fraternities and sororities on campus all share common values and bonds, including scholarship, service, philanthropy, leadership and brotherhood/sisterhood. Choose from seven social fraternities and four social sororities. Approximately 20 percent of ONU’s student body is involved in Greek Life.

     

    WHY GO GREEK?

    • The Ohio Northern University Greek Community has a long tradition of being a valued part of ONU. Of the chapters on campus today, the earliest fraternity and sorority date back to 1905 and 1959, respectively.
    • Currently, there are seven social fraternities and four social sororities.
    • There are also two governing councils for the Greek organizations on campus. The Interfraternity Council is the governing organization of the fraternities; the Panhellenic Council is the governing body for the sororities.
    • With 450 students, roughly 20 percent of the campus population is involved in Greek life on Northern's campus.
    • The Greek organizations on campus all share common values and bonds, including scholarship, service, philanthropy, leadership and brotherhood/sisterhood, which can be seen through a variety of activities.
       

    SCHOLARSHIP

    • As a community, the members of each chapter are continually striving for higher achievements academically.
    • Each chapter also has an academics chair, who is responsible for helping fellow members stay committed to their studies while at Northern.
    • Opportunities for additional scholarships are also available through each of the organization's national and international offices.
       

    SERVICE AND PHILANTHROPY

    • Members spend countless hours providing services and raising money for the campus and the greater community.
    • The main philanthropies of the groups on campus include the following: Autism Speaks, Speech and Hearing Impaired, Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Choose Children, March of Dimes, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, USO, Ada Food Pantry, Red Cross, Ada Community Health Screenings, golf tournaments and highway cleanups.
    • As a community, the Greeks come together for many different occasions, including Relay for Life and community projects in Ada.
       

    LEADERSHIP

    • Within each chapter, dozens of leadership roles exist through which members can gain hands-on leadership experience and refine their skills.
    • Beyond the chapters, numerous leadership opportunities exist within the governing councils and the many other student organizations on campus.
    • Members are involved in a multitude of organizations, including Student Senate, Residence Life, Habitat for Humanity, Northern Christian Fellowship, varsity and club sports, band and numerous honoraries.
  • Discover a welcoming environment and people devoted to helping you transition from your home country to the USA and Ohio Northern University. We provide many resources to ensure your academic and social success.

    LEARN MORE HERE!

  • Our Leaders’ Council brings together students from all disciplines to develop leadership skills. Guest speakers, networking and an annual leadership dinner are just some of the opportunities offered to student leaders.

  • During Summer Orientation sessions, new students and their families are invited to campus for the opportunity to interact with other new students and their families, upperclassmen, faculty, staff, and administration. These daylong orientations are filled with informative sessions that will give you everything you need to know before classes begin in the fall.

     

    In the fall, all new students participate in Welcome Weekend. This four-day program occurs prior to the start of the fall semester. New students engage in a variety of activities and sessions throughout the weekend as they settle into their new home at ONU. Mark your calendars as all students including those who commute to campus are expected to attend all four days of activities.

     

    2021 Dates:

     

    Orientation:

    Sessions will be held June 7, 8, 9, 16, 17 & 18.

    Register for orientation - click here!

     

    Welcome Weekend:
    Will begin with Move-In Day Thursday, Aug. 19, and conclude Sunday, Aug. 22.

     

    Accepted students:
    Reserve your spot in the entering class by submitting your deposit. Submitting your deposit provides student access to set up your ONU email, to register for Summer Orientation and select your housing.

     

    Deposited students:
    Learn more about taking all necessary next steps to become a Polar Bear here.

  • Feed your spirit as well as your mind at Northern. We have an active on- and off-campus religious life for worship, fellowship, outreach and serving others. Organizations include Habitat for Humanity, Northern Christian Fellowship, Gospel Ensemble, Chapel Band, the Jewish Union group and the Newman Club (ONU’s Catholic student ministry). ONU has been associated with the United Methodist Church since 1899.

    GO TO RELIGIOUS LIFE PAGE

  • Students interested in serving our country in the Army, Air Force, or Space Force can do so at ONU. The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps program and Army Reserve Officers Training Corps programs are offered through nearby Bowling Green State University. Enroll in the course(s) at ONU and travel to Bowling Green one day per week for instruction.  For more information, contact these ROTC programs at 419-372-2176 (Air Force) or 419-372-9968 (Army).

  • The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to explain student rights and responsibilities as members of the Ohio Northern University community. The Code of Conduct is based on the values contained in the University Mission Statement:

    "Influenced by a unique history and an enduring affiliation with the united Methodist church, Ohio Northern University’s mission is to provide a high-quality learning environment that prepares students for success in their careers; service to their communities, the nation and the world; and a lifetime of personal growth inspired by the higher values of truth, beauty and goodness. The University’s distinctive academic program includes mutually supporting liberal and professional education components that integrate practice with theory, complemented by excellent co-curricular offerings that enrich the northern experience. To fulfill this mission, faculty and staff engage with students so they can learn to think critically, creatively and entrepreneurially; communicate effectively; gain practical experience; solve problems collaboratively; and act as ethical and responsible members of a global community."

     

    OFFICE INFORMATION

     

    Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

     

    Chad Shepherd
    Director of Student Conduct
    Phone: 419-772-2434
    Fax: 419-772-2708
    Email: c-shepherd.2@onu.edu

     

    Teresa Roberts
    Senior Administrative Specialist
    Phone: 419-772-3557
    Fax: 419-772-2708
    Email: t-roberts@onu.edu

  • Download the ONU Student Handbook here.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    I. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................... 2

    II. GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................................................................................... 2

    III. GENERAL ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION.................................................... 3

    IV. GENERAL NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT................. 10

    V. RESIDENCE HALL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES........................................................................... 18

    VI. UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS........................................................ 30

    VII. FRATERNITY/SORORITY LIFE............................................................................................................ 39

    APPENDIX A: STUDENT RECORDS......................................................................................................... 50

    APPENDIX B: SEX DISCRIMINATION POLICY....................................................................................... 56

    APPENDIX C: STUDENT OF CONCERN POLICY.................................................................................. 76

    APPENDIX D: EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS POLICY ................................................................. 79

    APPENDIX E: DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE FOR NON-ACADEMIC VIOLATIONS....................... 84

    APPENDIX F: CODE OF STUDENT ACADEMIC CONDUCT.............................................................. 97

    APPENDIX G: GRADE APPEALS PROCEDURE.................................................................................... 103

    APPENDIX H: ONU DISABILITIES POLICY............................................................................................. 104

    APPENDIX I: GETTY COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES........................................................................ 106

    APPENDIX J: SMULL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING............................................................................. 110

    APPENDIX K: RAABE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY.................................................................................. 111

    APPENDIX L: DICKE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.................................................... 122

    APPENDIX M: PETTIT COLLEGE OF LAW............................................................................................... 123

    APPENDIX N: STUDENT TRAFFIC APPEALS PROCEDURE................................................................ 135

    APPENDIX O: STUDENT FEE APPEALS PROCEDURE......................................................................... 136

    APPENDIX P: POLICIES REGARDING A DRUG VIOLATION BY A STUDENT-ATHLETE................ 138

    APPENDIX Q: COMPUTER USE POLICY................................................................................................. 140

    APPENDIX R: UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY SAFETY POLICIES............................................................. 143

  • WONB strives to be a primary source for news, sports, weather, public affairs and entertainment in West Central Ohio. WONB’s primary musical formats showcase the best of yesterday through today. Sunday listeners are treated to smooth jazz and gospel sounds. Working with and learning from broadcasting professionals, ONU students serve as WONB news and sports writers, anchors and reporters; producers and hosts of programs; and WONB promotion specialists. Students also write and produce public service announcements for community and nonprofit organizations. Listen to WONB online.

Avery Meadows
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I’ve met all my closest friends because of my fraternity. It’s provided so many opportunities for me to grow as a person academically, professionally, personally, etc.
Avery Meadows, pharmacy major
Read Avery's story

Office Staff Listing

Click below for the Office of Student Affairs staff listing,

  • Vice President for Student Affairs, 419-772-2433

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Office of Student Affairs

McIntosh Center
525 South Main Street
Ada, Ohio 45810

419-772-2433
studentaffairs@onu.edu
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