Student Life

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.

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?

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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.

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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.

2020 Dates:
• Orientation: June 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2020
• Welcome Weekend: August 20-23, 2020

REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION HERE!

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 can do so at ONU. The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) program and Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) programs are offered through Bowling Green State University. Enroll in the course(s) at ONU and travel to BGSU one day per week for instruction.

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

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.