Fun times ahead!
Welcome to life outside of the classroom where good times are easy to come by and new friends are found.
Your new home away from home
Choose from a variety of homey residence halls, and never go hungry with lots of delicious food options.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?
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22% Students participating in at least one sport on campus
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82% Students involved in student organizations last year
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14% Students participating in a fraternity/sorority
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200+ Student organizations on campus to join
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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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. Check out a list of our current clubs and organizations on our Northern Network!
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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.
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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 14 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 six 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 375 students, roughly 14 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: Kindly Hearts Campaign, 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, 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, New Student Orientation, Student Planning Committee, Residence Life, Habitat for Humanity, Northern Christian Fellowship, varsity and club sports, band and numerous honoraries.
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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.
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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.
More info on orientation dates
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.
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Students interested in serving our country in the Air Force or Space Force can do so at ONU. The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps program is 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 the ROTC program at 419-372-2176.
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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.
Greg Phlegar
Director of Student Conduct
Phone: 419-772-2434
Fax: 419-772-2708
Email: g-phlegar@onu.edu -
About ONU's Student Handbook
Ohio Northern University is dedicated to its mission to prepare students to lead lives of success, service and growth. Such an endeavor requires that community members behave in accordance with shared core values and principles. Beyond the learning that takes place in the classroom, the University is steadfast that an ONU education must also include the development of ethically responsible persons who have an understanding about the impact of their behavior on others. ONU has adopted a Student Handbook to provide students with general notice about the University’s student behavior expectations and other policies and about the procedures in place for resolving violations and other conflicts. This is a University administrative document rooted in student learning and in our obligation to maintain a positive and safe community for all. Our Student Handbook and its policies is premised on the notion that all ONU students will act with integrity and conduct themselves in ways that demonstrate respect to all persons and the environment. Every student who enrolls at ONU is expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the University’s policies and rules and to report to the University when they see others engaging in wrongdoing. Additionally, students are also expected to abide by each Colleges’ Handbook (See Appendices within the Handbook) and to the requirements contained within the Ohio Northern University Catalog.
Note: The ONU Student Handbook is provided below as a .pdf download and includes hyperlink navigation for ease of use. See an overview of the Table of Contents; a more detailed table is provided within the document.
Download the ONU Student Handbook here.
ONU Student Handbook Table of Contents (Overview)
I. Introduction
II. General Information
III. General Academic Requirements and Information
IV. General Non-Academic Requirements and Standards of Conduct
V. Residence Hall Policies and Procedures
VI. University Affiliated Groups and Organizations
VII. Fraternity / Sorority Life
APPENDIX A: Student Records
APPENDIX B: Sex Discrimination Policy
APPENDIX C: Care Team Policy
APPENDIX D: Emotional Support Animal Policy and Agreement
APPENDIX E: Disciplinary Procedure for Non-Academic Violations
APPENDIX F: Code of Student Academic Conduct
APPENDIX G: Grade Appeals Procedure
APPENDIX H: ONU Disabilities Policy
APPENDIX I: Getty College of Arts & Sciences
APPENDIX J: Smull College of Engineering
APPENDIX K: Raabe College of Pharmacy
APPENDIX L: Dicke College of Business Administration
APPENDIX M: Pettit College of Law
APPENDIX N: Student Traffic Appeals Procedure
APPENDIX O: Student Fee Appeals Procedure
APPENDIX P: Policies Regarding a Drug Violation by a Student Athlete
APPENDIX Q: Computer Use Policy
APPENDIX R: University Community Safety Policies
APPENDIX S: Policy Prohibiting Hazing
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
Office Staff Listing
General office information, student-affairs@onu.edu, 419-772-2430
Get in the game
Polar Bears don’t sit on the sidelines; they dive into fun activities every chance they get. And it’s easy to do with so many recreational options available.
PUBLIC SAFETY
The mission of the Department of Public Safety is to protect students, faculty, staff and visitors as well as to preserve personal and University property from damage and loss. The responsibility for developing and maintaining a safe, secure and welcoming environment belongs to all members of the campus community. The department provides expertise and educational services in the areas of self-protection, crime prevention, personal security, workplace safety and environmental health.Contact:
419-772-2222
publicsafety@onu.edu
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL 911.
Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life
We would love to meet you and show you around!Your health, safety and future are in good hands at Northern. We offer a host of services to keep you informed and meet your needs while you are on campus.