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The Student Connection and Engagement Center exists to eliminate barriers that limit student success and involvement. By streamlining processes and supporting student-led initiatives, we create opportunities for meaningful engagement, leadership, and personal growth, ensuring that every student has the resources to thrive in a dynamic campus community. Learn more here. 
 

With nearly 200 clubs and organizations, there’s something for nearly every interest at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. 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  on our Northern Network!

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.

The fraternities and sororities on campus all share common values and bonds, including scholarship, service, philanthropy, leadership and brotherhood/sisterhood. Choose from six social fraternities and four social sororities. Approximately 14 percent of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. 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.
• LEARN MORE
  To learn more, please visit our social media pages
   on Instagram
  on Instagram
   on Facebook
  Or, email GreekLife@onu.edu

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 five-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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Mark your calendars as all students including those who commute to campus are expected to attend all five days of activities.

More info on orientation dates

Accepted students:
Reserve your spot in the entering class by submitting your . Submitting your deposit provides student access to set up your ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ 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 (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Catholic student ministry). ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has been associated with the United Methodist Church since 1899.

GO TO RELIGIOUS LIFE PAGE

Students interested in serving our country in the Air Force or Space Force can do so at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps program is offered through nearby Bowling Green State University. Enroll in the course(s) at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and travel to Bowling Green one day per week for instruction.  For more information, contact the ROTC program at 419-372-2176.

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

There is never a shortage of ways to get involved at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½! We have nearly 200 student-led clubs and organizations, ranging from academic societies and Greek life to recreational sports and interest groups. If your student loves the arts, they can join our marching band, music ensembles, or theater productions—even if they aren't majoring in music or theater. The Student Connection and Engagement Center is always organizing events, workshops, and community-building activities to make sure every Polar Bear finds their niche.

• Actionable Step: Encourage your student to explore the current list of organizations on our to see what sparks their interest!

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers a vibrant, residential campus experience with a variety of living spaces designed to help students transition smoothly to college life. First-year students typically live in our traditional, co-ed residence halls (like Founders, Park, or Maglott) which feature double-occupancy rooms and strong community environments. We also offer a Living Learning Community (LLC) housed in our modern Affinity complex, which is perfect for first-year students looking to build social confidence and navigate campus life alongside a supportive peer group.

Safety is a top priority at Ohio Northern University. Located in the charming, close-knit village of Ada, Ohio, our campus benefits from a peaceful, low-crime environment. Our dedicated campus security team is highly visible and works closely with local law enforcement to maintain a secure environment 24/7. Because Ada is a small town, students enjoy a tight-knit "family-like" atmosphere where community members look out for one another.

We want every student to thrive holistically, which is why the Center for Student Success is located right in the heart of campus on the second floor of the Heterick Memorial Library. This modern space brings together all of our major support systems under one roof. Students can easily access free tutoring, writing center assistance, accessibility accommodations, global initiative/study abroad planning, and career counseling through the Polar Career Center.

• Actionable Step: Have your student stop by the Center for Student Success during their first week of classes to familiarize themselves with the free resources available to them.

Our commitment to high-impact learning practices is why ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is consistently ranked among the top regional colleges in the Midwest. Through the Polar Career Center, students get hands-on help with resume building, interview prep, and securing internships or research opportunities with faculty. Our focus on real-world preparation pays off: 95% of our recent graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

• Actionable Step: Students can activate their profiles on our campus career network during their freshman year to start exploring internship opportunities early.

Absolutely! Staying active is a huge part of the Polar Bear lifestyle. For students who want to stay competitive without the varsity commitment, we offer robust intramural and club sports programs, including popular traditions like mud volleyball. Additionally, all students have access to our excellent campus athletic facilities, which include multiple weight rooms, a cardio room, and plenty of open green spaces for pick-up games or outdoor recreation.

• Actionable Step: Check out the campus recreation schedule during orientation week to sign up for upcoming intramural leagues and fitness classes.