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Center for Student Involvement
Involvement in activities and academic experiences outside of the traditional classroom are a part of student life and learning in college. The Center for Student Involvement sponsors and supports programs and services that provide opportunities for students to learn about themselves, others and develop into independent adults. Several offices and programs within the Center for Student Involvement achieve these goals: Office of Student Activities, Orientation, Common Book Program and the Campus Center.
Student Activities
The Office of Student Activities sponsors programs that help students become involved on campus. The Campus Programming Board (CPB) plans a broad spectrum of special events including movie nights, trips to local Columbus attractions, speakers, multicultural activities such as trips to ethnic restaurants and festivals, special events like comedians and novelty acts and traditional events such as Homecoming, Little Sibs Weekend and Winterfest.
Special programs and services for Commuter Students are offered throughout the year. Brown Bag Lunches occur occasionally to help acquaint commuter students to one another and the campus. Additionally, guest speakers and events occur in the Commuter Lounge, located in the basement of Towers Hall. Programs such as Community Connections and Peer Connections help establish a direct link for commuters with the residential population on campus.
Leadership initiatives are coordinated by the Office of Student Activities. The office offers workshops and training for student leaders on campus, as well as coordinates the Dean Van Sant Leadership Series. Additionally, the Cardinal Leadership Awards program recognizes student leaders on campus for their contributions to the campus community.
Otterbein sponsors over 100 organizations and activities for the student body. The list is long and options plentiful; however, there is always room to add more student organizations. Students who are interested in starting a new student organization can contact the Student Activities Office in the Campus Center.
Sororities and Fraternities
The Greek Community at Otterbein University plays an integral role in the institution’s total educational program. Recognizing that membership in a fraternity or sorority can be a positive and educational experience, the College expects Greek organizations to share in the responsibility for making significant, positive contributions to the educational and personal development of present and future student generations.
Otterbein has had a long and rich relationship with its collegiate fraternities and sororities. As an important component of the co-curricular programs for undergraduate students, Greek chapters have supported the central mission of the University by providing an enriched out-of-class living/learning experience. Fraternal organizations (the words “fraternal” or “fraternity” refer to both men’s and women’s Greek letter organizations) have existed on the Otterbein campus since 1908, and are characterized by a tradition of involvement and leadership in campus life.
The University has been supportive of the ideals and goals of individual chapters and, collectively, a Greek community. The organizational ideals and goals promote personal development and a strong sense of identity with the institution as well as postgraduate association. The ideals and goals include scholarship, leadership, community service, individual and group initiative, self-governance, and an array of interpersonal and social skill development. Thus, the central purpose of Greek Life is to encourage the individual growth of its members, emphasizing character development. Greek Life also strives to stimulate leadership development and service to others, emphasizing the importance of human relationships and responsible citizenship.
The educational benefits experienced within the Greek community are further enhanced by various adjunct organizations such as the Delta Xi chapter of the Order of Omega (a Greek leadership honorary), and the Adopt-A-School program. Through these organizations and chapter operations, there are over 100 leadership opportunities available to members of the Greek community.
| Interfraternity Council Member Fraternities |
Panhellenic Council Member Sororities |
City-Wide Affiliates |
| Alpha Sigma Pi |
Epsilon Kappa Tau |
Alpha Kappa Alpha |
| Eta Phi Mu |
Kappa Phi Omega |
Alpha Phi Alpha |
| Lambda Gamma Epsilon |
Tau Epsilon Mu |
Delta Sigma Theta |
| Pi Beta Sigma |
Sigma Alpha Tau |
Zeta Phi Beta |
| Pi Kappa Phi |
Tau Delta |
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| Zeta Phi |
Theta Nu |
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| Sigma Delta Phi |
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Religious Life
Religious activities are an important and integral part of campus programming. Students are encouraged to choose from a variety of activities, programs and groups which will enable them to grow in their faith journey. A variety of small groups offer discussion, devotion, fellowship, Bible study, worship, music, retreats, service and volunteer opportunities. All groups and activities are provided by the Chaplain’s Office and Religious Life Council. The Chaplain is also available for pastoral care and counseling. Students are encouraged to grow in their relationships with God and other human beings as they strive to clarify values and search for meaning in their lives. All campus religious activities are interdenominational in character.
Alcohol
The use of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on campus, in campus buildings, in theme houses, or in fraternity and sorority houses. In addition, the State of Ohio Liquor Control law prohibits the purchase, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages or beer by persons under the age of 21 years.
Automobiles
The choice is yours if you want to bring an automobile to campus. Since parking spaces on campus are limited, possession of cars by students is not encouraged. You will have to purchase a permit for your car from Campus Security and have your car insured as required by the laws of Ohio or your home state.
- Motor Vehicle Registration
The ability to register and operate a motor vehicle is a privilege that may be revoked for failure to operate and park a motor vehicle properly. Motor vehicles shall be registered online for the year no later than the third day of classes at the beginning of the academic year. Any person wishing to register a motor vehicle after the beginning of the academic year must do so within three working days after bringing the vehicle to campus. ALL DECALS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE. (see paragraph below) Individuals may not register vehicle(s) for another person to use in the campus area (state registration to determine ownership). Vehicle decal/ registration owner is ultimately responsible for violations of that vehicle.
Service-Learning and the Center for Community Engagement
The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) develops community partnerships, cultivates service-learning initiatives, houses student volunteer organizations, and supports community based action research. Each year, students, faculty, staff, and alumni engage in over 50,000 hours of community service in five key areas: (1) Civic Responsibility, (2) Environmental Awareness and Protection, (3) Youth Literacy, Education, and Development, (4) Health, and (5) Poverty, Hunger, and Homelessness.
We offer over 90 service-learning courses in 16 disciplines. Partnerships with local schools, non-profit agencies, nursing homes, environmental agencies, and local park systems offer real-life hands-on experiences, grounded in academic exploration. Student leaders serve as CCE Service-Learning Assistants, facilitating course-based service opportunities.
Student CardinalCorps Leaders coordinate weekly service organizations for students interested in serving as a tutor, sports pal, senior companion, environmental steward, music mentor, animal ally, or political activist. The CCE also organizes campus-wide community service plunges, non-profit service fairs, the Raise Your Voice program, awareness weeks, and national Make-a-Difference day activities. Students who participate in our programs learn new leadership skills, develop a deeper appreciation for diversity, gain cross-cultural communication skills, demonstrate civic responsibility, understand the complexities of oppression, act as community capacity builders, and apply problem-solving skills to community problems.
Students engaged in community service-learning are also eligible to apply to serve as AmeriCorps members, earning an educational award after their term of service. Other students interested in community-based research are encouraged to submit an application for the Vernon L. Pack Society, a group of student and faculty fellows applying research skills to community-identified issues.
Center for Career Planning
The key to obtaining a rewarding position when you graduate is to begin early to identify and evaluate your career and life goals. Through one-on-one meetings, online resources, on-campus programs, and an extensive career library, the Center for Career Planning can provide information about numerous occupations as well as help you explore a variety of internship and employment opportunities.
The Center for Career Planning offers individual advising, vocational testing and an alumni career network to help you explore and plan for future careers. In addition, individualized job-seeking assistance with resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, employer research, networking and job search strategies will help you present yourself as a confident and knowledgeable job candidate.
Counseling-Personal
The Student Affairs staff, including the College Chaplain, is available to meet with individual students to informally talk about personal challenges and/or to help students connect with campus resources to address academic and personal problems. Frequently, students decide to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed clinical psychologists. By contacting the Student Affairs Office, located in the back of Hanby Hall, students can arrange a time to meet with a psychologist on campus. A limited number of visits are paid by the University.
Courtright Memorial Library
The Mission of the Courtright Memorial Library is to actively engage in and contribute to the teaching, learning and research needs of the entire Otterbein community. As intellectual partners in the quest for knowledge, the library staff provides access to information, develops a diverse collection, and nurtures critical thinking skills to develop self sufficient, life-long learners.
The Courtright Memorial Library includes over 400,000 books, periodicals, microforms, federal government publications, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMs, electronic resources, and other instructional materials to support the curricular and co-curricular needs of students, faculty, and staff of Otterbein College. Both print and non-print materials (such as DVDs/videotapes) are shelved together to make it easier to find related items. The library offers laptop computers, data projectors, digital cameras, digital camcorders, and other equipment for checkout to the Otterbein College community. There are three computer labs located within the building and wireless connectivity is available throughout the library facility. Sarah’s Corner, our newly renovated children’s area, was dedicated in September 2006 and is located on the lower level of the library.
In the summer of 2004, the entrance to the library was redesigned and a coffee shop (named “The Otter Bean Café”) and four classrooms were constructed. The Otter Bean Café, which is operated by the Campus Food Service, provides food, beverages, wireless connectivity, and comfortable seating.
The library is a part of a consortium of 24 private colleges, called OPAL. OPAL provides a shared online catalog, circulation, reserve, and cataloging system. The system can be accessed through the college network or Internet providers from computer labs, homes, offices, or dormitories. Membership in OPAL allows Otterbein to belong to the statewide consortium called OhioLINK. Through OhioLINK membership, students, faculty, and staff may request materials from other Ohio academic libraries, either electronically or by visiting that library. Any items not owned by another Ohio academic library can be obtained through resource sharing agreements via Interlibrary Loan. Membership in OhioLINK also provides access to a growing number of electronic resources, including indexes (such as Academic Search Premier, Business Source Complete, Lexis-Nexis, ERIC, Medline, and Cinahl), electronic journals and electronic books.
The library staff strives to provide the best service possible to help students, faculty, staff, and community users find the information they require. Reference assistance is available both in the library and remotely. Please contact us by visiting the library or by phone, email, instant messaging and/or virtual chat reference.
Information about the library is available via the World Wide Web at http://library.otterbein.edu (or http://www.otterbein.edu and select library).
Student Health Center
The Otterbein Student Health Center is open to provide health care for students from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a registered nurse on duty. A doctor is available two hours daily, Monday through Friday. Physician hours will be posted in residence halls and the Campus Center. Students are not directly charged for seeing the nurse or for physicians’ services, but are charged for X-rays, laboratory services, and for some medications and supplies.
Diversity
The Office of Diversity at Otterbein University works to create and maintain a diverse and inclusive campus community, while supporting the academic, cultural, and social needs of students of color and other underrepresented groups. The Office of Diversity strives to promote and celebrate all aspects of diversity through educational and social programming, and through encouraging discussion and dialogues.
Staff members in the Office of Diversity work closely with the African American Student Union (AASU), the International Student Association (ISA), Heritage of Latino Americans (HOLA), and FreeZone (GLBTQ and Allies Organization), while providing support to all ethnic and cultural based student organizations.
Finally, the office partners with faculty and staff to retain and recruit students who will add to the overall diversity of Otterbein University, ensuring that all students leave Otterbein with an increased understanding of, and appreciation for, diversity.
The Otterbein University Office of Residence Life seeks to promote a sense of community among students in the residence halls, theme houses and Commons apartments. We strive to create living learning environments where students interact with persons different than themselves. The professional hall director and student resident assistant staffs live in the halls, work with students to ease their transition to college and facilitate students becoming a part of our collegiate community.
Living on campus is a new experience for most students, providing an opportunity for meaningful involvement with many new people from diverse backgrounds. The group living situation found in a residence hall can be viewed as a practical laboratory for observing and participating in human relations. We strongly support and celebrate the value of diversity by working to create a community where each individual feels valued and accepted. Living on campus is an opportunity to make decisions on your own, accept responsibility of those decisions and learn from both the positive and negative experiences. The degree of learning is dependent on your degree of involvement, so all students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the experiences available.
To promote involvement in the halls, two forms of hall governance are available to students including the Resident Student Association (RSA) and Hall Councils. The Office of Residence Life sponsors a variety of educational and social events for residents every year. A weekly newsletter is published and delivered to all residence hall students, promoting involvement and awareness of campus issues and events.
As with any community, expectations and standards for behavior are necessary to protect the rights and privileges of all individuals. These guidelines are developed by the College community and published in the Campus Life Handbook which is available to all new students via the College website at www.otterbein.edu/CLH/index.asp.
A variety of housing options are offered including traditional residence halls, suite-style residence halls, theme houses and Commons apartments. First year students are housed in the traditional halls, where they live with one or more roommates and share communal bathrooms. This environment maximizes the opportunity for new students to interact with others. Students returning to the halls as upperclassmen have the opportunity to live with roommate(s) of their own choosing and are able to live in the suite-style halls and/or theme houses. Juniors and seniors may be eligible to live in the Commons apartments, featuring single bedrooms and offering more independent living with all the amenities of on-campus housing. Full-time students are required to live in campus housing unless they are of senior class status, 22 years of age, married or living within a 30 mile radius with their parents.
Athletics and Recreation
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Intercollegiate Athletics
Otterbein University is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Founded in 1902, the OAC is the third oldest conference in the country.
The varsity teams for men participate in ten sports and the varsity teams for women participate in nine sports. The men participate in football, soccer, cross country, basketball, indoor track, outdoor track, baseball, golf, tennis and lacrosse. The women field competitive teams in soccer, cross country, volleyball, basketball, indoor track, outdoor track, softball, golf and tennis.
Otterbein also supports a very active equestrian team which is currently under the umbrella of the Department of Equine Science.
Recreational Activities
With the opening of the Clements Center in 2003, our facilities provide excellent equipment and opportunity for students to participate in self-directed activities. Personal wellness opportunities are in abundance. Otterbein offers an attractive intramural program. Activities vary depending on the interest of the campus population. Each year sports such as flag football, softball, volleyball, golf, racquetball, basketball, corn hole, bowling, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball and tennis, as well as yoga and Pilates are offered. Coeducational activities are strongly encouraged. Indoor and outdoor facilities enable year-round activities. Hoover Dam and Alum Creek Dam offer seasonal activities with boating and other park recreational activities, Westerville Recreational Center, Westerville Athletic Club, and the Westerville Jaycee swimming complex offer memberships for year-round activities.
A very active aerobics program is in place and in conjunction with free weights, weight machines, tae-bo, big ball exercise and personal jogging, personal fitness opportunities are abundant.
Performance Activities
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Bands
Big Band is the University’s principal instrumental jazz ensemble and features standard instrumentation; and is open by audition. There are other instrumental jazz opportunities as well.
Cardinal Marching Band performs at all home football games and various other functions throughout the autumn quarter. Participation is open to any member of the Otterbein community who plays a wind or percussion instrument, as well as visual performers. Visual ensembles within the Cardinal Marching Band include the Cardinal Guard (flag/rifle/saber), the O-Squad Dance Team, and the Otterbein Twirlers.
Symphonic Band is a large concert ensemble performing a wide range of traditional wind literature and new works for band. Symphonic Band meets winter and spring quarters only, and is open to any interested student who plays a wind or percussion instrument. Auditions, which are only for placement purposes within the ensemble, occur at the beginning of the winter quarter. The Symphonic Band tours internationally every three years.
Pep Band performs at men’s and/or women’s basketball games during winter quarter.
Wind Ensemble is Otterbein’s most select wind band and is designed for the development of the professional performer and the professional educator. Comprised of a select group of 35-40 musicians, the ensemble rehearses for four hours per week and tours each year during spring break. Open by audition.
Musical Theatre
Otterbein University Theatre presents a major musical production each spring, and in selected years, a second production either in the fall or winter quarters; productions are open by audition only. In addition, musical theatre majors have musical theatre ensemble experiences all four years, provided through various curricular opportunities.
Otterbein String Orchestra
The Otterbein String Orchestra is the major orchestral performing ensemble in the department. Four hours of rehearsal per week and additional sectional hour per week. All students whose major instrument is a bowed string instrument (violin, viola, cello or string bass) participate in this ensemble and membership is open to other interested students in the Department of Music, and from across the campus. The group maintains an active performance schedule. Previous playing experience is required and placement auditions are held prior to the autumn quarter each year.
Chamber Ensembles
The Department of Music sponsors many instrumental chamber ensembles, open to all students on campus. For more information, see the Director of Instrumental Activities.
Vocal Music Opportunities
Concert Choir is Otterbein’s most select choral ensemble open by audition only. The ensemble tours between Thanksgiving and Christmas either domestically or abroad, for 7-14 days, depending on the tour.
Men’s Glee Club and Women’s Chorale are large all-campus ensembles that perform quarterly on campus, and off-campus as well. Camerata is a select mixed choir drawn from the members of the other two ensembles. All three ensembles are open by audition only.
Opera Theatre presents a major production in the winter quarter with orchestra and full production values, and either scenes or a one-act opera workshop production in the spring. In addition, a fall opera/acting opportunity is available to all students who major in music, and whose major instrument is voice. All opera theatre projects are open by audition only.
Opus One is a vocal jazz ensemble. Open by audition only.
Otterbein Vocal Ensemble sings chamber music drawn from all periods and styles. Open by audition only.
Ottermen and Six in the City and men’s and women’s a cappella/pop ensembles. Open by audition only.
Theatre
Otterbein University Theatre presents six productions during the academic year and three during Otterbein Summer Theatre to an annual audience of more than 27,000 people. Plays include Broadway comedies, classics, children’s shows, musicals, contemporary pieces, and commissioned original scripts. Selected seniors also direct student workshops. Guest professional directors, designers and actors participate every year. Non-majors may participate in theatre activities by volunteering through Cap & Dagger, the student organization, or by enrolling in Theatre 101.
Communication Activities
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Publications
University publications are under the review of the Student Media Board, a subcommittee of the Student Life Committee. The student newspaper, The Tan and Cardinal, is published by a student staff each week during the academic year except during the summer term. Quiz and Quill is a publication of the Quiz and Quill Club and contains the best creative writing of current students. The college yearbook, The Sibyl, is published annually by a student staff. The Tan and Cardinal is sponsored by the Journalism program in the Department of Communication. The Department of English sponsors the Quiz and Quill.
Public Relations
Otterbein sponsors a chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), a national, pre-professional organization for students interested in public relations. The Otterbein University Chapter sponsors a variety of speakers and workshops and a student-managed public relations agency. In addition, members of PRSSA are eligible for scholarships sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America, receive reduced rates at professional luncheons and workshops and may attend national and district conferences of PRSSA.
Radio Station
WOBN-FM, the student-run radio station, is under the direction of the Department of Communication. WOBN also offers co-curricular opportunities for students majoring in communication and other related disciplines. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day featuring an alternative music format, Otterbein University sporting events and Westerville area news and public affairs. WOBN broadcasts at 101.5 FM and on-line at www.wobn.net.
Television Station
WOCC TV-3 provides programming for Westerville and Otterbein University via cable channel 3. Programming includes public affairs, entertainment, education and sports. By participating, the student has the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience. This includes camera, graphics, audio operation, production and direction, as well as management. The day-to-day operation of an on-air cable television station provides a practical addition to classroom instruction.
Forensics
Otterbein is a member of the Ohio Forensics Association, National Forensics Association, and Pi Kappa Delta, a national forensics honorary. Students compete in debate tournaments and individual events (public speaking, oral interpretation and extemporaneous speaking) tournaments which provide travel opportunities to both local and out-of-state contests.
M.O.S.T.
Mentoring Organizational Students Today is a networking and mentoring organization for students interested in careers in Organizational Communication. Students are actively involved in building mentoring connections by organizing professional speaking events, an informal networking brunch, mock interviews, fundraisers, and on-site agency visits. In addition, students coordinate various activities to develop mentoring relationships among all communication majors.
Cultural Activities
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Throughout the year, there will be many opportunities to attend outstanding lectures, concerts and exhibits delivered and performed on campus by both on-campus and off-campus scholars and artists. In addition, a wide variety of cultural activities is available in the city of Columbus.
Activities of the College Governance program are so diverse that you should be able to find an activity which will interest you. At the same time you will become acquainted with problems facing citizens in a self-governing society.
College governance gives students voting rights, along with faculty and administration, on all campus policy and decision-making bodies. In the University Senate, which is the major policy-making body, students sit in equal numbers with faculty and administrators. Students also sit on most councils and committees on campus. All students in good standing are eligible for election to the Senate. Students can also participate in a Student Forum.
The Otterbein University Board of Trustees has legal authority over all actions of the Senate. Two voting student seats and two voting faculty seats are on the 30-member board.
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