91Ö±²¥

Skip to main content
Home
  • 91Ö±²¥
  • Apply
  • Give

Student Life

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

test hero

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 91Ö±²¥
Make new friends
Fraternities
Good time on the Tundra
Foam Party - Welcome Weekend
Fun at Welcome Weekend
Student plays Jenga outside Lima Hall

Your new home away from home

Choose from a variety of homey residence halls, and never go hungry with lots of delicious food options.
  • Housing
  • Dining

Sports, Clubs and More

There are so many options at 91Ö±²¥ 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
  • 14% 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 91Ö±²¥ experience.

Student Resources

Alexander Wooldridge is pictured at the career fair.
Polar Careers
Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness
Student Success Center
Center for Student Success
  • With more than 200 clubs and organizations, there’s something for nearly every interest at 91Ö±²¥. 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 91Ö±²¥â€™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 91Ö±²¥. 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
      l 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 91Ö±²¥. 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 91Ö±²¥ 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 (91Ö±²¥â€™s Catholic student ministry). 91Ö±²¥ 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 91Ö±²¥. The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps program is offered through nearby Bowling Green State University. Enroll in the course(s) at 91Ö±²¥ 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

  • About 91Ö±²¥'s Student Handbook

    Ohio Northern University is dedicated to its mission to prepare students to lead lives of success, service and growth.  91Ö±²¥ provides students a Student Handbook to explain the various rights and responsibilities that students have as members of the Ohio Northern University community.  The Student Handbook contains a variety of University policies and procedures, including policies related to academics, residence hall living, alcohol and other drug use on campus, student organizations (including fraternity and sorority life), student records, sexual harassment and other forms discrimination, and campus safety and security. Additionally, the Student Handbook provides Appendices related to each of the five Colleges at 91Ö±²¥.

    Note: The 91Ö±²¥ Student Handbook is provided below as a .pdf download and includes hyperlink navigation for ease of use. A general Table of Contents is provided within the document.

    Download the 91Ö±²¥ Student Handbook .

Avery Meadows
Quote SVG
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

  • Staff Directory

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.

  • learn more

esports

student at esports practice

club sports

Club Sports Frisbee

womens soccer team celebrating a win

Greek Week

students celebrate during greek week

Mud Volleyball

students play mud volleyball on campus
students walking around on campus

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.
Learn more about Public Safety
Fall leaves decorate the Tundra at Ohio Northern University
91Ö±²¥ graphic

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.

  • Apply Now
  • 91Ö±²¥ Campus
Learn more about life as a Polar Bear:
image of campus - decorative only

Ohio Northern University

91Ö±²¥ Ada, OH 45810
419-772-2000

MB: Footer: Middle 1

  • Libraries
  • Freed Center
  • Career Services

MB: Footer: Middle 2

  • Employment
  • Registrar
  • Calendar
  • Faculty/Staff Directory
  • Campus Map

Footer Menu

  • Events
  • News
  • Mission & Vision
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Consumer Info
  • USDA Statement
  • Media Inquiry

Information for:

  • Alumni/Friends
  • Parents/Families
  • Faculty/Staff Directory
  • Center for Corporate Engagement
  • 91Ö±²¥
  • Apply
  • Give
  • About
    • Quick Facts
    • President and Leadership
    • Trustees
    • Financial Affairs
    • University Advancement
    • Recognition of Excellence
    • Getting to Know Ada
    • Commencement
    • Controller and Bursar
    • Human Resources
    • Campus Sustainability
    • History and Tradition
  • Academics
    • Programs of Study
    • Academic Affairs
      • Honors Day
    • College of Arts & Sciences
    • College of Business
    • College of Engineering
    • College of Pharmacy
    • Institute for Civics and Public Policy
    • Camps, Conferences, Workshops and Community Events
    • Registrar
    • Heterick Library
  • Admissions & Aid
    • Apply
    • Accepted Students
      • time to celebrate
    • 91Ö±²¥
    • Financial Aid
    • Undergraduate
    • Pharmacy
    • Transfer
    • Graduate
    • International–Degree and Exchange
    • College Credit Plus
    • Virtual Tour Map
  • Student Life
    • Housing
    • Dining
    • Center for Student Success
    • Polar Careers
    • Health and Wellness
    • Public Safety
  • Distinctly 91Ö±²¥