Campus
Life at
Otterbein
At Otterbein, belonging is about more than feeling welcome to be in your environment. Belonging means you feel safe to be you. To take risks. To explore. To try new things. To make new friends. To have FUN!
Jump into this page and explore what it’s like to be a Cardinal!
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Check out all the ways you can get involved so you can make a difference while you’re making friends.
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Find out what it means to be a part of this community.
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Follow along with some Cardinals to experience a day in their lives.
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Check out where you could live, what’s on the menu, and what you can do when you’re not in class.
Just remember — everything you want is right HERE!
Feel at Home HERE.
It’s more than strands of twinkle lights, coffee makers, and cute pics. (Don’t get us wrong. Those matter, too.)
It’s testing your mixology skills at the cafeteria juice and soda machines.
It’s study breaks. Coffee breaks. Spring breaks.
It’s an afternoon of video games that helps you find your crew for the next four years.
It’s finding your roommates, teammates, and best mates.
It’s as much about claiming your space as your successes.
It’s finding that home is more than an address.
Campus Living
Opportunities
Residence Halls
Apartment Complexes
Greek Houses
Theme Houses
Relax in a Hammock
Need a place to chill outside? Maybe sitting on a chair or the grass won’t cut it. String up a hammock between two trees and relax!
Enjoy Green Spaces
Whether you enjoy the picnic tables out the front of Roush Hall, or the fun seating outside of Towers Hall, the green space on campus will allow you to take a nap, get lost in a good book, or just enjoy the company of your fellow students.
Study at the Library
The Courtright Memorial Library offers everything you want from a college learning environment. There are computer labs, comfortable seating areas, and other spaces designed for group work, as well as a quiet floor and several private study rooms for a more serene setting. There’s even a Starbucks in the lobby!
Create at The Point
The Point is home to modern classrooms, metal and wood shops, design and research studios, study rooms, and businesses that offer internship opportunities for º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøstudents. You can also sit outside and enjoy the view of º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøLake.
Get Inspired at an Art Gallery
Need motivation to start your next project? Maybe you’re experiencing art block. Get inspired by viewing our wide range of galleries. From Appalachia to Japan, New York to Brazil, Otterbein’s dynamic exhibition schedule features local and global artists, and more than six shows annually.
Work Out at the Rec Center
Work out in the new cardio room or run on an indoor track in Clements before walking over to the Rike Center, playing some pick-up basketball, or just picking up some heavy iron!
Find Your Comfort FoodÌý±á·¡¸é·¡.
Whether you are the early bird or the night owl, there is plenty to go around.
The°ù±ð’s no pecking order, just swipe your Cardinal Card at these locations and help yourself!Ìý
There’s a meal plan for every Cardinal.
You get variety when it comes to where you eat, how you eat, and what you eat!
- Sit-down Buffet: cafe, grab and go.
- Food sensitivites: allergies, vegan, vegetarian, opportunistic carinvore.
- Starbucks on campus.
- Mini-mart with staples.
- Locally-sourced.
BIG CHANGES
COMING SOON!
Campus Center Renovations Phase Two
NEW DINING UPGRADES!
Existing Configuration
New Dining Experience
The Perfect Location isÌý±á·¡¸é·¡.
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø’s ideal location near is great for students wanting to explore all the fun opportunities Columbus has to offer while you also enjoy the relaxed vibe of Westerville. You’ll have everything from cultural events to outdoor parks and trails just a hop away. You won’t have to venture far when it’s time to look for internships or job opportunities, either.
MUSIC
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøMusical Theatre Performances
- Westerville Ampitheatre
- Palace Theatre
- Uptown Westerville Java Central Live Music
- Columbus National Concert Tour Events
- Columbus Local Musician Venues
- Schottenstein Center Arena
SPORTS
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøMen’s Sports
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøWomen’s Sports
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøClements Recreation Center
- Columbus Clippers (MiLB, Triple-A)
- Westerville Community Center
- Off-Campus Gyms
- Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
ATTRACTIONS
- Uptown Westerville
- Columbus Zoo
- Short North Arts District
- National Veterans Memorial and Museum
- Otherworld
- Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
- Scioto Mile Promenade and Bicentennial Park
Everything
you want is
right here.
Click to explore!
NATURE
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøCampus
- Lower Scioto River
- Schiller Park
- Franklin Park Conservatory Blooms and Butterflies
- Sharon Woods
- Sunny Meadows Flower Farm
- Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
- Hocking Hills State Park
- Hayden Run Falls Park
SHOPPING
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøWomen’s Club Thrift Shop
- Polaris Fashion Place
- A Gal Named Cinda Lou Vintage
- German Village
- Rag-O-Rama
- Easton Town Center
- North Market Downtown
ARTS
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøBattelle Fine Arts Center
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøStudio Arts
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøMiller Gallery
- Frank Museum of Art
- Westerville Music and Arts Festival
- Westerville 4th Fridays Arts Alley
- Columbus Arts Festival
- Columbus Museum of Arts
- Sunbear Studio
- Lighthouse Artspace Columbus
- Art Exhibitions and Galleries Galore
You BelongÌý±á·¡¸é·¡.
Belonging is about more than feeling welcome to be in your environment. Belonging means you feel safe to be you.
To take risks. To explore. To try new things. To make new friends. To have fun
– Dr. Frank Dobson
Chief Diversity Officer
Office of Social Justice and Activism
The mission of the Office of Social Justice & Activism at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø is to foster a diverse and inclusive community while promoting the values of respect, open-mindedness, and personal and civic responsibility.
FreeZone!
FreeZone is Otterbein’s LGBTQIA+ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual) student organization.
Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Resource Center
At the WGSRC, you will find safe, anonymous, confidential, knowledgeable support if you are a survivor of sexual violence; questioning your gender, sexuality, sex, or relationships; or experiencing depression, anxiety, or psychological/emotional distress.
International Students
You will find a welcoming and supportive community at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøwith everything you need to have a great study abroad experience, from a personalized orientation to special programs, events, and student organizations.
Religion & Spirituality
At Otterbein, spirituality and reflection are for everyone! We want every student to learn from people who share their faith and from those who have different perspectives.
Disability Services
Disability Services (DS) works closely with qualified students with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to education and campus life via services, accommodations, and advocacy.
Get InvolvedÌý±á·¡¸é·¡.
When it comes to getting involved at Otterbein, there are so many ways for you to make a difference and make friends. Explore which clubs and organizations might match your personality. °Â±ð’r±ð counting on you to become a part of this place – whether you start a new club, volunteer, join the Marching Band, or take the intramural championship!ÌýÌý
Want to get involved?
There are more than 100 clubs, organizations, and ways to get involved at Otterbein. Don’t see what you are looking for? Start a new club yourself!
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøAthletics
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø is proud to feature a longstanding tradition of athletic success. Explore what we offer below!
We’ve got a little something for everyone!
Explore our student organizations!
Academic & Professional
Community Service
Commuter Student Association
Creative & Performing Arts
Cultures & Diversity
Faith & Spiritual
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Student Government
Honor Societies
Special Interest
Sports & Recreational
Student Media & Publications
- Animal Health Science Club
- Botanical Society of America
- Computer Science Club
- Health Professions Club
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøActuarial Science Club
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøCollegiate Middle Level Association (OCMLA)
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø Pre-Law Society
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøStudent Education Association (OSEA)
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø Student Branch of the American Society for Microbiology
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø Student Nursing Association (OUSNA)
- Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøChapter
- Sport Management Club
- CardinalCorps Leaders
- OTTERTHON
More Involvement Opportunities in Cultural Engagement & Awareness
Center for Community Engagement
At º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE), we believe that even small acts can change the world. And we believe that there are many ways to change the world. So we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities in areas that range from planting trees to tutoring children, and from walking dogs to scrapbooking with senior citizens. For those who want to volunteer a few hours each term, and for those who want to volunteer several hours each week, we have it all!
The Commuter Student Association works to provide activities specifically for Otterbein’s commuting population. The group works to promote issues effecting commuters. This organization works out of the Commuter Lounge.
- 11th Hour Theatre Company
- Cap and Dagger
- Kappa Kappa Psi
- Mainstage Improv Troupe
- Ottertuned
- Starving Artists
More Involvement Opportunities in Creative & Performing Arts
Music Ensembles
Otterbein’s outstanding Department of Music sponsors many instrumental and vocal ensembles. Membership is open to all students, including non-majors, although initial or annual auditions are required for some ensembles. Visit theÌýDepartment of Music’sÌýwebpage for details about the many ensembles at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøwhich include:
- Bands (Ìý& Pep Band)
- Chamber Music
- Choirs
- Jazz
- Keyboard
- Opera
- Orchestras
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- FreeZone! (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies Organization)
- Heritage of Latino Americans (HOLA)
- Men of Vision
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøDeaf Culture Club
- Sisters United
More Opportunities in Cultural Engagement and Awareness
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøStudy Abroad
- The Office of Social Justice & Activism Programs & Resources
- Gospel Choir
- William Henry Fouse House of Black Culture (HBC)
- Muslim Student Association
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøCatholic Student Ministry
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøChristian Fellowship
More Involvement Opportunities in Faith & Spiritual Life
- Religious & Spiritual Life Council
- Church of the Master Campus Ministry
- Habitat for Humanity
- Humble Dance
Greek Governing Councils
- InterFraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities
- Panhellenic Council (Panhel) Sororities
InterFraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities
- Ìý(Alpha Sig)
- Eta Phi Mu (Jonda)
- Lambda Gamma Epsilon (Kings)
- (Phi Delt)
- Ìý(Pi Sig)
- Pi Kappa Phi (Club)
- Sigma Delta PhiÌý(Sphinx)
- Zeta Phi (Zeta)
Panhellenic Council (Panhel) Sororities
- Ìý(EKT)
- Ìý(Kappa)
- Ìý(Owls)
- Tau Delta
- Tau Epsilon Mu (TEM)
National Pan-Hellenic CouncilÌý(NPHC) Chapters
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Omicron Rho City-Wide Chapter)Ìý(Currently Active)
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Pi Gamma City-Wide Chapter)Ìý(Currently Active)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Nu Phi City-Wide Chapter)Ìý(Currently Active)
There are many ways to get involved in Student Government. Some individuals will run for office to be elected, some Senators are appointed, and still other students have the opportunity to be appointed to University committees through Student Government. If you have any questions on getting involved with Student Government please contact the executive officers atÌýstudentgovernment@otterbein.eduÌýor Student Government Advisor,ÌýTiffany Stokes.
Elections
There are two elections held each year, the Primary Election in the spring term and the Fall Election at the beginning of fall term. All officers and a majority of all Senators are elected in the spring. Incoming first-year students can learn more about running for office during their orientation this summer.
- Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma (ALDPES)
- Eta Sigma Gamma
- Iota Iota Iota (Tri-Iota)
- Psi Chi
More Honorary Academic Recognition
- Lambda Pi Eta
- Phi Sigma Iota
- Pinnacle
- Torch and Key
- Birderbein
- Campus Activities Board (CAB)
- Gamers Guild
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøAnimal Conservation Club
- OtterPAWS
- Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE)
- Otterbein’s Intramural Sports League
- Cardinal Dance Team
- Cheerleading
- Fitness and Recreation
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøEquestrian Teams
- AEGIS Humanities Journal
- Kate, a feminist publication
- Quiz & Quill
- WOBN – University Radio Station
- Otterbein.tv – University Television Station
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL
- Animal Health Science Club
- Botanical Society of America
- Computer Science Club
- Health Professions Club
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøActuarial Science Club
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøCollegiate Middle Level Association (OCMLA)
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø Pre-Law Society
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøStudent Education Association (OSEA)
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø Student Branch of the American Society for Microbiology
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø Student Nursing Association (OUSNA)
- Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøChapter
- Sport Management Club
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- CardinalCorps Leaders
- OTTERTHON
More Involvement Opportunities in Cultural Engagement & Awareness
Center for Community Engagement
At º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇø’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE), we believe that even small acts can change the world. And we believe that there are many ways to change the world. So we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities in areas that range from planting trees to tutoring children, and from walking dogs to scrapbooking with senior citizens. For those who want to volunteer a few hours each term, and for those who want to volunteer several hours each week, we have it all!
COMMUTER STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Commuter Student Association works to provide activities specifically for Otterbein’s commuting population. The group works to promote issues effecting commuters. This organization works out of the Commuter Lounge.
CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS
- 11th Hour Theatre Company
- Cap and Dagger
- Kappa Kappa Psi
- Mainstage Improv Troupe
- Ottertuned
- Starving Artists
More Involvement Opportunities in Creative & Performing Arts
Music Ensembles
Otterbein’s outstanding Department of Music sponsors many instrumental and vocal ensembles. Membership is open to all students, including non-majors, although initial or annual auditions are required for some ensembles. Visit theÌýDepartment of Music’sÌýwebpage for details about the many ensembles at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøwhich include:
-
- Bands (Ìý& Pep Band)
- Chamber Music
- Choirs
- Jazz
- Keyboard
- Opera
- Orchestras
CULTURES & DIVERSITY
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- FreeZone! (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies Organization)
- Heritage of Latino Americans (HOLA)
- Men of Vision
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøDeaf Culture Club
- Sisters United
More Opportunities in Cultural Engagement and Awareness
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøStudy Abroad
- The Office of Social Justice & Activism Programs & Resources
- Gospel Choir
- William Henry Fouse House of Black Culture (HBC)
FAITH & SPIRITUAL
- Muslim Student Association
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøCatholic Student Ministry
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøChristian Fellowship
More Involvement Opportunities in Religious & Spiritual Life
- Religious & Spiritual Life Council
- Religious Life & Chaplain’s Office
- Habitat for Humanity
- Humble Dance
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Greek Governing Councils
- InterFraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities
- Panhellenic Council (Panhel) Sororities
InterFraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities
- Ìý(Alpha Sig)
- Eta Phi Mu (Jonda)
- Lambda Gamma Epsilon (Kings)
- (Phi Delt)
- Ìý(Pi Sig)
- Pi Kappa Phi (Club)
- Sigma Delta PhiÌý(Sphinx)
- Zeta Phi (Zeta)
Panhellenic Council (Panhel) Sororities
- Ìý(EKT)
- Ìý(Kappa)
- Ìý(Owls)
- Tau Delta
- Tau Epsilon Mu (TEM)
National Pan-Hellenic CouncilÌý(NPHC) Chapters
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Omicron Rho City-Wide Chapter)Ìý(Currently Active)
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Pi Gamma City-Wide Chapter)Ìý(Currently Active)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Nu Phi City-Wide Chapter)Ìý(Currently Active)
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
There are many ways to get involved in Student Government. Some individuals will run for office to be elected, some Senators are appointed, and still other students have the opportunity to be appointed to University committees through Student Government. If you have any questions on getting involved with Student Government please contact the executive officers atÌýstudentgovernment@otterbein.eduÌýor Student Government Advisor,ÌýTiffany Stokes.
Elections
There are two elections held each year, the Primary Election in the spring term and the Fall Election at the beginning of fall term. All officers and a majority of all Senators are elected in the spring. Incoming first-year students can learn more about running for office during their orientation this summer.
HONOR SOCIETIES
- Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma (ALDPES)
- Eta Sigma Gamma
- Iota Iota Iota (Tri-Iota)
- Psi Chi
More Honorary Academic Recognition
- Lambda Pi Eta
- Phi Sigma Iota
- Pinnacle
- Torch and Key
SPECIAL INTEREST
- Birderbein
- Campus Activities Board (CAB)
- Gamers Guild
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøAnimal Conservation Club
- OtterPAWS
- Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE)
SPORTS & RECREATIONAL
- Otterbein’s Intramural Sports League
- Cardinal Dance Team
- Cheerleading
- Fitness and Recreation
- º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøEquestrian Teams
STUDENT MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS
- AEGIS Humanities Journal
- Kate, a feminist publication
- Quiz & Quill
- WOBN – University Radio Station
- Otterbein.tv – University Television Station
Can’t find the club you’re looking for?
It’s easy to start a new organization. Students do it all the time!
Experience a Day HERE.
Every day you spend on campus will be rich with opportunities for learning, engagement, and fun. You can follow a day in the life of any of the Cardinals below. From athletes to artists, leaders to scholars, and so much more — you can check out what students with all kinds of majors, interests, and involvement do on a typical day at Otterbein.
Be sure to check out more of these student stories in our #TuesdayTakeovers on Instagram >
Olive
Chemistry and Molecular Biology Double-Major
Kelleys Island, OH
Joshua
Political Science Major
Columbus, OH
Yasmeen
Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Public Health Education Triple Major
Psychology and Chemistry Minor
Hilliard, OH
Alex
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Psychology Double Major
Akron, OH
Michael
History and Art History Double Major
Studio Art Minor
Columbus, OH
Ezekiel
Public Relations Major
Columbus, OH
Health and Wellness MatterÌý±á·¡¸é·¡.
Staying healthy and feeling well is an important part of your experience as an º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøstudent. We have many offerings on campus to fit your interests and needs from fitness equipment to recreational sports, as well as quiet spaces for study and reflection. And if you need someone to talk to, we have that too. Our services and activities are meant to ensure you feel healthy, happy, and supported on your path to success.
Student Health
Because choices matter, we partner with campus and community programs to provide a variety of wellness education opportunities.
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøCounseling Center
The Counseling Center operates using a short-term therapy model, and tailors the number of individual sessions to the individual student’s specific clinical needs.
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøPolice Department
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøwill be your home for four years, and the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×רÇøPolice Department will ensure that it is a safe home.
Fitness & Recreation
We have the equipment and fitness classes to keep you healthy, fit and active.