The Higher Education Review

Belonging from India's Silicon Valley, Bangalore, Rohan Ashok had an opportunity to engage with a variety of teachers and experience different teaching methodologies during the years of completing a couple of degrees in India. However, it was only after enrolling in Ohio Christian University (OCU), that he realized the uniqueness of OCU's faculty members compared to others, who enables him to enjoy a style of teaching that is much more experiential and that promotes thinking and introspection. Pursuing a dual major in Sport Management and Business at OCU, Ashok says, “I feel that the education I am receiving at OCU greatly adds value in terms of life experience and the opportunity to interact and observe a different culture. Along with learning new subjects, I also get enough time to play in the University's Men's Basketball Team.” OCU highly focuses on providing the students with a fulfilling campus and educational life; all the academic programs are complemented by unique opportunities for hands-on experience, mentorship, and personal development.

OCU has over 70 years in the education arena, and has been imparting a range of residential UG programs and Adult Degree Programs in fields like Business, Education, Emergency Management, Government, Information Technology, Ministry, Music and Psychology, including offering UG classes online through OCUOnlinePlus, where students also have the option of participating in for-credit enrichment experiences on campus or abroad. “At Ohio Christian University, we have prioritized the functionality and convenience that can be afforded through the offering of online studies. Our online courses are accelerated by delivering five to six week increments, permitting students the ability to focus on one course at a time, allowing them to truly learn the subjects. The accelerated nature of the courses also assists in maximizing student efforts, which helps them succeed. By benefiting our students with an asynchronous format, we enable them to choose to earn a wide variety of degrees at their convenience of 24 hours a day, seven days a week. OCUOnline Plus program has been strategically designed

keeping in mind the flexibility of our students, helping them sharpen their skills throughout the program," says Stacey Busho, Director of Online Recruitment, OCU.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Teacher Education Accreditation Council, and Ohio Department of Higher Education, OCU is affiliated with the Association of Biblical Higher Education and Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Stacey adds, “We have received high rankings for our online degrees, owing these degrees being so affordable and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.” Considering its long legacy of generating a large number of productive graduates, the University witness applications from students of different parts of the world both for its residential and online programs. Rachel Fulks, Head International Student Advisor, shares, “Over the years, we have noticed our Indian students mostly show interest to study in our School of Business and Government that targets to equip students with the knowledge and real-world experience required for a successful career.” OCU leaves no stone unturned in enriching its international students' experience through encouraging them to indulge in business plan competitions, internships, networking with senior business leaders and have trips to Wall Street in New York City and Washington D.C. Furthermore, the University has placed an Office of Integrated Student Services that facilitate students with wide services and programs, coupled with a Director of Student Engagement exclusively for helping international students adjust and connect to campus.

"OCU leaves no stone unturned in enriching its international students' experience through encouraging them to indulge in business plan competitions, internships, networking with senior business leaders and have trips to Wall Street in New York City".

A Blissful Campus Life
Determined on educating the students in a close-knit Christian community environment, the faculty members of OCU are highly motivated to interact one-to-one with each student and give them equal attention. "The graduates of OCU are often found appreciating the Christian perspective from which we teach all of our courses. The strong values that we cultivate, enable them to achieve their goals after completing their respective courses,” claims Fulks. The campus of OCU is nestled in the Circleville city of Ohio, which is located close to Columbus, the capital city of Ohio is an ideal gateway for international students who aspire to study in a picturesque, safe and studious atmosphere.

Fulks proudly says, “Every year, the University management puts efforts for upgrading the campus facilities and attractions

that include opening Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center in 2017 which houses OCU Business Innovation Center as well as many entrepreneurial and business internship opportunities and the most recent addition- the Ministry and Performing Arts Center which commenced in 2018. Its grand auditorium houses our music, worship and performing arts programs as well as many community events and conferences.” Given the University's explicit stress on student-centric approach, the international students every year are offered the $3000 International Student Scholarship that can be combined with an Academic Scholarship (based on SAT Score) and an Athletic Scholarship. Moreover, because of the University's online studies feature that is accelerated by offering students in five to six-week increments students are less likely to confront the burn of expensive education. Instead, they are proved to truly learn the subject.

The incredible faculty-student ratio of 1:11 also acts as a cherry on top for the students of OCU, where the quality of education is strongly sustained and gets the opportunity to clear their doubts whenever required. In parallel, the University provides career services to the students for guiding them in preparation for jobs and interviews through workshops and career development resources, alongside appointing a Student Involvement Council that is responsible for empowering the students with leadership opportunities and endowing the campus with regular holistic events. “Not only academic, but we also prioritize co-curricular activities, in the account of which, OCU today boasts of having 15 OCU Trailblazer teams including Men's and Women's: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field, and Tennis and many more,” opines Fulks. Ardently committed to a comprehensive education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually, OCU in coming years as well, envisions hosting more Indian students with an assurance of granting them a culturally diverse environment to study.

Dr. Jon Kulaga, President
Dr. Jon Kulaga is the 11th President of Ohio Christian University. Kulaga has nearly 30 years of higher education experience that includes academics, advancement, and student life/development. He earned his Ph.D. from Kansas State University and is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist denomination of Christianity. He and his wife, Lena, have been married for 31 years and have four children.