Studentswithcardy

Campus
Life at
Otterbein

Threestudentssmiling Outside

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!

  • Check out all the ways you can get involved so you can make a difference while you’re making friends.

  • Find out what it means to be a part of this community.

  • Follow along with some Cardinals to experience a day their lives.

  • 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!

Studentswalking Happy

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

First Year Residence Halls

Residence Halls

The residence hall is your space, and you will spend a lot of time in there. So get creative and make this space your own!

Suite-Style Dorms

DeVore Hall was opened in Fall 2006 as Otterbein’s first suite-style residence hall.

Apartment Complexes

These are fully furnished and offer private bedrooms, a living room, dining room, full kitchen, full bath, and a half bath (in three and four bedroom units).

Greek Houses

Our Greek community has enjoyed more than 100 years of history on campus.

Other Benefits of Living on Campus

Enjoy access to parking, free laundry facilities, safety and security, and kitchen facilities. All on campus!

Hammocks

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!

Lawnchairs

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.

Library

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!

 

Makerspace

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 Otterbein students. You can also sit outside and enjoy the view of Otterbein Lake.

Artgallery

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.

Reccenter

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 Food HERE.

Whether you are the early bird or the night owl, there is plenty to go around.

There’s no pecking order, just swipe your Cardinal Card at these locations and help yourself! 

The Cardinal's Nest

Located in the Campus Center, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffett! Eight available food stations for most dietary needs.

The Otter Bean

Located in the Courtright Memorial Library. Grab a pastry, bowl of fruit, Starbucks or Crimson Cup coffee, and more!

The Point Cafe

Are you looking for a salad, sandwich, coffee, or full meal while you’re at The Point? The Point Cafe has dining options covered when life is busy.

The OtterDen

Located in the Campus Center, made-to-order grill food is available. Enjoy a mini-mart of grab-and-go snacks!

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.
Ccreno Collageblocks

BIG CHANGES
COMING SOON!

Campus Center Renovations Phase Two

NEW DINING UPGRADES!

Ccreno Collageblocks
Campus Center Existing

Existing Configuration

Campus Center Proposed

New Dining Experience

The Perfect Location is HERE.

Otterbein University’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

  • Otterbein Musical 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

  • Otterbein Men’s Sports
  • Otterbein Women’s Sports
  • Otterbein Clements 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

  • Otterbein Campus
  • 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

  • Otterbein Women’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

  • Otterbein Battelle Fine Arts Center
  • Otterbein Studio Arts
  • Otterbein Miller 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 Belong HERE.

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

“We are a diverse campus with students from a variety of backgrounds, and together we enrich one another. Otterbein is continuously striving to create a community that is accepting and inclusive with respect to class, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, race, sexual identity, political thought, and life experiences. Throughout the academic year, you will have access to an impressive array of events, lectures, and programs that feature exciting and compelling scholars, leaders, and innovators. The topics are greatly varied but they share a commitment to enrich, enlighten, and educate our community. We believe this is critical to the educational process and to the life skills that will serve you after graduation.” 

– Dr. Frank Dobson
Chief Diversity Officer

Frankdobson
Osja2

Office of Social Justice and Activism

The mission of the Office of Social Justice & Activism at Otterbein University is to foster a diverse and inclusive community while promoting the values of respect, open-mindedness, and personal and civic responsibility.

Freezone

FreeZone!

FreeZone is Otterbein’s LGBTQIA+ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual) student organization.

Wgs

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.

Trht

International Students

You will find a welcoming and supportive community at Otterbein with everything you need to have a great study abroad experience, from a personalized orientation to special programs, events, and student organizations.

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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.

Disabilityservices

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 Involved HERE.

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. We’re 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!  

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!

 

Try Something New!

Do something you love. You can find a club or organization that fits you here.

Community Garden

Join us for one time or regular volunteer opportunities throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall!

Quiz & Quill

Otterbein’s student literary magazine with a staff comprised entirely of Otterbein students.

Homecoming Court

You might not wear a crown, but you can still be royalty on the Otterbein Homecoming Court.

Celebrate Excellence

Find community and friendship at the BSU Black Excellence Ball and the OtterBall.

The Tree Lighting

A tradition to love. Start the holiday season with a sing-along and hot cocoa treats.

Plan-It Earth

Students not only think it’s easy to be green – they plan sustainable ways to practice it on campus.

Paint the Rock

FreeZone prides itself as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ students and allies.

Homecoming and Family Weekend

March in the parade, ride on a float, or take in the fun. Don’t miss it!

Student Government

A cornerstone of our shared governance is an equal representation ration of faculty to students.

Otterbein Athletics

Otterbein University 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

Greek Life

Student Government

Honor Societies

Religious & Spiritual

Special Interest

Sports & Recreational

Student Media & Publications

  • Animal Health Science Club
  • Botanical Society of America
  • Computer Science Club
  • Health Professions Club
  • Otterbein Actuarial Science Club
  • Otterbein Collegiate Middle Level Association (OCMLA)
  • Otterbein University Pre-Law Society
  • Otterbein Student Education Association (OSEA)
  • Otterbein University Student Branch of the American Society for Microbiology
  • Otterbein University Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society
  • Otterbein University Student Nursing Association (OUSNA)
  • Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Otterbein Chapter
  • Sport Management Club
  • CardinalCorps Leaders
  • OTTERTHON

More Involvement Opportunities in Cultural Engagement & Awareness

Center for Community Engagement
At Otterbein University’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 the Department of Music’s webpage for details about the many ensembles at Otterbein which include:

    • Bands (Marching Band & 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
    • Otterbein Deaf Culture Club
    • Sisters United

    More Opportunities in Cultural Engagement and Awareness

    • Otterbein Study Abroad
    • The Office of Social Justice & Activism Programs & Resources
    • Gospel Choir
    • William Henry Fouse House of Black Culture (HBC)

     

    Greek Governing Councils

    • InterFraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities
    • Panhellenic Council (Panhel) Sororities

    InterFraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities

    Panhellenic Council (Panhel) Sororities

    National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapters

    • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Omicron Rho City-Wide Chapter) (Currently Active)
    • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Pi Gamma City-Wide Chapter) (Currently Active)
    • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Nu Phi City-Wide Chapter) (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 at studentgovernment@otterbein.edu or Student Government Advisor, Tiffany 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
    • Muslim Student Association
    • Otterbein Catholic Student Ministry
    • Otterbein Christian Fellowship

    More Involvement Opportunities in Religious & Spiritual Life

    • Religious & Spiritual Life Council
    • Religious Life & Chaplain’s Office
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • Humble Dance
    • Birderbein
    • Campus Activities Board (CAB)
    • Gamers Guild
    • Otterbein Animal Conservation Club
    • OtterPAWS
    • Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE)
    • Otterbein’s Intramural Sports League
    • Cardinal Dance Team
    • Cheerleading
    • Fitness and Recreation
    • Otterbein Equestrian Teams
    • AEGIS Humanities Journal
    • www.Otterbein360.com
    • 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
    • Otterbein Actuarial Science Club
    • Otterbein Collegiate Middle Level Association (OCMLA)
    • Otterbein University Pre-Law Society
    • Otterbein Student Education Association (OSEA)
    • Otterbein University Student Branch of the American Society for Microbiology
    • Otterbein University Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society
    • Otterbein University Student Nursing Association (OUSNA)
    • Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Otterbein Chapter
    • Sport Management Club

    COMMUNITY SERVICE

    • CardinalCorps Leaders
    • OTTERTHON

    More Involvement Opportunities in Cultural Engagement & Awareness

    Center for Community Engagement
    At Otterbein University’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 the Department of Music’s webpage for details about the many ensembles at Otterbein which include:

      • Bands (Marching Band & 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
    • Otterbein Deaf Culture Club
    • Sisters United

    More Opportunities in Cultural Engagement and Awareness

    • Otterbein Study Abroad
    • The Office of Social Justice & Activism Programs & Resources
    • Gospel Choir
    • William Henry Fouse House of Black Culture (HBC)

    GREEK LIFE

    Greek Governing Councils

    • InterFraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities
    • Panhellenic Council (Panhel) Sororities

    InterFraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities

    Panhellenic Council (Panhel) Sororities

    National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Chapters

    • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Omicron Rho City-Wide Chapter) (Currently Active)
    • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Pi Gamma City-Wide Chapter) (Currently Active)
    • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Nu Phi City-Wide Chapter) (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 at studentgovernment@otterbein.edu or Student Government Advisor, Tiffany 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

    RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL

    • Muslim Student Association
    • Otterbein Catholic Student Ministry
    • Otterbein Christian Fellowship

    More Involvement Opportunities in Religious & Spiritual Life

    • Religious & Spiritual Life Council
    • Religious Life & Chaplain’s Office
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • Humble Dance

    SPECIAL INTEREST

    • Birderbein
    • Campus Activities Board (CAB)
    • Gamers Guild
    • Otterbein Animal Conservation Club
    • OtterPAWS
    • Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE)

    SPORTS & RECREATIONAL

    • Otterbein’s Intramural Sports League
    • Cardinal Dance Team
    • Cheerleading
    • Fitness and Recreation
    • Otterbein Equestrian Teams

    STUDENT MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS

    • AEGIS Humanities Journal
    • www.Otterbein360.com
    • 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 >
    Olivetuesdaytakeover

    Olive

    Chemistry and Molecular Biology Double-Major

    Kelleys Island, OH

     

    Joshuatuesdaytakeover

    Joshua

    Political Science Major

    Columbus, OH

     

    Yasmeentuesdaytakeover2

    Yasmeen

    Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Public Health Education Triple Major

    Psychology and Chemistry Minor

    Hilliard, OH

    Alexfaust Tuesdaytakeover Half

    Alex

    Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Psychology Double Major

    Akron, OH

     

    Michaelhunkins Tuesdaytakeover Half

    Michael

    History and Art History Double Major

    Studio Art Minor

    Columbus, OH

     

    Ezekiel Tuesdaytakeover Half

    Ezekiel

    Public Relations Major

    Columbus, OH

     

    Health and Wellness Matter HERE.

    Staying healthy and feeling well is an important part of your experience as an Otterbein student. 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.

    Studenthealth

    Student Health

    Because choices matter, we partner with campus and community programs to provide a variety of wellness education opportunities.

    Counselingcenter

    Otterbein Counseling 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.

    Opd

    Otterbein Police Department

    Otterbein will be your home for four years, and the Otterbein Police Department will ensure that it is a safe home.

    Workoutphoto

    Fitness & Recreation

    We have the equipment and fitness classes to keep you healthy, fit and active.

    IT’S EASY TO BECOME A CARDINAL!