Theme Houses

Theme Housesare an on-campus living option for students with a common goal. Residents of each house are expected to create and take part in programming events to benefit the residents, the special interest group they represent, and the campus community. Any full-time sophomore, junior or senior Otterbein student in good standing with the College is eligible to live in a College-operated house. Residents of each house must be the same gender and must apply as a group in the spring of each year.

Two houses are permanent features of the Residence Life Program because of the connection with their academic department. The other houses may alternate each year, depending on the applications submitted for selection.

The application process for 2008-2009 Academic Year is closed.

Theme House Printable Information

• Theme House Handboook (pdf file)

If you have questions about the Theme Houses, please contact Jeff Akers via email or call the Student Affairs Office at 614-823-1250.

Permanent Theme Houses
The Honors House - 46 W. Home Street
		The Honors House is a permanent theme houses. Four junior or senior students in the Honors Program occupy the house. Through the use of their house, the residents promote Honors program. The house serves as a central location where Honors students can socialize or study. For more information about the Honors House and their programs, contact contact Dr. Cindy Laurie-Rose, House Advisor at (614) 823-1465.
The House of Black Culture - 154 W. Home Street
		The House of Black Culture (HBS) is a permanent theme house at Otterbein College. Named after Otterbein's first African American graduate, William Henry Fouse, the HBC was established in 1994 serving as a meeting and social space for African American students. The house offers living space to five same sex individuals who are involved in the African American Student Union and/or other diversity organizations on campus. The HBC promotes cultural exchange for the Otterbein community through programming and discussions. The HBC also assists the Office of Ethnic Diversity by hosting receptions for visiting guests. Signature programs include a Welcome Back Cookout and End of the Year Cookout. For more information about the House of Black Culture, contact Angela Harris at (614) 823-1250.

Alternating Theme Houses
146 W. Home Street
The Men of Vision House houses four men with a common goal to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for men seeking to build lasting friendships, better themselves, and hold each other accountable.
155 W. Home Street
The TAP House is named such because it houses four Theatre and Performance Majors. The houses' main purpose is to provide an atmosphere for performance majors to gather outside of a normal rehearsal space.
162 W. Home Street
Residents living in the Education House at are education majors. Residents support one another through the Education Program and plan programs on Columbus schools, leadership development and student teaching. Residents serve as role models to freshmen education majors and those going through the student teaching process. In addition, they host a variety of meetings, programs, and socials sponsored by the Education department.
188 W. Main Street
The Spiritual Growth House at is a unique living environment for students interested in learning more about themselves on a spiritual and personal level. Students can engage and interact in conversations with members of the Otterbein Christian Fellowship and learn more about Religious Life. This year, the house will plan numerous events regarding prayer and religion and host a variety of socials open to the campus community.
211 N. State Street
The Gender & GLBTQ Resource House provides a safe and welcoming space for students to gather and commune with a common goal of deepening each others' understanding.

2008-2009 Theme Houses

211 N. State Street
The A.M.P (Arts. Music and Performance) House is an arts appreciation house that strives to expand understanding and knowledge about the arts on campus.
162 W. Home Street
Residents living in the Education House are education majors. Residents support one another through the Education Program and plan programs for the Columbus City Schools, leadership development and student teaching. Residents serve as role models to freshmen education majors and those going through the student teaching process. In addition, they host a variety of meetings, programs, and socials sponsored by the Education Department.
146 W. Home Street
The House of Wilde is a safe and caring environment for GLBT students and allies. The four men that live here want to raise awareness of GLBT and gender issues on campus.
188 W. Main Street
The Spiritual Growth House at is a unique living environment for students interested in learning more about themselves on a spiritual and personal level. Students can engage and interact in conversations with members of the Otterbein Christian Fellowship and learn more about Religious Life. This year, the house will plan numerous events regarding prayer and religion and host a variety of socials open to the campus community.
155 W. Home Street
The TAP House is named such because it houses four Theatre and Performance Majors. The houses' main purpose is to provide an atmosphere for performance majors to gather outside of a normal rehearsal space.