Diversity Student Organizations

Call Student Affairs at 614-823-1250 for information about how to contact these organizations.

African-American Student Union (AASU)
The AASU was established in 1987 to promote unity and cooperation among African-American students and all students with similar interests and/or backgrounds. Membership is open to any Otterbein student who supports and respects the heritage, legacies and cultural traditions of African-American people.

Freezone (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Transgender and Allies Organization)
As Otterbein's gay-straight student allience, Freezone provides a secure, inclusive, and welcoming environment for glbtiq students and their allies. At weekly meetings, students come together to plan social events and campus programs that educate, inform, and showcase the richest facets of glbtiq culture.

International Students Association (ISA)
ISA promotes international understanding, friendship and good will by initiating an environment of cultural learning through discussions, cultural programs and activities.

Sisters United
Sisters United is an organization dedicated to the political, cultural and social advancement for women of color on campus. These goals are fostered by activities and workshops designed to build awareness and friendship among women. The programs are designed to meet the needs and concerns of women of color; however, all students are welcome to attend. The members of Sisters United seek to create innovative, interesting and intellectually stimulating programming throughout the year.

Men of Vision
Men of Vision is an organization of Otterbein male student leaders. This organization promotes male leadership within the Otterbein community, recognizing the importance of developing and exchanging views and ideas among college men on campus. The goals are to encourage Otterbein males to become active in leadership roles and service on and off campus, in addition to enhancing and further developing the skills and talents of male student leaders. Men of Vision works collaboratively with other student organizations, such as Sisters United.

Africana Club
The Africana Club is a student organization dedicated to sharing African culture and information about African issues and career opportunities involving African locations with the Otterbein community. Africana Club members have organized medical and school supply collection drives for orphans in Liberia, sponsored presentations by the Ohio Department of Development on Ohio's trade with Africa, and organized fun events like movie nights and African dance lessons. Membership is open to all Otterbein students.

The Alliance of Black Student Leadership (The Alliance)
The Alliance is a body of Black Student Unions (BSU's) from Otterbein College, Capital University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Kenyon College and Denison University. This organization works together to develop, strengthen and foster student leadership among African-American students. Students from the various campuses come together throughout the year for social events, educational programs and networking opportunities. The biggest event for The Alliance is the educational Spring Cultural Trip.

William Henry Fouse House of Black Culture (HBC)
The House of Black Culture was named after Otterbein's first African-American graduate, William Henry Fouse. The HBC, established in 1994, serves 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 through programming and discussions for the Otterbein community. The HBC also assists the Office of Ethnic Diversity by hosting receptions for visiting guests. A quarterly signature program is the Late Night Breakfast which is a study break for students preparing for finals.

Shades of Success (SOS)
Shades of Success is a transition program for incoming freshmen/transfer students of color. The goals of SOS are to 1) expose students to the resources neccessary to build a strong academic career by introducing faculty, administrators and students leaders, 2) expose students to social activities and student organizations as way to get engaged and feel comfortable on campus, 3) welcome students of color and their families in a small, intimate setting, allowing students to meet peers and upperclassmen and 4) allow students the opportunity to become familiar with their surroundings before New Student Weekend.

DESIRE (Diversity Education Scholars: Involved in Reaching and Educating)
DESIRE is a peer education program specifically designed for students to have open and candid discussions about diversity. Scholars are selected through an application process and are trained in a variety of diversity issues and subjects. The scholars work together and independently, in conjunction with the Office of Ethnic Diversity to promote diversity and plan the DESIRE Diversity Conference. Students participating and completing the DESIRE program receive a financial stipend for their service at the end of the year.

Heritage of Latino Americans (HOLA)
The purpose of HOLA is to develop a sense of community and pride among Latino American students at Otterbein College and to promote friendship and cooperation among all students at Otterbein College.