Otterbein University 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.

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.

For more information about these organizations, please contact the Center for Student Engagement at CSE@otterbein.edu

Otterbein University Student Government consists of 60 students, elected or appointed, to serve as the representative body for all Otterbein Students.

Student Government Executive Officers

Student Government Positions

Senators

The remainder of Student Government are the Senators, elected or appointed, to represent various constituency groups on campus. From among these Senators, a Speaker and Parliamentarian are elected each year.

Speaker

The Speaker will be a Senator nominated and elected by the Senators at the first meeting of the Student Government after Inauguration. The Speaker will serve as a member of the Executive Committee and serve as a representative of the Senators of the Student Government.

Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian will be a Senator nominated and elected by the Senators at the first meeting of the Student Government after Inauguration. The Parliamentarian will serve as an officer of the Student Government with all of the same voting rights and responsibilities of other Senators.

Senator Positions

Distinctive

• Athlete (appointed)
• International (elected in fall)
• Military

Executive Committee

• Purpose – To oversee the general direction of the Student Government.
• Chair – President
• Membership – The four (4) Executive Officers, the Speaker, and the two (2) Student Trustees

Allocations Committee

• Purpose – To oversee the allocation of Student Government’s Student Life funds to recognized student organizations.
• Chair – The Treasurer shall chair the Allocations committee.
• Membership – Senators and other assemblies’ representatives as outlined in the Bylaws.

Elections Committee

• Purpose – To oversee the elections process of Student Government and monitor Officers and Senators in the fulfillment of their responsibilities.
• Chair – The Vice President shall chair the Elections Committee.
• Membership – Senators and other assemblies’ representatives as outlined in the Bylaws.

Campus Services and Student Experience Committee

• Purpose – To oversee campus services affecting student life and the Campus Life Handbook, to oversee the student experience, serving as an advocate for student concerns.
• Chair – The Chair shall be a Senator elected by the committee.
• Membership – Senators and other assemblies’ representatives as outlined in the Bylaws.

Student Organization Development Committee

• Purpose – To oversee the recognition and engagement of Otterbein’s student organizations and advocate for student involvement in the campus experience.
• Chair – The Chair shall be a Senator elected by the committee.
• Membership – Senators and other assemblies’ representatives as outlined in the Bylaws.

Dining Advisory Board

• Purpose: To respond to concerns and solicit feedback about on-campus dining, recommend to the University Senate policies and regulations with regard to dining on campus, and work with the contracted dining services on campus to promote positive dining experiences.
• Chair: The chair shall be a Senator elected by the committee.
• Membership: Senators and other assemblies’ representatives as outlined in the Bylaws, non-OUSG student representatives.

The following services and discounts are available to active Otterbein students compiled by representatives of the student gocernment as of Spring of 2025. This may be other discounts available not listed here.

Campus Services

Art Exhibitions 

Otterbein displays various art exhibits throughout the year and all of them are free! Please access this link to get a schedule of current and upcoming exhibits and receptions.

Notary Signature

Please set up an appointment for a signature by calling (614) 823-1149 or contact Debra Blankartz – General Accounting Assistant located in the Business Office

Otterbein Theatre Tickets

Academic Year Productions
Otterbein University faculty and staff are eligible to receive free tickets for themselves and immediate family members to plays, the dance concert, and Thursday and Sunday performances of musicals. (Tickets for Friday and Saturday performances of musicals can be purchased for $13.00 each, which is nearly a 50% discount.) Tickets must be reserved in person with a valid Cardinal Card at the Cowan Hall Box Office. Contact the Box Office at (614)823-1109 with questions.  

Otterbein Summer Theatre Productions
Otterbein faculty and staff and their immediate family members are invited to attend a free preview of each production in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall. Seating is general admission, first come-first served, and no advance tickets are distributed. 

Westerville Area Discounts

Westerville Parks and Recreation | (614) 901-6500 

Otterbein employees are eligible for resident rates for Westerville Community Center memberships, programs, and pool passes since employment taxes are paid to the City of Westerville.  Be prepared to show proof of employment with a recent copy of an Otterbein pay voucher. (The Westerville Parks and Recreation Department does not accept the Cardinal Card as proof of employment.) 

Homewood Suites | (614) 396-5100 

The Homewood Suites Polaris location offers Otterbein students and family possible discounts upon request. In the past, faculty and staff have been offered discounts of up to 25% mention this in your room negotiation (room booking) and you will likely get a discount! 

Education First Credit Union | (614) 221-9376 

Otterbein employees are eligible for the following: fee-free checking (including a debit card and 50 free checks), free transactions at the ATM by the Otterbein Café, and fee-free Health Savings Accounts.

Dairy Queen – Westerville | Phone: (614) 899-2253 

Otterbein students are eligible for a 10% discount on purchases when they show their Cardinal Card.  

Java Central | Phone: (614) 839-0698 

Otterbein students are eligible for a 10% discount on purchases when they show their Cardinal Card.

Koble Greek and Italian Grill | Phone: (614) 882-6366 

Otterbein students are eligible for a 15% discount on purchases when they show their Cardinal Card.  

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern | Phone: (614) 890-3663 

Otterbein students receive a 10% discount when they show their Cardinal Card.

Whit’s Frozen Custard | Phone: (614) 741-4100 

Otterbein students receive a 10% discount when they show Otterbein identification.

Cardinal Pizza | Phone: (614) 423-8717 

Otterbein students receive a 10% discount when they show Otterbein identification.

Espresso Air | Phone: (614)392-2944 

Otterbein student receive a 15% discount when they show Otterbein identification.

David Myers Art Studio | Phone: (614) 288-4961 

Receive 10% off any product or service priced up to $200 with valid identification.  

Westerville Automotive | Phone: (614)890-6700 

All current coupons in the shop apply, as well as a 10% discount on service with your Otterbein Cardinal Card.