Student Experience

What kinds of student organizations does Otterbein offer?

Otterbein offers student organizations across a variety of categories, including Fraternity and Sorority life, Otterbein University Student Government, community service, diversity and inclusion, honorary, fine arts, athletics and recreation, academics and professional, political, religious, student media and social. To see a complete list of all of Otterbein’s student organizations, visit www.otterbein.edu/studentorgs. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can even start your own student organization!

How can I get involved with student organizations?

Each year, Otterbein hosts a First Friday Festival (fall term) and Winter Involvement Fair (spring term) at the Campus Center, at which many student organizations set up tables and hand out information about their groups. Many students also find out about student organization meetings through word of mouth, flyers posted around campus or the campus calendar of events (www.otterbein.edu/events). You can also contact the Center for Student Engagement at cse@otterbein.edu for information on how to reach student organization leaders directly. Feel free to stop at the Campus Center Office to learn more about student activities.

How do I join a fraternity or sorority?

Each semester, Otterbein’s fraternities and sororities hold informational events for new students to learn about Fraternity and Sorority life. For more information about Otterbein’s Greek chapters and recruitment, visit www.otterbein.edu/gogreek.

Can I go to campus events for free?

All full-time students receive FREE tickets to all main stage theatre and dance productions, music performances, special convocations and lectures, and art exhibitions during the academic year. Student organizations also host a variety of events throughout the year that are free for students. You also get FREE admission to home athletic events with your Cardinal Card (student ID).

How can I give back?

Otterbein’s Center for Student Engagement (CSE) is dedicated to serving the campus and local communities. You have the opportunity to get involved with a variety of community service student organizations that meet weekly to serve in the community.

Otterbein hosts the Fall Community Service Plunge where first-year students volunteer in Westerville to assist the community with literacy, food access, and environmental and other local issues.

The Otterbein Community Garden, located at Otterbein’s Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science just a few minutes northeast of campus, is a one-acre give back garden. The Garden serves as a Living Learning Laboratory for Otterbein students, an educational site for youth camps and workshops, and a demonstration site for sustainable gardening practices. Students can volunteer at the garden or have their own plot!

Where can I attend worship services?

There are many opportunities to worship at Otterbein. Catholic students attend mass each Sunday morning, and there are a variety of protestant and non-denominational services on campus every week. As a United Methodist affiliated school, there are two United Methodist churches adjacent to campus. You are also encouraged to attend Westerville area churches, synagogues and mosques, many of which are within walking distance or just a short drive from campus. A listing of area worshipping communities is available in the Office of Student Affairs, located in the back of Hanby Hall. For more information, contact Julie Saker at jsaker@otterbein.edu.

Where can I work out?

The Clements Recreation and Fitness Center has a sanctioned six-lane, 200-meter indoor track; four practice courts for everything from basketball to tennis; four batting cages; and state-of-the-art Cybex weightlifting and Star Trac cardio equipment. The Rike Center’s “O” Club weight room features York Barbell equipment and free weights. Access all of these facilities by swiping your Cardinal Card at the front desk located in the Clements Center. To learn more about our fitness and recreation facilities visit www.otterbein.edu/fitness-recreation/facilities.

Group fitness classes are offered free of charge during the semester in the Rike Center Fitness Studio, located across from the “O” Club Weight Room. For updated information on this programming and Clements Recreation Center, please visit www.otterbein.edu/fitness-recreation.

Otterbein is located adjacent to the 26-mile Westerville bikeway/leisure path. The Dave Lehman Cross Country course offers a mix of grass trails, fields, woods, and a scenic view of Alum Creek.  Runners, hikers, and walkers can all find a quiet peaceful place to workout.  Visit www.westerville.org to learn more about the city’s parks and recreation facilities. You can borrow a bike through Otterbein’s Otterbike program to ride the paths or simply cross campus. Just stop by Otterbein’s Courtright Memorial Library to ask about the program or rent a bike.

What sports are offered at Otterbein?

The Cardinals compete in 22 NCAA Division III sports and are part of the Ohio Athletic Conference. Visit otterbeincardinals.com to see a list of the men’s and women’s sports, rosters and schedules. Remember, just show your Cardinal Card at the ticket gate to get into home athletic events for FREE.

Otterbein also offers several club sports including cheerleading and an Equestrian team. Our newest competitive club sport opportunity are Esports that will compete in a new state-of-the-art arena located at The Point.  To start a new club sport contact the Center for Student Engagement at cse@otterbein.edu. Tryouts for cheerleading, dance, and mascots will be during First Flight. Equestrian team information is available at www.otterbein.edu/equine.

What are some Otterbein traditions?

• Painting the Rock
• Doughnut run to Schneider’s Bakery in Uptown Westerville
• The annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Feast
• Spaghetti dinners at the Church of the Master (located adjacent to campus)
• First Flight and New Student Welcome Convocation
• Faculty clap-out at Commencement
• Community Service Plunge Days (the entire campus, and even alumni, participate)
• Homecoming events and parade
• Late Night Breakfast each term

What resources are available to students on campus?

Student Affairs Office: If you have any questions or concerns about student life at Otterbein, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Affairs Office at 614-823-1250.

Office of Social Justice and Activism (OSJA): The Office of Social Justice and Activism serves as a resource for all students, hosting programs and events that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion. Through educational, social, and cultural programs, you are encouraged to explore your identity and to learn about the diverse populations that create the Otterbein community. OSJA is located in the Multicultural Center, accessible from the West side of Barlow Hall, behind the rock. Please stop by, call 614-823-1312, or visit www.otterbein.edu/osja for more information.

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Resource Center (WGSRC): The WGSRC serves to educate the Otterbein community about women’s and gender issues; acts as a campus resource for meetings, programming and educational materials centered on women’s and gender issues; and provides a safe and inclusive space for all students. The WGSRC is also staffed with peer advocates who are trained to offer confidential information and support to women, LGBTQIA students, and survivors of sexual violence of any gender. The helpline can be reached at 614-823-1028.

The Promise House: The Promise House is a food pantry and resource center for students. They provide food staples, personal care items, and school supplies, as well as Emergency Mini-Grants. Contact promisehouse@otterbein.edu for assistance or to meet with a Resource Navigator.