Here are some stories of interest to the Ohio University-Chillicothe campus community:

  

• PROJECT SERVE ENGAGES INCOMING STUDENTS IN OU-C COMMUNITY

• CARVER COMMUNITY CENTER STUDENTS TO TOUR OU-C

The full stories are below.

 

Project SERVE Engages Incoming Students in OU-C Community

 

Project SERVE (Summer Enrichment Reading and Volunteer Experience) takes an active approach toward helping first-year students at Ohio University-Chillicothe get off on the right foot in making the most of their college journeys.

 

Begun in 2002, the initiative combines a common reading project and community service aspect to focus on working and learning together both inside and outside of the classroom. New college students opting to participate in the 2-credit hour class meet together for 2 hours of classroom time per week for five weeks prior to the start of fall classes, beginning in late July. Participants write a final paper summing up what they have learned from the experience and how they can apply those lessons.

 

This summer two sections will be held, one in the morning and another in the evening to accommodate summer job schedules; each section will include approximately 15 to 20 students.

 

“Often, these students continue to stay in touch throughout their college careers and form a type of support system for each other,” former Coordinator of Student Support Diane Diekroger said. “The lasting friendships they form are one of the best and most fulfilling outcomes of the project.”

 

Diekroger, who retired this summer, has spearheaded the student-engagement project and turned over the reins to adjunct faculty member Jody River. River teaches university experience courses (UC), which are designed to assist with student success.

 

“The project is taught in a seminar type of format, which encourages participation by the incoming students,” River said. “This interaction among the students and the instructor provides an ideal format to explorer new and challenging ideas.”

 

“Since there are no residence halls at OU-C, it is particularly important to take the steps to build a sense of community among our incoming students,” Diekroger said. “We are very intentional in helping our students become engaged members of the campus community and Chillicothe community. It is all part of offering the students a full, balanced college experience.”

 

Project SERVE received its impetus from the “Common Reading Project” that was begun on the Athens campus. OU-C students read “Einstein’s Dream,” a compilation of short essays that focus on time-management, relationships and decision-making.

 

These three topics are particularly relevant since they are three of the keys to having a successful college career.

 

Students meet to discuss topics addressed in the book and also learn about OU-C resources that are available to assist them during their college careers, such as tutoring help, extra-curricular offerings and career services.

 

“The goal is to help our students gain confidence and become successful college students,” Diekroger said. “We want them to have the information and resources they need to succeed in college.”

 

A volunteer aspect has been added, which allows incoming students to use their skills and energy to help their communities through 25 hours in a community service pursuit. For example, students who plan to major in education may become involved in a reading program for youngsters. Among other volunteer options are helping with the Salvation Army, assisting with summer high school band camps, working with domestic-violence shelters and cleaning up litter along roadways and fields.

 

The volunteer portion is rooted in the philosophy that, in building a sense of community, it seems wise to include a call to action to help improve the community in which they live. At OU-C, the focus is on ensuring that each student has an exceptional educational experience, and Project SERVE serves as a good starting point toward that goal.

 

Carver Community Center Students to Tour OU-C

 

Approximately 12 students, ages 14 through 18, from Carver Community Center, will tour Ohio University-Chillicothe on Thursday, July 5.

 

“Events such as this offer an opportunity to introduce area students to the opportunities that are available to them and how higher education can open the doors to future success,” Manager of Student Recruitment T.J. Eveland said. “We want to make certain that area students are aware of OU-C’s offerings and the sense of community that exists on campus. It is our hope that some of these students will eventually graduate from OU-C and use their education to make a further impact on the Chillicothe community.”

 

The students will tour facilities that support students’ educational experiences such as classrooms, the Learning Commons and other campus venues.

  

 

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Campus News Archive 2007

Campus News Archive 2006