Social | Academic and Professional | Campus Ministries
Student Activities Connection (SAC) The Student Activities Connection plans activities to develop a well-rounded social, educational and multi-cultural environment for Ottawa University's students, faculty and staff. Two student directors lead SAC. Past activities have included comedy, music, film and cultural programs, as well as activities such as mud and sand volleyball, paintball and trips to various activities and events in Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka. Greek Life Greek life is an important part of the campus life. Greek sororities/fraternities provide an opportunity for students to plan social events and community service projects, participate in intramural athletics and enhance leadership skills. Greek life consists of Kappa Tau Delta, Phi Kappa Chi, Pi Theta Chi, and Mu Epsilon Nu. The Whole Earth Club The Whole Earth Club creates opportunities for the Ottawa University community to experience the diverse cultures represented by our faculty, staff and students. Led by Dr. Murle Mordy, the group organizes activities that allow students to interact and learn each other's customs, values and traditions through a variety of programs and cultural events. Intramural Athletics Intramural athletic activities offer a voluntary program that allows students, regardless of degree or skill, to compete in athletic activities within the school. The program's aim is to not only contribute to the health and fitness of each student, but to develop wholesome recreational skills, constructive attitudes and desirable social relationships. Intramural athletics are recreation by participation. The program organizes activities such as basketball, flag football, volleyball, sand volleyball, whiffle ball, disk golf, racquetball, table tennis, and Frisbee. Athletic Band Ottawa University supports an athletic band for sporting activities such as football, basketball and other athletic events. The band also participates in campus events. Dance Ottawa University's Dance Team performs at most home football and men's basketball games. Try-outs are held in the spring. Cheer The Ottawa University Cheer/Yell Leaders perform at all home football and basketball games, along with most away games. Cheerleaders selected in the spring attend a summer camp in early August. Try-outs are held each spring. Amnesty International This organization campaigns for human rights worldwide. Black Student Union (BSU) The Black Students Union seeks to unite the OU student body and increase awareness of the black culture and support black students. The BSU plans activities to promote diversity, friendship and understanding. SWAAN Enhances the cultural and social climate at Ottawa University. WIAKA WIAKA is an organization for women who are interested in the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. sorority.
Fine Arts, Music and Theatre More than one-third of Ottawa University's students participate in art, music and theater activities and course. Each year, OU Theatre group presents at least three major productions. Productions vary in scope and type, including traditional works, musicals, contemporary works, dinner theater, and experimental theater. The productions offer students a wide variety of opportunities to experience theater and become involved. The Department of Art offers courses in studio drawing, painting, graphic arts, ceramics, and design, which culminate in exhibits and shows. The Department of Music offers both vocal and instrumental courses and performance groups. Auditions are held each fall for groups such as the University Concert Choir, Oratorio Choir, Adelante Singers, Symphonette, Jazz Ensemble, and University Ringers (a five-octave hand bell choir). Regular concerts are held throughout the academic year. The Ottawan Students have the opportunity to visually record the events and organizations of Ottawa University through photography and media design in the student yearbook The Ottawan.
The Campus Newspaper students receive credit in the hands-on production of The Campus, the oldest student-produced newspaper in Kansas. Students meet weekly to apply journalistic principals in planning, writing and production. Click here to read The Campus Online.
KTJO, RAGE 88.9 Students have the opportunity to be DJs, talk show hosts or call exciting play-by-play action of Ottawa University athletic events on our student radio station, Rage 88.9. Heard around the OU campus and online, Rage 88.9 is a great avenue for students to gain practical experience in broadcasting. Click here to listen to archived athletic events on Rage 88.9.
VP Group The Video Production Group is responsible for recording, editing and producing archives of campus events and student projects. Students gain hands-on experience in professional type settings in video and film.
Media Sales Team The Media Sales Team is responsible for selling all ads placed in any campus media including The Ottawan, The Campus, The Campus Online, and Rage 88.9. Students work on commission and are responsible for maintaining relationships with clients throughout the design and placement process.
Intercollegiate Forensics Team Ottawa University competes in intercollegiate forensics in platform speaking, limited preparation speaking, oral interpretation, and debate. The OU team participates in tournaments around the country, typically ending the season with a state tournament followed by a national tournament. Joining the speech and debate team will help you prepare for a career that uses speech performance abilities. Team competition will also give you an edge in jobs where speech skills are less obviously in demand.
At Ottawa University, the intercollegiate forensics team travel schedule is very selective, allowing you more time to devote to academics and develop other interests. You will enjoy traveling to outstanding regional, state and national tournaments in such states as Illinois, California and Florida. OU students not only compete against students from across the country, they also develop friendships with them as well.
Pi Kappa Delta PKD, a national honorary forensics society, was founded in 1913 and today has over 60,000 members. Ottawa University is the original charter chapter of Pi Kappa Delta and sponsors a variety of philanthropic and educational activities beyond the Ottawa community. These off-campus events include high school workshops, supporting local high school tournaments, and various local, regional and national performance opportunities.
Forensics Club The Forensics Club sponsors on-campus activities for students to explore public speaking and performance skills, including improvisational comedy, public forum debates, literary performances, speech showcases and service activities that support the Ottawa community.
National Scholastic Honor Societies Each year national honor societies elect eligible Ottawa University students into their membership. The national honor societies with chapters at Ottawa University include Alpha Psi Omega, a national dramatics fraternity; Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society for education students; Phi Kappa Theta, a national history honor society; Pi Kappa Delta, a national forensic fraternity established in 1913;and Sigma Alpha Honor Society, an academic honoe society established this honor society in 1941 to encourage high academic achievement by electing to membership only students who rank in the top 10 percent of the senior class or the top two percent of the junior class. Biology Club The Biology Club at Ottawa University was established to increase interest in the field of biology by discussing relevant topics and taking field trips to educate participants, all the while raising awareness in the community. Drama Club Expands the theatrial experience of its members by viewing film versions of famous plays and supporting other related activities. Student Senate The Student Senate represents the students' voice to the faculty and administration. Students elect their 13 senators annually, as well as a student body president and vice president. The student body president primarily serves as the liaison among faculty, administrators and students. The Student Senate meets regularly to discuss and take action on issues facing Ottawa University students. Student senators work in a committee format to serve the interests of all Ottawa University students.
Braving Discipleship Braving Discipleship is a weekend retreat for high school students from Kansas and surrounding states. OU students completely plan and administer this program, which takes place the first weekend each November. Students have ample opportunities to lead committees and small-group workshops within this Christian-based ministry. Religious Life Council The Religious Life Council coordinates the campus' various religious programs. The Council is composed of the campus minister, the campus ministries intern, representatives from student religious groups, and representatives from the faculty/staff. Christian Faith in Action (CFA) Christian Faith in Action meets each Week. The meetings feature a worship service and a devotion. Surge Surge is a group of volunteer students who form a traveling ministry team. The group spends several weekends each semester performing skits and participating in lock-ins and conferences all across the state. This group is perfect for students wishing to evangelize through drama, music and testimonies. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) The Fellowship of Christian Athletes reaches out to student-athletes by sponsoring activities. Representatives from each athletic team lead the group's weekly meetings. Meetings generally include discussions and feature pizza and soda - a break from the athletes' usual diets. Get Off The Couch and Help Another (GOTCHA) GOTHCA meets weekly. The group's primary focus is service to the OU and greater Ottawa community. Some of the group's activities include visits to the Ottawa Retirement Village, delivering food baskets to needy Ottawa families and working with Habitat for Humanity. Mission Trips Each year Campus Ministries plans a spring break mission trip, usually in conjunction with the Religious Life Council. The trips are student led and student organized. Over the past two years, students have traveled to Pennsylvania and Mississippi to work in the inner city. All Ottawa University students are welcome to participate in these mission trips. Summer Camp Ministry Each summer Ottawa University sends a summer camp ministry team to various American Baptist summer camps around the Midwest. Teams have visited six camps in Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, and Colorado. Summer camp teams attend a three-day training session that emphasizes all aspects of summer camp ministry. Students learn how to lead small group Bible studies, music, craft activities, games, and devotionals. Students also conduct team-building activities during their training and during the summer camps. Gospel Choir The Ottawa University Gospel Choir is a biblically based organization whose purpose is to minister through various form of gospel music. Though this unique cultural ministry of gospel music is deeply rooted in the African American tradition, the choir includes a diverse group of believers from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. OUGC offers scholarships and is open to current and new incoming students.