Olivet provides an effective advising program, which is designed to make capable and mature advisers available to students. Each entering freshman is assigned to a faculty member who serves as an academic adviser. The adviser is generally from the department of the student’s major area of study. Faculty advisers are also assigned to students who are undeclared or undecided majors.
Student Development partners in the holistic learning and disciple-making mission of the university by cultivating communities of belonging, support, and engagement through formative and diverse experiences. We aspire to have the best student experience within the CCCU where students are inspired and empowered to be more like Christ. We accomplish this by providing high quality programs, services and learning experiences that focus on holistic development.
Some of the ways we support and offer guidance to our students are through intentional conversations in the residence halls, ensuring community standards are met through the conduct process, creating connections through campus activities, fostering opportunities to engage with those from other cultures, and providing robust discipleship programs.
Orientation for New Students
Olivet Nazarene University seeks to assist in every way possible to orient its students to the academic, social, and religious life of the University. The orientation program consists of a variety of activities, including testing, student-parent orientation sessions, and other transitional activities specifically designed to assist the student in launching a successful college career. Special orientation programs for incoming students are sponsored by the University during the summer months prior to the opening of school and at the opening of the spring semester. At this time, each new student will visit the campus with his or her parents, participate in the advising program, register for the first semester of academic work, and make his or her housing selection. Special orientation sessions will be held with parents to acquaint them with the University program.
Student Conduct and Community Standards
As part of Student Development, the Dean of Student’s office aspires to cultivate a culture shaped by Christian values including kindness, humility, belonging, integrity, and courage. We desire for our students to be in the most advantageous situations to thrive during their college experience. Toward those ends, the Dean of Students’ office helps to create communities of belonging by upholding the values and standards of the ONU community and encourages students to act with character and integrity in all areas.
Moreover, just as God does not anticipate perfection of us, we do not expect perfection of our students. In the event that students are found to be in violation of University policies, the Dean of Students’ office handles each case individually and at the lowest level of accountability necessary. It is our hope that students learn through their time at ONU to hold themselves personally accountable, as well as help to hold their peers accountable.
The Dean of Students’ Office serves individuals by using discipleship as a framework for discussion and reflection and has the fundamental task of engaging students in difficult conversations. The process provides an opportunity to discuss with students their goals (relationally, educationally, professionally, and spiritually), to explore how their values impact their actions and to examine how their decisions and actions affect both themselves and others.
The primary goal of the conduct process is the growth of the student, not the penalty. We believe that each student is an individual with unique needs and at different growth stages. With that in mind, the Dean of Students’ Office will be consistent in the findings on a case based on the violations. The sanctions that are assigned in a case may vary and will be based on the individual involved.
Finally, because we recognize the vital and influential role parents often play in the lives of students, students are encouraged to communicate openly with their parents throughout involvement in the conduct process. Should a parent find their student engaged in the conduct process and have questions the student cannot answer, or desire more information, please contact the Office of Student Development to discuss the completion of a FERPA Release form.
You can learn more about our Student Conduct and Community Standards in the University Life Handbook. https://www.olivet.edu/university-life-handbook
Residence Hall Living
Christ was incarnate, he put on flesh and dwelt among us. The best type of community is one where we live life with others in community. Olivet Nazarene University is committed to the residential housing model and views it as a powerful extension of the classroom. Students have the opportunity to transition through various campus communities as they move from first-year dorms, to sophomore and transfer housing, to the junior and senior apartment communities. We believe that when students experience authentic community of loving one another and bearing one another’s burden, lives are transformed. Our hope is that because of living life in intentional community students will grow spiritually, learn more about themselves, experience meaningful relationships, value and engage in Christ-centered diversity efforts, apply learning from the classroom to their lives, and better understand their responsibility to and the role they play in the communities they engage in. Our desire is that students catch a vision for living the rest of their lives in authentic community wherever the Lord leads them.
You can learn more about Residence Life and Housing policies in the University Life Handbook. http://www.olivet.edu/university-life-handbook
Motor Vehicles
All motor vehicles owned or operated by students are to display an official University vehicle parking permit. All students are to register their vehicles with the Department of Public Safety by the end of the first week of the semester or within 48 hours after securing a vehicle. One registration per vehicle lasts for the entire academic year (July/Aug through May/June). Failure to register a vehicle according to these regulations may result in a late fee, fine or other disciplinary action as determined through Student Development’s student conduct process.
It is within the discretion of the University administration to disqualify any applicant or revoke a permit by reason of any one or all four of the following: (1) academic deficiency, being interpreted as falling below a grade point average of 1.75 in any grade period; (2) financial incapacity, or the inability to satisfactorily discharge financial obligations while enrolled as a student; (3) social infractions, particularly those involving the use of vehicles; and (4) excessive traffic violations. A vehicle permit may be revoked at any time by the Department of Public Safety if it is considered that the student is misusing his/her vehicle privilege. A copy of Olivet’s Public Safety Handbook is available to each student. Olivet Nazarene University is not responsible for any damage, fire, theft, vandalism, etc., to any student’s vehicle.
Vehicles used for student transportation shall be fully covered by liability and property damage insurance at all times.
Student Activities and Organizations
Religious Organizations - The Spiritual Life Organization sponsors several religious programs and activities for the purpose of fostering a vital spiritual life on the campus and providing opportunities for Christian service. Under the direction of the Office of Spiritual Development and the Shalom Project Director, students are provided with opportunities to worship and serve in the local Bourbonnais area and beyond. Initiatives under Spiritual Life include Discipleship Groups, Student Ministries, Upper Room, Prayer Warriors, and Spiritual Mentors.
You can find out more about Spiritual Development in the University Life Handbook. http://www.olivet.edu/university-life-handbook
Musical Organizations - The School of Music provides students with various opportunities for musical expression through its choral and instrumental organizations. Those groups are: Apollo Choir, Concert Band, Concert Singers, Flute Choir, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Orpheus Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Keyboard Ensemble, Jazz Combos, University Orchestra, University Strings, Proclamation Gospel Choir, Wind Ensemble. These ensembles, together with University-sponsored music and drama groups, provide vitally important performance experience and represent Olivet locally and on the educational region.
Intercollegiate Athletics - Intercollegiate athletics are considered an integral part of the total education program of the University. Students who participate must be registered for a minimum of 12 hours and must meet all the eligibility requirements set forth by the University and the NAIA. Olivet Nazarene University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).
Our intercollegiate athletic participation includes:
· Baseball (men’s)
· Basketball (men’s and women’s)
· Cheerleading (men’s and women’s)
· Cross country (men’s and women’s)
· Football (men’s)
· Golf (men’s and women’s)
· Indoor/outdoor track and field (men’s and women’s)
· Soccer (men’s and women’s)
· Softball (women’s)
· Swimming and diving (men’s and women’s)
· Tennis (men’s and women’s)
· Volleyball (men’s and women’s)
Additionally, we provide club sports including Esports, Hockey, and cheerleading as well as athletic music groups of pep band and marching band.
In order to be eligible for intercollegiate athletic competition, students must adhere to the standards adopted by the NAIA, including the following:
- Be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours at the time of participation. (Repeat courses should be cleared with the Registrar.)
- Accumulate at least 24 hours of credit in the two terms of attendance immediately preceding the semester of participation. (Repeat courses previously passed cannot count toward the 24-hour rule.)
- A second-term freshman must have earned at least nine hours of credit during the first semester. In addition, student athletes must remain in satisfactory scholastic standing as defined in the Catalog, “Academic Regulations .”
If you are a student-athlete, please refer to the Student Athlete Handbook to ensure compliance with all NAIA and sport-related requirements.
Recreation Services - - Recreation Services provides students, faculty and staff many different opportunities to be active. The intramural sports program offers more than 20 sports. A wide array of group fitness classes are available each week. Whether you are looking for consistent athletic activity or an occasional guided workout, you can find it in the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center. The Recreation Services’ office is located on the second floor of the Perry Center.
Publications - Olivet sponsors a student publication: the Aurora, the University annual. In addition, The Olivetian, a quarterly, is published by the University administration to communicate with students, parents, alumni, prospective students, and friends of the University.
Student Development Advisory Group (SDAG)- A group of student leaders who collaborate with faculty and staff to provide input, feedback, and recommendations on policies, programs, and services related to the Associated Students of Olivet Nazarene University. The aim is to enhance the overall student experience by advocating for student needs and promoting student success. The SDAG is chaired by the VP for Student Development along with a selected student co-chair.
Clubs and Organizations - 3-D Printing Club, Asian Student Christian Association (ASCA), Black Student Christian Association (BSCA), Chess Club, Delight Ministries, Equestrian Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletics (FCA), Ignite, Mu Kappa (International and Missionary Students), ONU Investment Club, ONU Puzzle Club, Social Justice Club, Spoons 4 Forks (S4F), Tabletop Games Club, Accounting Club, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Biophilic (Biology Club), Capitol Hill Gang, Chemistry Club, Computer Science Club, Diakonia (Social Work Club), Enactus, Exercise Science Club, Hispanic Student Christian Association (HSCA), History League, Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), Law and Politics Society, Math Club, McGraw Marketing (AAF chapter), Nat. Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Nursing Student Association (NSA), Olivet Book Club, Olivet Inklings, Olivet Earth and Space Society, Olivet Engineering Society, Olivet Film Club, ONU CEC (council for Exceptional Children) Student Chapter, ONU Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Student Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChe), Student Dietetic Association (SDA), Student Education Association (SEA), Student Unit Family and Consumer Science (SUFACS), Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), Zoology Club, Kappa Delta Pi (Education), Kappa Delta Rho (FACS), Lambda Pi Eta (Communications), Phi Alpha Theta (History), PHI Beta Lambda (Business), Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science), Psi Chi (Psychology), Sigma Delta Pi Chi Omega (Spanish), Sigma Tau Theta (English/English Ed.).
Chapel/Convocation
Chapel services hold a crucial role within the vibrant community life at Olivet. Students participate in chapel twice a week. These services are a focal point for worship, instruction, and encouragement. The dedicated chaplain at ONU assumes a central role in leading the chapel services and delivering regular messages. Additionally, esteemed guest speakers from diverse regions of the country are invited to contribute throughout the semester, offering a wealth of spiritual insights and perspectives.
Significant emphasis is placed on notable occasions and liturgical seasons, including Revival Services, Advent, Lent, and Holy Week. These designated periods provide focused opportunities for the community to engage in profound spiritual reflection and observance.
A pivotal aspect of the chapel services at ONU is the intentional emphasis on worship through song. This interactive element is intentionally planned to shape the overarching narrative of each service, fostering an environment that enables hearts to be receptive to the voice and presence of God.
While chapel services represent an essential avenue for spiritual growth on campus, ONU actively encourages students to establish connections with local churches during their Olivet experience. This encourages students to engage with the broader Christian community, offering additional opportunities for spiritual development and exploration.
Chapel Times and Attendance - Chapel is held in Centennial Chapel from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. every Wednesday and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. every Thursday. During special emphasis weeks, required chapels will extend to other days.
Attendance Policy - Attendance Policy - Attendance is essential to the philosophy of our chapel program. Each student is allowed up to three absences per semester for non-emergency sickness, routine medical or dental appointments, personal business, sick children, or other similar circumstances.
Students may request excused absences for limited reasons including emergency medical care, hospitalization, death of a first-degree family member or primary guardian, or other emergencies. Additionally, students may receive excused absences for university-sponsored performances or competitions, academic field trips, or other academic experiences. To request an excused absence, please submit the Excused Absence Request Form with supporting documentation. This form is found on the chapel portal page.
Access and Disability Resources oversees attendance accommodations for students facing ongoing medical conditions that are regulated by the ADA. If you are seeking permanent accommodations for chapel, please contact ADR to discuss your options.
Attendance Accountability follows a pathway similar to that of Olivet’s conduct accountability:
- Violation - a student misses more than the allotted 3 unexcused absences in a given semester.
- Probation - a student with a previous violation and exceeds the excused absences limits in any semester following the violation. Probation serves as a warning that a student is in jeopardy of suspension or dismissal from the University.
- Suspension - a student with a previous probation and exceeds the excused absence limit in a semester during or following the probation will be suspended
Resident Students
Students living on campus, regardless of the number of class hours, are required to attend all scheduled chapels. Reasons for exemption are limited to the following: student teaching, internships, nursing clinicals, and special academic projects pre-approved by the faculty instructor. The associate academic dean must approve all exemptions of this nature; no individual petition is necessary.
Commuter Students
Commuter students are required to attend chapel if the following applies:
- taking 12 hours or more
- under the age of 25
- has a class that ends DIRECTLY before chapel
Commuter students are exempt from chapel if the following applies:
- does not have classes on a chapel day
- does not have a class DIRECTLY before chapel
- over the age of 25
- taking less than 12 hours
Tracking Attendance - Students are encouraged and responsible for keeping track of their attendance record. Attendance updates are generated weekly, and students are notified by email once three absences have occurred. Students can track their attendance online. Penalty for excessive absences are as follows:
- 4th absence: $20 fine
- 5th absence; $20 fine
- 6th absence: $30 fine
- 7th absence: $30 fine
- 8th absence: $40 fine and possible two-day suspension
- 9th & 10th absence: $50 fine and possible disenrollment
For additional information, please review the chapel attendance policy in the University Life Handbook. https://www.olivet.edu/university-life-handbook
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