OBU can offer a life changing experience, if you allow it to. Everything from your education to your spirit is taken into consideration, and oftentimes in ways that you would have never thought possible. You will be challenged to think, and it will be difficult, but the beauty is that you are never alone in your pursuits.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Honestly, when first coming to OBU be prepared to embrace the awkward. We're really good at awkward, but you will notice it transform into some of your biggest ideas, closest friends, and most trustworthy colleagues throughout the years. We also do loud really well. We do smiles. We do friendly. We do intense. And we are probably some of the most enthusiastic people you will ever meet when it comes to new students. We will even move you in�¢���¦literally!
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
I have been more challenged in my few years at OBU than ever before in my life. Our professors care, and they care enough to challenge you. We may be a Christian university, but that does not mean that we don't explore things outside of the box. Outside the box, inside it, around it, under it, and even the box itself, all are taken into consideration to prepare students to engage the world beyond. I have had the opportunity to take intensive looks into parts of the world that are typically just swept under the rug. On average professors are extremely approachable and willing to meet you if you are struggling. You aren't just a number.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Personally, I think dorm life is one of those areas that deserves the biggest gold star. It can get a little loud sometimes, but regardless there is a unity that grows out of living in a building together. Some of those people begin as just the person next door, but end up being life-long friends. People aren't exaggerating when they say, College is where you will meet people you will know forever. Speaking from experience, the staff that works in the dorms are always thoughtfully chosen and have an active role in the buildings as well.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The best part about the food is how it brings the campus together. The quality isn't always the best, but you definitely won't go hungry. The dining room gets crowded a lot, but you begin to figure out the best times to eat.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Fun? Ironically, Shawnee isn't much of a college town. We have a Starbucks, but even that closes early. We have loads of campus events that seem to be happening constantly, and when they aren't we are making our own fun. Most of our students get plugged into the community through various outlets which keeps us busy. Being a campus full of hipsters the activities usually consist of: antiquing/thrifiting, rock climbing, coffee, running, Lord of the Rings, coffee, the $2 theatre, and our downtown district.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
If there is one thing OBU does right, it's tradition. By the time you go home after your first semester, you will be speaking a language you didn't know existed. OBU students are known for their quirks, as well as being keepers of traditions. Everything from the Walk you take during the first week, to the Milk Run that you may end up wishing you had never been to. I have caught myself saying a number of times, If you're not an OBU student it just doesn't make sense.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I have never felt threatened at any moment in my time at OBU. We have campus safety officers that patrol the school grounds all day every day.
OBU can offer a life changing experience, if you allow it to. Everything from your education to your spirit is taken into consideration, and oftentimes in ways that you would have never thought possible. You will be challenged to think, and it will be difficult, but the beauty is that you are never alone in your pursuits.
Honestly, when first coming to OBU be prepared to embrace the awkward. We're really good at awkward, but you will notice it transform into some of your biggest ideas, closest friends, and most trustworthy colleagues throughout the years. We also do loud really well. We do smiles. We do friendly. We do intense. And we are probably some of the most enthusiastic people you will ever meet when it comes to new students. We will even move you in�¢���¦literally!
I have been more challenged in my few years at OBU than ever before in my life. Our professors care, and they care enough to challenge you. We may be a Christian university, but that does not mean that we don't explore things outside of the box. Outside the box, inside it, around it, under it, and even the box itself, all are taken into consideration to prepare students to engage the world beyond. I have had the opportunity to take intensive looks into parts of the world that are typically just swept under the rug. On average professors are extremely approachable and willing to meet you if you are struggling. You aren't just a number.
Personally, I think dorm life is one of those areas that deserves the biggest gold star. It can get a little loud sometimes, but regardless there is a unity that grows out of living in a building together. Some of those people begin as just the person next door, but end up being life-long friends. People aren't exaggerating when they say, College is where you will meet people you will know forever. Speaking from experience, the staff that works in the dorms are always thoughtfully chosen and have an active role in the buildings as well.
The best part about the food is how it brings the campus together. The quality isn't always the best, but you definitely won't go hungry. The dining room gets crowded a lot, but you begin to figure out the best times to eat.
Fun? Ironically, Shawnee isn't much of a college town. We have a Starbucks, but even that closes early. We have loads of campus events that seem to be happening constantly, and when they aren't we are making our own fun. Most of our students get plugged into the community through various outlets which keeps us busy. Being a campus full of hipsters the activities usually consist of: antiquing/thrifiting, rock climbing, coffee, running, Lord of the Rings, coffee, the $2 theatre, and our downtown district.
If there is one thing OBU does right, it's tradition. By the time you go home after your first semester, you will be speaking a language you didn't know existed. OBU students are known for their quirks, as well as being keepers of traditions. Everything from the Walk you take during the first week, to the Milk Run that you may end up wishing you had never been to. I have caught myself saying a number of times, If you're not an OBU student it just doesn't make sense.
I have never felt threatened at any moment in my time at OBU. We have campus safety officers that patrol the school grounds all day every day.