Even before freshmen step foot on Ohio University's campus, the efforts of one organization ensue to avoid a cookie-cutter campus.
The Ohio University Recruiting Society began around 1985 in the hopes of helping OU's Admissions office recruit multicultural students. Students of different backgrounds began to help new or transfer students decide whether OU was what they were looking for, •O.U.R.S Publicist Jasmine Arnold said.
“Many students come from all around the state of Ohio,” Arnold said. “We don’t want any minority groups to feel alienated when they come to the campus. We’re really pushing for diversity.”
Students involved with O.U.R.S plan events ranging from social outings to fundraisers.
It is important for new students to feel welcomed immediately after arriving at OU, •O.U.R.S Historian Brandon Tramble said.
O.U.R.S also holds weekly meetings at 7 p.m. Tuesdays in 260 Chubb Hall.
“It’s important that we reach out to students so that they know there is no discrimination of race,” O.U.R.S. Vice President Lynnette Henderson said at the first meeting. “I think O.U.R.S has made a lot of success in bringing in minority groups as you can see the freshmen coming through the door.”
The first meeting included icebreakers and activities that made students feel a part of the group, Henderson said.
“Through information, you get to meet more people through the O.U.R.S program,” she said. “When I was choosing schools, O.U.R.S helped me make my choice.”
