Becoming a Bishop
Important Events & Deadlines
Key dates to help students and families stay organized and prepared for a smooth start at Ohio Wesleyan.
Events & Deadlines
Housing & Dining for New Students
OWU ResLife provides comfortable residence options and flexible meal plans for easy campus living.
Reslife
Point of Contact List
Use this list to easily connect with key OWU offices throughout your transition to campus.
ListOWU Class of 2030 — Your Next Steps Start Here
Welcome to Ohio Wesleyan University! Preparing for college is a big transition, and we're here to guide you through it.
Use this page to complete your Becoming a Bishop Checklist, navigate orientation activities, and explore resources designed to help you start your first semester strong and make OWU feel like home.
Review the information, stay on track, and get ready for your first year at OWU. We'll be with you every step of the way.
The Checklist
You're making progress! Stay in the portal weekly to make sure you stay on track with these items and more!
- Pay your Enrollment Deposit (hopefully you've already done this.)
- Set up your OWU email (if you haven't yet, you're missing out.)
- Track your remaining checklist items (it's in the portal, if we didn't mention it.)
- Complete all the items before arrival (if you need help, reach out.)
Orientation Programs
Orientation introduces you to life at OWU by helping you meet new people, connect with faculty and staff, and learn about important campus resources. It's designed to prepare you academically and personally while building confidence as you begin your college experience.
Building a Community
Form lasting friendships and experience the Bishop spirit from day one.
Lifting Each Other Higher
Trust, teamwork, and cheering hands connections grow stronger as everyone climbs together.
Boxes, Bonds, and Big Smiles
Building friendships and connections as we serve our local community.
Where Friendships Begin
Move-in day brings new faces, shared moments, and friendships that start fast.
Campus Life & Safety
Explore opportunities for student involvement and campus life, along with health, counseling, and safety resources that support your well-being. Campus safety services and emergency notifications help keep students informed and protected, making engagement and well-being key parts of a successful college experience.
Finding Your People
Exploring clubs, sharing stories, and sparking connections that turn campus into community
Serving with Care
Public safety officers fire up the grill, building trust and community beyond the badge.
Connections at the Hub
Friendly competition sparks conversation, laughter, and fun at The 1842.
Academic Resources
Get ready for a strong start by learning academic expectations, meeting with an advisor, and using campus support resources.
Ready, Set, Succeed!
Learn expectations, find support, and get set for a strong start on campus.
A Place to Focus and Belong
Quiet spaces invite focus, reflection, and a shared sense of belonging in Hobson Library.
Register & Start Strong
From registration to your first walk to class, OWU helps you feel confident on day one.
Financial Aid & Student Accounts
Students must accept or decline all financial aid in the portal. Grants and scholarships auto-accept, while loans and Work-Study require action. Monitor Documents & Messages for missing items. Student Accounts oversees billing, and a four-month semester payment plan is available for a $40 fee.
Funding Your Future
Review financial aid, accept awards, track documents, and manage billing.
Investing in Every Milestone
From day one to graduation, smart planning supports a future full of options.
Less Worry, More Studying
Financial Aid helps parents manage costs, allowing students to stay focused on success.
Welcoming the Newest Class of OWU Bishops! Aug. 20 | 4-5 p.m.
Ohio Wesleyan formally welcomes the Class of 2030 on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4-5 p.m. outdoors on the Rock Quad. OWU faculty and staff join incoming students, their parents, and families to formally celebrate new student arrival and kick off the academic year.
Hamilton-Williams Campus Center (HWCC)
Get to know Ham-Wil! This is your destination for student mail, the campus bookstore, Student Engagement & Success Offices, the Chaplain's Office, places to eat, and more!
Smith Hall
Discover Smith Hall, a central hub on OWU's campus where students access support services, gather for meetings and events, and connect with resources that support campus life.
Hobson Library
Explore Hobson Library, a key learning space on OWU's campus that offers research assistance, study areas, and academic resources designed to support students throughout their college experience.
University Hall
Designed to support students from day one, University Hall brings together key academic, administrative, and support offices in one convenient location.