The Ohio University Recruiting Society, known to many on campus as O.U.R.S., is an organization that actively involves Ohio University students in the recruitment of multicultural students to OHIO. O.U.R.S. members are an important part of the successful recruitment efforts in Undergraduate Admissions. O.U.R.S. is open to all students at Ohio University who wish to be involved in the recruitment of future students.
Do you remember taking part in MVP (Multicultural Visitation Program), or Cultural Connections? These are two of our largest programs. These programs focus on bringing high school students to Ohio University where they can experience life at OHIO and have an opportunity to interact with current students, alumni, faculty and staff.
OUR Mission
To ensure that first-year students and other supporters of the organization are equipped with the knowledge, community and involvement that will allow them to be successfully retained from year to year. Through programmatic efforts, the organization seeks to build a community for multicultural students, encourage professional growth, impact the Athens community through volunteerismand provide students the opportunity to impact the next generation of Bobcats.
The History of O.U.R.S.
Stanley Brown and Robert Smith, both Cleveland natives, and several other students went to Gordon Holly, assistant director of admissions and Veronica Thomas, coordinator of the Health Careers Program (HCOP), about forming a recognized student organization that would help Undergraduate Admissions and HCOP to recruit more multicultural students to Ohio University. In 1985, the Ohio University Recruiting Service was established, and multicultural students eagerly volunteered to assist with overnight visit programs and extensive telecounseling. The name of the organization was later changed to the Ohio University Recruiting Society in 1988.
O.U.R.S. Community Service
O.U.R.S. participates in many different community service projects around the area. Whether it's volunteering time or raising money for an organization, O.U.R.S. is very involved in the community. O.U.R.S. has worked with organizations such as My Sister's Place, the Residents' Action Council and the Hocking Valley Residential Center.
How Does O.U.R.S. Help?
O.U.R.S. is involved in various programs on campus to bring more multicultural students to the campus. It is one of Ohio University's best means of getting the word out to prospective students.
Why Join O.U.R.S.?
- Direct involvement in the recruitment of multicultural students
- Development of leadership skills
- Increased communication with administrators concerning the needs of multicultural students
- A sense of belonging to and ownership of the University
- Confidence in Ohio University's commitment to successfully recruiting and retaining multicultural students
How To Join O.U.R.S.
In order to join O.U.R.S., you must come to weekly meetings, be in good academic standing with the university and complete an application for membership. We look forward to seeing you and joining the O.U.R.S. family.
Connect With O.U.R.S.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Executive Board.
President: Aurora Parker, ap178620@ohio.edu
Co-President & Treasurer: Leah Dukes, ld672221@ohio.edu
Vice President: Shayla Lofton, sl977520@ohio.edu
External affairs/ Community Engagement Coordinator: Osahon Ogbebor, oo388920@ohio.edu
Community ervice chairman: Donovan Billingsley, db124321@ohio.edu
Co-Community Service Chairman: Kharon Fletcher, kf108022@ohio.edu
Social Media Coordinator (Instagram): Chad white, cw553121@ohio.edu
Publicist: Tahnija Person, tp676421@Ohio.edu
Admissions Representative: Alyssa Crosby, ac378621@ohio.edu
Secretary: Aryn Monroe, am168820@ohio.edu