SUCCESS GUIDE
WELCOME TO OLIVET
WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ can be the foundation and center of every individual’s life.
WE BELIEVE in preserving God’s moral laws, the civil laws and the wise judgment of abstaining from certain practices which have negative effects on human physical and moral well-being.
WE BELIEVE in the development of a campus community supporting Christian values and spiritual development.
WE BELIEVE in providing a Christcentered educational environment, which enhances the quality of life for both the individual and the campus community.
WE BELIEVE Christian praise and worship promotes the development and clarification of values and priorities while providing guidance relating to crucial life choices.
We attend chapel each week and services as provided at extension site.
ONUPLUS LEADERSHIP
Dr. Gregg Chenoweth University President
Kimberly Strickland Director of New Student Finanical Aid klstrickland@olivet.edu
Mark Reddy Vice President of Enrollment
Jonathan Bacon Director of Online Advising jmbacon@olivet.edu
Dan Ferris Executive Director of ONUPlus
Brice Kudej Online Chaplin bjkudej@olivet.edu
Dr. Jay Martinson Dean of Online Learning
UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY CALENDAR 2024–2025
MON, AUG 26
FALL SEMESTER 2024
Classes begin
SUN–WED, SEPT 15–18 Fall Revival
FRI, SEPT 20
MON, OCT 21
Final Day to drop Block I courses
Mid-Semester (Block II courses begin)
FRI–SUN, OCT 25–27 Homecoming
FRI, NOV 8
FRI, NOV 15
TUES, JAN 6
FRI, JAN 31
Final day to drop semester-length courses
Final day to drop Block II courses
SPRING SEMESTER 2025
Classes begin
Final Day to drop Block III courses
SUN–WED, FEB 2–5 Winter Revival
SAT–SUN, MARCH 1–9 Spring Break
MON, MARCH 10
FRI, APRIL 4
THURS, APRIL 11
FRI, MAY 2
Mid-Semester (Block IV courses begin)
Final day to drop semester-length courses
Final day to drop Block IV courses
Baccalaureate Service
SAT, MAY 3 Commencement
STUDENT SERVICES
CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Olivet’s computing network, called ONUnet, provides access to a variety of educational resources, email, the internet and our campus printers. Students with computers and other devices are able to connect to ONUnet directly from anywhere, using either a wired or a wireless connection. Since most ONUnet services are web-based, remote students may access resources just as easily from off campus.
YOUR COMPUTER AND ONUNET
Account Setup
Once you have received your Olivet email address, follow the steps in our New Account Setup guide.
Step 1 will walk you through personalizing your password and setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Step 2 guides you through accessing your Olivet email for the first time.
Step 3 provides instructions for submitting your photo and provisioning your Olivet ID.
Computer Recommendations
All students are responsible for having a laptop, either Mac OS or Windows, that allows effective learning, both in class and remotely. Scan the code for additional information.
Device Assistance for Students
We are always happy to help. Our User Support Services team provides best-effort support to you through the IT Help Desk. Help Desk technicians are experienced with a variety of different software and hardware, so they can assist with the most common computer issues you will experience. Help Desk Technicians are unable to perform repair work on studentowned devices, but can guide you through a variety of troubleshooting steps and resources to resolve issues.
We always recommend that you check with the manufacturer or warranty provider when repairs are necessary. Keep in mind that technology sometimes fails. We strongly recommend that you have a back-up plan for all the data you do not want to lose.
All students are assigned an Olivet email account. You should have received your account information prior to coming to Orientation or when you checked in. Information was also provided at that time regarding passwords. Contact the IT Help Desk with any questions about account creation and password management.
You can access your Olivet email account in a few ways. To access the account directly, go to email.olivet.edu or to access the main campus portal, which includes a link to email, go to my.olivet.edu. The organizational sign-in page for both of these resources requires that you use your full email address along with your ONUnet password.
Your @olivet.edu email address is provided by Microsoft and includes free access to Microsoft Office 365. Full downloadable versions of the latest Microsoft Office applications will vary depending on your device and operating system. You may use this service/software as long as you are an active student.
STUDENT
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Required for all ONU Online Students
1. Reliable access to high-speed Internet
2. Reliable access to a laptop (must run either MacOS or Microsoft Windows) with the minimum system requirements and able to perform these tasks:
• Canvas.olivet.edu
• Video conferencing (Microsoft Teams),
• Microsoft Office 365 (Free as an Olivet Student),
• Discipline specific requirements (some majors or areas of study require
• special equipment or theability to run special software. The department for
• your area of study will provide information and/or answer any questions.)
3. A webcam (built-in to laptop or external)
4. A wired headset with stereo headphones with noise-cancelling microphone
5. Adobe Acrobat Reader
Recommended for all ONU Online Students
1. The Canvas Student app (available for iPhone / Android)
2. Chrome internet browser (for optimal use of Canvas)
3. Computer specifications in order of priority:
• Apple MacOS, Microsoft Windows
• Integrated webcam and microphone or equivalent
• At least 8GB of RAM - 16GB is better
• Core i5 CPU or equivalent - M1 or better chip for Apple laptops
• 256GB of storage or more (solid state, NVMe)
• 8+ hours battery life
• 1080p screen
• HDMI out or output adapter to allow students to share content from their computer in classrooms.
Other Considerations:
1. We recommend purchasing an extended warranty/support from the manufacturer.
2. Although ChromeBooks work well in many
situations, there are limitations that prevent students from completing some required work. (Example: compatibility issues with proctoring and testingsoftware used in classes and inability to download full versions of applications like Microsoft Word.)
3. Mobile phones are great back-up devices however, they do not work well as a primary student device.
4. Headsets that plug into a computer’s USB port may provide superior sound quality than those thatplug into a computer’s microphone jack or that use Bluetooth technology.
5. Printing may be available on your church campus for a predetermined cost.
Additional Information
If you need additional information about any of these topics, scan the code to review our Self-Help Guides.
If you have any other questions or concerns, you can contact us via email
Information Technology Contact Information
Phone: 815-939-5302 or 866-400-5302
Web: it.olivet.edu
Email: it@olivet.edu
Remember to take advantage of educational discounts such as Apple Education and Dell University
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
The Office of Spiritual Development (Spiritual Life) at Olivet Nazarene University exists to foster belonging in the life of every student and to equip spiritual leaders to partner with God in Shalom. Meaningful worship with diverse expression, community building through intentional small group gatherings and ministry opportunities - all held together with biblical teachings - are the means through which development is achieved.
With the slogan of “Belong to Shalom,” Spiritual Life aims to encourage students to find a sense of belonging and participate in the pursuit of holistic flourishing in their spiritual journeys. At the core of the Olivet experience is a Christian emphasis. The student body represents more than 40 denominations, world religions and an array of faith backgrounds, but the foundation of the University remains “Education With a Christian Purpose.”
ABIDE
Olivet Nazarene University has set a subpriority of discipleship and evangelism. The Office of Spiritual Development is spearheading this exciting new initiative aimed at fostering
spiritual growth among students over the next five years.
With a clear vision in mind, the office has set a specific goal: to establish a culture of discipleship where 75% of traditional undergrad students actively engage in the following 7 Abiding Habits by Spring 2027:
1. God’s Word 5. Servanthood
2. Prayer 6. Stewardship
3. Worship 7. Witness
4. Fellowship
DISCIPLESHIP AND EVANGELISM
Spiritual Life will employ a multi-faceted approach, including implementing spiritual formation programs, offering personalized support, integrating the habits into campus life and measuring progress. The goal is to foster a vibrant spiritual community and to equip students to partner with God in Shalom.
CHAPEL
Chapel services hold a crucial role within the Spiritual Life at ONU, with students participating in chapel twice a week. These services are a
focal point for God’s Word, prayer and worship through song. Significant emphasis is placed on notable occasions, liturgical seasons, including Revival Services, Advent, Lent and Holy Week.
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.
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.
SHALOM PROJECT
The Office of Spiritual Development offers student-led ministries, ministry trips and community engagement opportunities through the Shalom Project.
The Shalom Project’s mission is: We partner with God to restore broken things. We seek, through the Shalom Project, to inspire, empower and equip our community in the creative act
of restoring broken relationships with God, ourselves, others, and creation; God’s projects, and ours as well.”
Through the Shalom Project we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus by providing ways for students to participate both locally and around the world. We desire to partner with God in what He is doing and believe as we participate in the restorative work of God that everything and everyone can flourish.
Mission Trips Students, faculty and staff are given opportunities to use their talents and education in service to Jesus Christ all over the world. Every year, teams of students aresent to a variety of world areas including Peru, Honduras, Rwanda, Thailand, Guyana, Cuba, India, Swaziland, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Haiti and domestically to Kentucky, Texas, Chicago, Denver and Indianapolis. The focus of Shalom Project ministry trips is to form long-term partnerships with churches or ministries, serving alongside them and learning about how God is at work in that area.
Short-Term Ministry Trips take place during spring break and throughout the summer. These trips are made possible by funds students raise
to participate. Pre-trip training is provided to heighten cultural awareness, create a global perspective and prepare for ministry. Ministry opportunities include English as a Second Language, vacation Bible school, youth camps, sport ministry, information technology, water system engineering, medical clinics and manual labor. All scholastic majors can employ their unique gifts and disciplines to impact the Kingdom of God and bring shalom.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Brittany Armstrong, Director of Career Development
Phone: 815-939-5042
Email: barmstrong@olivet.edu
The Office of Career Development exists to assist the traditional student population with career development and employment needs, and provide the essential career resources to help students enter and navigate the professional world.
Career Development services include, résumé and cover letter editing, job search assistance (including mock interviews and networking), career information, assessments and
resources, and hosting career and internship fairs
Once your Olivet email is activated, scan the code to download the Handshake App, our campus job-posting platform.
You’ll be able to see and apply for on-campus employment, internships or full-time/part-time employment opportunities.
ONU Internship and Job Fair - This one-day event in March gives students the opportunity to meet and interview with employers from around the region. Full-time and part-time positions, internships and summer-only positions are available.
Each undergraduate student will be assigned an academic advisor, typically a faculty member in the University. The academic advisor serves as a connection to the major department, a source of information about coursework and graduation plans, and a guide for decision-making, including how to access additional student services around campus.
A Reminder From Health Services
MAINTAINING OPTIMAL STUDENT HEALTH
1. Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care your your physical health; regular selfcare, seeking support when needed and practicing mindfulness can help your student stay balanced and resilient.
2. Talk about healthy lifestyle choices and avoiding risky behaviors.
3. Maintain proper use of daily medications, including management of chronic health conditions like ADHD, asthma or diabetes.
4. Discuss how good sleep patterns, a healthy diet and lifestyle choices affect academic life and personal health.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The postal address of Olivet Nazarene University is: One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345
Mail to administrators, offices, faculty and students may be sent to the above address. The telephone number of the University switchboard is 815-939-5011 or 800648-1463. Calls may be redirected through this number anywhere on campus. Calls may also be dialed directly to offices by using the numbers listed below.
Academic Advising
Benner Library
Bookstore
Career Development
Information Technology
Registrar
Spirit Store8
Spiritual Development
Student Development
Student Financial Service
815-928-5401
815-939-5354
815-939-5226
815-939-5042
815-939-5302
815-939-5201
815-939-5331
815-939-5236
815-939-5333
815-939-5245
ACADEMICS
HOW A SEMESTER WORKS
Block 1 (first 8 weeks)
Class 1: Online, 3 credits
Class 2: Online, 3 credits
Block 2 (second 8 weeks)
Class 3: Online, 3 credits
Class 4: Online, 3 credits
Class 5: Online, 3 credits
The above represents an example and course schedules are determined based on student need and course availability. Throughout the entire semester optional field experience/practical learning may be available to you. (40+ clock hours = 1 credit) If you are interested in pursing this option, contact your academic advisor and/or site director.
ONLINE CLASSES
Olivet Nazarene University has been providing online education for over 20 years. It is because of ONU’s high-quality online classes that we are able to start a program like ONUPlus.
Classes for ONUPlus will be dynamic online courses with a higher level of professor interaction and engagement in the course. This may look like more videos, live video conference sessions, or interactive office hours.
ACCELERATED CLASSES
Yes, classes are accelerated; however, students can be successful with shortened classes with the support from each site and ONU. Students typically take two or three courses for an 8-week session; therefore, it is a high focus, high intensity for a short time frame.
Curriculum
Olivet Nazarene University’s Center for Online Learning & Innovation oversees the creation and maintains the quality of the curriculum and instruction of all online courses. Each academic department works together to ensure high quality learning, no matter the modality, as well as consistency throughout any course on any campus.
INNOVATIVE LEARNING MODEL
Interactive Learning
Students may engage with instructors and/or other students through a variety of interactive instructional activities and virtual office visits.
Fully Accredited
All curriculum is designed to exceed national accrediting standards for college-level online learning & interaction
High Flex
Offline assignments, activities, instruction, and testing to accommodate student schedules
Faith Integrated
Each course is infused with meaningful faith connections to foster application and personal growth
BENNER LIBRARY
Olivet students have access to a variety of resources and services through Benner Library and Learning Resource Center. From the library’s home page, library.olivet.edu, students can link to a range of electronic resources, including article databases, e-books,
audiobooks, e-journals and the online library catalog. In addition to an extensive collection of books and periodicals, the library provides maps, teaching aids, juvenile and young adult book collections, government documents and media in various formats.
Reference and Research Support
The library staff offers assistance to students with a wide variety of information and research needs, including:
• Topic selection
• Choosing an appropriate research database
• Finding a book or an article
• Class-specific instruction sessions (scheduled at the request of professors)
FINANCES
OLIVET PAYMENT PLAN
To pay the University directly for your semester balance, please divide the estimated amount due to Olivet by four. The first payment is due by August 1. The second, third, and fourth payments are due on September 1, October 1 and November 1, 2024. There are also four payments due for the spring semester. The first payment is due December 1, 2024, and the second, third and fourth payments are due on January 1, February 1 and March 1, 2025.
There is no fee or interest charged to use the payment plan. Late fees are assessed on the first and last payments each semester. For the first payment, the late fee starts at $20 the day after classes begin and increases by $5 per day through the 10th day of class with a maximum late fee of $50. A one-time late payment charge of one percent is also added to any remaining balance after the semester’s final payment date (November 1 for the fall semester and March 1 for the spring semester).
Financial Arrangements for Fall 2024
To complete your financial arrangements, please comply with one of the following financial options by August 1, 2024.
• Payment in full of estimated balance noted on your Student Finance Page.
• Parent PLUS Loan or private student loan to cover the full remaining balance.
• Olivet’s four-payment plan: To view your plan go to your Student Finance page.
• Submit one-fourth of the estimated balance before August 1, with additional one-fourth installments by September 1, October 1 and November 1, 2024. A one percent late payment charge will be added to any remaining balance on November 2, 2024.
• If your financial aid (i.e. grants, scholarships and/or loans) are adequate to cover all estimated charges, no payment is required.
INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR STUDENT FINANCE PAGE
1. The Student Finance Page contains only
an estimate of your charges and financial aid. Adjustments may occur, including, but not limited to, charging of fees and changes in class schedules, room/board plans, financial aid amounts, etc. If you are expecting financial aid which is not included in the amount on your Student Finance Page, please review your Financial Aid Checklist by logging in to your student portal. If all items are complete, contact your Financial Aid Advisor in the Admissions Center at 815-928-5603 to ensure that all funding listed on your financial aid offer letter appears on your Student Finance Page in your student portal.
2. Payments may be made by cash, check, Discover, Visa, American Express or MasterCard. Checking account and credit card payments can be made online. Convenience fees will be charged to credit card payments. If you pay with a check, please include your student’s ID number in the memo area of the check. Checks should be mailed no later than July 24, 2024, and must be received before your financial arrangements can be approved. Mail your payment to:
Office of Student Financial Services
Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914.
3. If you have been approved for a PLUS loan, subtract the amount of the PLUS loan (minus bank fees indicated) from the estimated balance.
4. Refund requests of any anticipated credit balance will not be processed until all financial aid has been posted.
5. If, after registering by mail, you are unable to attend Olivet, you will receive a full refund. However, you must send a letter of withdrawal to the Registrar’s Office by the first day of classes, August 28, 2024.
We understand that sometimes unexpected financial situations arise, so if you find yourself in such a circumstance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the New Student Financial Aid team at 815-939-5203.
ADDING A FINANCIAL PROXY
In order to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we cannot share financial information for enrolled students without written permission from the student.
Students who would like a parent or other family member to be able to speak with the Student Finance Office about their account details will need to add proxy permissions for that person. If someone is not a listed proxy on the account, the Student Financial Services office cannot disclose any student account/financial aid details.
Proxies also have access to designated pages in the Self-Service portal to make payments, view financial aid awards, download account statements, etc. They will also receive payment plan and other student accountrelated notification emails.
Students can follow the instructions below to add a proxy:
1. Scan the code to log in to self-service. (you will need your username)
2. Enter your username at the top of the screen and select ‘continue’.
3. Click View/Add Proxy Access.
4. Under “Select a Proxy,” choose the name of the person you want to add. If you would like to give proxy access to someone who is not listed, they must first be added to our database. Please email the Office of the Registrar at registrar@olivet.edu using your ONU email account and provide them with the person’s first and last name, email address, city and state of residence, and their relationship to you.
NOTE: Once they add that person to our database, you will need to go back in to selfservice to grant them proxy access.
5. Make sure your selected proxy’s listed email address is correct. NOTE: If it is not correct, complete the following steps and then email the Registrar’s Office at registrar@olivet.edu requesting for them to update your proxy’s email address.
6. Choose the screens you want your proxy to be able to access or you can allow complete access.
7. Click Save.
FINALIZING REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION CHECKLIST
Return Completed and Signed Financial Aid Offer Letter
Finalizing Payment Arrangements
Student Loans
Federal Stafford Loan (studentaid.gov)
· Entrance Loan Counseling Master Promissory Note
· Private Loan
simpletuition.com
· Local Banks or Credible.com/olivet
Parent Loans
Federal Direct PLUS Loan (studentaid.gov)
· Online Application
· Online Master Promissory Note
· Private Loan
Local Banks or Credible.com/olivet
Submit First Payment
Olivet Payment Plan (my.olivet.edu)
- 4 payments per semester
- First payment due August 1 (fall) and December 1 (spring)
FINAL REGISTRATION
Admissions to receive that information. It is
Submit Final Transcripts to the Office of Admissions (by August 1)
PROCEDURES
By the end of Orientation, you will be registered for your fall classes. Your financial arrangements must be in place by August 1 in order to maintain your registration and be permitted to move into University housing.
You should have received your Olivet username and password from Admissions prior to attending Orientation. If not, please notify Admissions to receive that information. It is
very important that you check your Olivet email on a regular basis throughout the summer. If you need assistance with your username and password(s), call 800-648-1463, and ask for the Department of Information Technology Help Desk. Only the student is authorized to receive this information.
In order to maintain registration, the following items are needed on or before August 1, 2024. Completion of your financial arrangements:
• The first 1/4 installment of the semester balance is made, OR financial aid (including loans as necessary) in place to cover the semester balance.
• Sign the “Agreement to Pay” in self-service, promising to pay any balance incurred.
On and after July 1, 2024, please proceed to: my.olivet.edu. The student will need his/her username and password. The website has a link, “Preparing for the Fall Semester.” On this site, you may:
• View Student Finance Page
• Make a payment, if applicable
• Register your vehicle and bicycle, if applicable
Person Proxy: A student may grant proxy access to an individual. A proxy would have access to view the Student Finance Page, make a payment and view the statement by term. The proxy will be emailed his/her own login and password.
What Happens after August 1?
The Office of Student Financial Services reviews all student account information. If you have not made arrangements to pay your semester balance due, the office will send a message to your Olivet email account indicating that registration has been placed on hold. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Services to find out what is needed.
