Every August the University of Findlay welcomes new Oilers to campus. New students are welcomed to campus through many activities during orientation weekend.
The Orientation Service Project takes place the Saturday of orientation weekend, and students, faculty, staff, upperclassmen, and alumni work alongside each other for an “Oiler Experience” in helping those in need. Each year, over 500 volunteers serve at over 50 projects in our local community, helping with needed community projects such as painting, cleaning, mulching, picking up trash along the river, visiting with residents of local nursing homes, and more!
The service projects provide an opportunity for students to not only accomplish something for the greater good, but also to meet new friends, become acquainted with faculty and staff, and become more familiar with off-campus areas of the community. Over the past 15 years, 29,000 hours of service have been given to the local community by our first-year students. This service day is one of the long-standing traditions at UF.
For more information about the Orientation Service Project and how you can get involved please contact the Office of Service and Community Engagement at [email protected].
Hear from Students Who Have Served
Current students Kobe and Ashley hosted a 10-minute podcast with Director of Service and Community Engagement Crystal Weitz about OSP and other service opportunities at Findlay.
First-Year Student Responses to the Question: “What was the best part of the orientation service project?"
“Being able to help the community after only being here a short time."
“Meeting new classmates. Also, it helped to distract you from all the new changes as a college student."
Community Partners' Testimonials
What an amazing group of University of Findlay students worked at First Lutheran Church! From the moment they arrived, they were "on the ball" and followed directions to the letter in spreading mulch around our church.... [they] never seemed to tire and were enthusiastic and congenial to work with to aid the men from First Lutheran in completing the project. We want to thank you for coordinating the program, and hope you will convey our appreciation to them, too.
--First Lutheran Church
I myself and the Hancock Park District thank you for your commitment to provide community service work in our parks. The Freshmen Orientation groups did an amazing job with the Habitat Restoration project at Oakwoods Nature Preserve. Park beautification is an ongoing task all year round for the Park District and your team was a huge help! The group that painted graffiti in the tunnel and around Riverside Park was so creative, not to mention a lot of fun to work with. The enthusiasm that you all brought to these projects was absolutely amazing! Thanks again for caring and getting involved with your Hancock Parks.
--Hancock Park District
On behalf of Cory-Rawson Local Schools I want to thank you, the students, and advisor for graciously donating your time to our service project. The group was energetic and engaging and did a great job with our parking lot painting project. I enjoyed getting to know each of the students and hearing about their future plans. This is an excellent program for the university and incoming students...kudos to you and the University for continuing it! Best wishes for an excellent school year!
--Cory-Rawson Local Schools
We value the relationship that CHOPIN Hall has with the University of Findlay and could not possibly do everything we do for community members without this relationship. Thanks again for your help and your involvement!
--CHOPIN Hall