Heidelberg University is proud of its 173-year history of providing a quality education in the tradition of the liberal arts. That same philosophy is maintained in professional program offerings. Today, academic excellence and a profound student experience stand at the core of the University.
At Heidelberg, values are central to the collaborative learning process and the University nurtures a strong sense of community. It provides the opportunity for students to sharpen their intellect, explore different cultures and develop a sense of moral and ethical responsibility to their communities and the broader world. Students are highly engaged in their own education and embrace the concept of lifelong learning.
Integration of all of these qualities, imperative for professional and personal success in an evolving and complex world, help Heidelberg’s graduates to define their lives of purpose with distinction.
History
Heidelberg University was founded in 1850, as Heidelberg College, by members of the German Reformed Church who named the institution after the Heidelberg Catechism of 1563.
Seeking to minister to the German population of Ohio, the founders of Heidelberg established a church-affiliated institution staffed by a largely theologically trained faculty. Into the 1890s and beyond, the ideal of training Christian scholars persisted as the goal of a Heidelberg education.
The Evangelical and Reformed Church, formerly called the German Reformed Church, merged with the Congregational Christian Churches in 1957 to form the United Church of Christ. The institution continues its affiliation with the United Church of Christ while welcoming students and faculty from a variety of faith traditions.
As an independent, church-related, liberal arts educational institution, Heidelberg has interpreted the educated person to be an individual who can articulate the relationship between academic learning and learning for life.
From five students in its first graduating class, Heidelberg has experienced periods of growth and contraction during its long and rich history. Today, Heidelberg offers 31 undergraduate majors, three master’s degrees, and employs more than 200 faculty and staff. Its total enrollment is more than 1,100 students in all programs.
History of Graduate Studies at Heidelberg
Graduate programs began in June 1987 with the Master of Arts in Education. Soon after, the Master of Arts in Counseling began offering classes in January 1989. The third graduate degree, the Master of Business Administration was introduced in August 1995. Then in June 2009, the Master of Music Education degree program began. In August 2021, the Master of Athletic Training degree program began.
Beginning in August 2021, the Master of Arts in Education degree was changed to Endorsements in Education, and the Master of Music Education degree is now Professional Development Opportunities through the School of Music and Theatre.
Accreditation and Affiliation
Heidelberg University has continuously been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913 and was included on the Association’s first published list of accredited institutions. The Higher Learning Commission is located at 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, and can be reached at (312) 263-0456, (800) 621-7440 or by fax (312) 263-7462, https://www.hlcommission.org. The Ohio Department of Higher Education, https://www.ohiohighered.org, authorized degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Business Administration and Master of Music Education.
The University is an institutional member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Inc. (OFIC), the Council for Independent Colleges (CIC), the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Ohio (AICUO), the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, and the College Board.
The Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), www.acbsp.org.
The Aris M. Kaplanis Master of Business Administration Program, holds full accreditation with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), www.acbsp.org.
The University’s Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), www.caate.net.
The Master of Arts Degree in Counseling is recognized and approved by the Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board, and is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), www.cacrep.org.
The University is a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), nasm.arts-accredit.org, and its requirements for entrance and graduation are in accordance with the published regulations of this accrediting agency.
The education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) www.caep.org. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. However, the accreditation does not include individual education courses that the institution offers to P-12 educators for professional development, re-licensure, or other purposes. Information related to Title II, Higher Education Act compliance is available from the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
Mission Statement
Heidelberg University is a community of learning that promotes and nurtures intellectual, personal and professional development, leading to a life of purpose with distinction.
Vision Statement
Heidelberg will be a welcoming, student-centered university where in-class and out-of-class learning is seamless and continuous. Both the undergraduate and graduate curriculums will effectively integrate liberal arts and professional preparation across disciplines to prepare our students to be global citizens who think critically, communicate effectively and serve thoughtfully.
Statment of Educational Philosophy and Values
Heidelberg University, in the Liberal Arts tradition, educates persons who can act effectively and with integrity in a world of change. It cherishes academic excellence, honors knowledge, encourages original research, and promotes a lifelong commitment to free inquiry. Heidelberg is dedicated to being a diverse community that challenges students to understand their cultural heritage and the contemporary world, to explore frontiers of knowledge, and to develop powers of mind and spirit. In keeping with its historic affiliation with the United Church of Christ, students, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees work together to understand and respect diverse cultures, religions, and lifestyles. Heidelberg University develops individuals with high moral and ethical standards who are productive in their life’s work, engaged in their communities, and responsible citizens of the world.
Statement of Institutional Goals
At the time of graduation, Heidelberg students will be capable of:
- Demonstrating the breadth of knowledge and creative and critical thinking skills to fully participate as citizens of the changing world;
- Synthesizing theory, knowledge and experience related to their majors;
- Demonstrating the writing and speaking skills to communicate effectively within their disciplines;
- Demonstrating the quantitative and problem-solving skills sufficient for their disciplines and for functioning in an increasingly technical society;
- Demonstrating an awareness of their own cultures and a sensitivity to and appreciation of other cultures;
- Valuing the quest for purpose, integrity, and spiritual growth;
- Demonstrating an engagement with Heidelberg University and the local community, as well as with the nation and the world.
In the years following graduation, alumni will find that their experiences while at Heidelberg played an important role in:
- Shaping their understanding and appreciation of the world;
- Developing the abilities and strength of character to achieve their personal goals;
- Developing the capacity and willingness to contribute in a positive and constructive way to the communities in which they live and to Heidelberg University.
Campus Facilities and Services
Heidelberg University is located on a 125-acre campus with approximately 90 additional surrounding acres in Tiffin (population 20,000), county seat of Seneca County and center of a prosperous agricultural, industrial and business area in northwestern Ohio. The campus is located on the east side of Tiffin on College Hill. Classrooms, laboratories and other buildings are within easy walking distance in the time allotted between classes. Downtown Tiffin is within a half-mile of campus, and the city’s churches are conveniently near. The old and new in architecture at Heidelberg blend harmoniously. From the pure Greek Revival lines of Founders Hall and the Victorian Gothic style of University Hall, the architecture moves toward the more modern English Gothic and to the functional style typified by Beeghly Library. In many of the buildings erected since 1907, gray Bloomville limestone, with cut Bedford stone for trim, gives a sense of unity to the various styles. Ten buildings ranging in age from 91 to 166 years are entered in the National Register of Historic Places.
Library Facilities
Beeghly Library supports the education, research, and information needs of the Heidelberg University community. In addition to its physical holdings of print and media formats, the library provides extensive access to electronic books, journals, and research databases. Membership in the OPAL and OhioLINK library consortia allows access to the combined collections of 122 Ohio university and college libraries. Services include in-person and virtual reference assistance, access to on-site and off-site information, and library research classes. The library web site provides access to the Library Catalog, research databases, and information on services. Circulation policies for items owned by Beeghly Library and for items borrowed from other OhioLINK and OPAL Libraries are also available on the library website.
The University Archives, is housed in the lower level of Beeghly Library. Their services include collecting and maintaining documents and materials on the history of the university, assisting individuals researching Heidelberg, creating displays about Heidelberg, and hosting groups interested in the history of the institution and the archival collections.
Computer Centers
Computer centers are available for student use in Bareis Hall Computer Center and terminals in various locations around campus. Visit the Computer, Network, and Information Technology (CNIT) website for additional information.
Health Services
The Stoner Health and Counseling Center provides the Heidelberg campus with a modern facility providing quality medical services. The Stoner Health and Counseling Center provides a health clinic and counseling services. The center is open Monday through Friday from
8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. with counseling open 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with limited evening hours when classes are in session; excluding summer.
Accessibility
Student Accessibility Services provides students with disabilities, and/or accessibility needs, the services and support needed to achieve equal access while pursuing higher education. Student Accessibility Services also serves the wider campus community as a resource in understanding disability, accessibility, and inclusivity. A student with disabilities and other accessibility needs who requires housing, dining, and/or academic accommodations to overcome barriers to their educational experience are encouraged to contact the Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services. The Coordinator will review the student’s rights and responsibilities, and guide them through the confidential, interactive process of arranging appropriate accommodations. Student Accessibility Services is located within the Owen Center for Teaching and Learning.
Academic Support
The Owen Center for Teaching and Learning fosters the academic excellence and career development of all Heidelberg students. The Owen Center programs for graduate students include the Writing Center.
Student Identification Cards
In order to check out materials from the library or another OhioLINK library, and to use the Resource and Computer Centers, all students should have a Heidelberg Student Identification card. Student ID cards may offer reduced rates for Heidelberg sponsored events and receive discounts at participating area restaurants. YMCA privileges, however, are not available to graduate students. ID cards for graduate students are picture-less and made automatically. The student is notified after the semester has begun when IDs are available for pick-up in the Graduate Admissions Office. Any students living on campus, (i.e. Graduate Assistants, International Students), may need to obtain a picture ID from the Residence Life Office.
Vehicle Registration
All students are required to register all vehicles driven to the Heidelberg Tiffin campus. Vehicle registration is available on OASIS under the student’s “Personal Information” menu. There is no charge for vehicle registration for graduate students. Students are expected to park in proper areas. Guidelines are posted in several locations and are available from security.
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