This schedule is for in-person summer orientation programs for first-year student's families and guests in May, June, and July 2025. All details are subject to change.
Day 1 Arrival Information: Parking & Shuttle
Day 1 Arrival Information: Check-In Process
Required Program Check-In & Optional Activities
Students and guests must complete two required steps during check-in. Additional options are available to personalize your orientation experience. You may arrive anytime during the check-in window, but we recommend arriving at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before check-in closesto ensure enough time for required steps.
Housing and Residence Life offers room viewings for selected residence halls, showcasing a variety of living style options.
- Convocation Center: West Green, Pod/Quad Style
- Jefferson Hall: East Green, Renovated Style
- Pickering Hall: South Green, Traditional Style
- Sowle Hall: South Green, Suite Style
8:00 – 2:00 pm
&
11:00 – 2:00 pm
Jefferson Marketplace : Jefferson Hall
West 82 : Baker University Center (1st Floor)
Day 1 Sessions
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
1:00 - 1:30 pm
|
BSO Welcome and Program Overview Kick off your orientation journey with an introduction from university leadership and the orientation team! You’ll meet our student orientation leaders, review the program schedule, and learn more about the rich experience you’ll have at Ohio University. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
1:30 - 1:40 pm
|
Student Dismissal Followed by Family and Guest Overview | Memorial Auditorium |
|
1:40 - 2:15 pm
|
Helping Your Student Thrive Led by the Office of the Dean of Students, this session offers families and guests an opportunity to explore how OHIO supports students in thriving both academically and personally. You’ll also gain valuable insights into the university’s expectations, ensuring your student’s success. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
2:20 - 3:00pm
|
Campus Safety and Support Panel Join this panel to learn more about campus safety and security, as well as resources that support students holistically. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
3:05 - 3:20 pm
|
Understanding FERPA and the Registrar’s Office The Registrar’s Office will discuss FERPA policies and procedures, as well as how those policies impact families. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
3:45 - 4:25 pm
|
Bobcat Breakout Session One(options listed below)
Getting Involved (Schoonover Center 145), Hosted by Center for Student Engagement and Leadership & Sorority and Fraternity Life: Getting involved beyond the classroom helps Bobcats find their community, develop leadership skills, and create lasting memories. Whether it's Student Government, Sorority and Fraternity Life, or one of the 500+ student organizations available, there’s something for every student. In this session, you'll learn how your student can search for organizations, sign up for recruitment, explore service opportunities, and connect with student government representatives. Beyond Books and Tutoring: OHIO's Academic Support Hub (Muck Business Annex 121B), Hosted by Academic Achievement Center, Ohio University Libraries, & First-Generation Programs: Discover the campus resources that support your student’s academic success, including tutoring, help services, study spaces, and tools for adjusting to campus life. You'll also learn tips to help all students—especially first-generation college students—feel connected, supported, and confident at Ohio University. Holistic Support at OHIO (Kantner Hall 116. *June 6, 20, & 26- Location moved to Baker Theater, Baker University Center 2nd Floor), Hosted by: Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Accessibility Services, Academic Coaching, Survivor Advocacy Program, & Campus Recreation & Well-Being: Your student’s well-being and success go beyond the classroom. This session will introduce you to a variety of support services designed to help students thrive academically, emotionally, and personally. You'll learn about resources such as student accommodations, counseling services, survivor advocacy, and academic and well-being coaching to help your Bobcat make the most of their Ohio University experience. The Commuter Student Experience (Scripps Hall 16), Housing and Residence Life: This session offers the opportunity to learn about commuter-specific resources available to your student, as well as commuter programming, outreach events, and student employment opportunities on campus. |
Various Locations |
|
4:35 - 5:15 pm
|
Bobcat Breakout Session Two(Same sessions as above, minus The Commuter Student Experience) | Various Locations |
|
5:15 - 6:15 pm
|
Dinner at Nelson Dining Hall | Nelson Commons |
|
6:15 - 7:30 pm
|
Family Dessert Reception with University Leadership Join members of university leadership for a dessert reception and casual conversation. This session is a great opportunity to connect with other families and guests while engaging with university staff and asking any questions you may have. |
29 Park Place |
|
8:00 pm
|
Family Programming in Lincoln Hall Join Housing and Residence Life for a casual evening with fellow guests and family members and get a glimpse of the programming your student will experience this fall! |
Lincoln Hall |
Day 2 Schedule
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
7:00 - 8:00 am
|
Residence Hall Move-Out Students and guests who stayed overnight will move out of their assigned residence hall. Shuttles will run between Jefferson Hall, Parking Lot 55, and Baker University Center. |
Various Locations |
|
7:00 - 8:00 am
|
Breakfast at West 82 | West 82 : Baker University Center (1st Floor) |
|
8:15 - 9:05 am
|
Academic College Sessions for Families and Guests Connect with your student’s academic college and learn about university, college, and major requirements. |
Various Locations |
|
9:20 - 10:00 am
|
What Does OHIO Have to Offer? Discover how students can make the most of their time at OHIO through hands-on learning, leadership experiences, study away, career development, and more. This panel will highlight key programs that shape the student experience and support success—in and out of the classroom. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
10:05 - 10:50 am
|
What I Wish My Family Knew Hear from our orientation leaders as they reflect on their personal transitions to college and share how their relationships with family evolved during that time. This session includes an open Q&A, giving guests the chance to ask questions directly to the student panel. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
11:00 - 12:25 pm
|
Lunch at Nelson Dining Hall We encourage guests to talk with their student about the academic sessions they attended in the morning. Student's lunch begins a little later, at 11:25 am. |
Nelson Commons |
|
12:45 - 1:30 pm
|
Paying for College Join the Office of the Bursar and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn details regarding key deadlines and essential processes. This session will help you ensure everything is in place to for your student to manage their payment and receive financial aid and scholarships. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
1:30 - 2:00 pm
|
Next Steps Panel Representatives from Housing and Residence Life, Transportation and Parking Services, Culinary Services, Bobcat Depot, and the Bobcat Student Orientation team will share important reminders and next steps to help you and your student prepare for the fall semester. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
2:00 - 2:30 pm
|
Beyond BSO Wrap up your orientation experience with a chance to ask final questions and take part in a special Bobcat Student Orientation tradition—writing a letter to your student. These letters will be delivered a few weeks into the semester as a thoughtful reminder of your support. Paper and envelopes will be provided. Guests can drop off their letter in the mailboxes located inside The Front Room Coffeehouse on the fourth floor of Baker University Center. |
Memorial Auditorium |
|
2:30 - 4:45 pm
|
Free Time While your students complete course registration in another building, we encourage you to connect with other guests. Once students are finished, they will head to Baker University Center to check out and pick up their student IDs, making Baker a convenient spot to wait for them. If you'd prefer to explore the area, visit athensohio.com for recommendations on local dining, drinks, and shops! |
Baker University Center |