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Bobcat Families,
I am so excited to see our campus full of students again. I hope you all had a restful winter break and a chance to reconnect with your student. With these frigid temperatures in Athens, I want to remind students of ways to stay warm and comfortable in their living spaces.
I can't wait to welcome even more faces back to our campus February 2-4 for Sibs Weekend! There are so many fun events already planned like Sibs Gaming Night , GLOWhio (requires a waiver ), and a show with comedian Chris Redd . Make your plans for the weekend now.
There are also plenty of events planned to welcome students back to campus this week, like movie nights at the East End, ice skating and hot chocolate at Bird Arena, and so much more!
Coming back after a long time away can be a big transition too. It's never too early in the semester to explore mental health resources or start working with a tutor . All of our staff and resources are here to help your student make the most of their semester and their time at OHIO. I look forward to seeing some of you in February.
Kathy Fahl, MSWDean of Students
Your student's time to shine
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Encourage your student to apply now for a Leadership Award to be recognized for their impact on the OHIO community. There are over two dozen awards and some with a scholarship component. Applications are due Feb. 1!
Stay in the loop for events
Students asked, we listened. They can now get notifications of upcoming events around campus through the Go OHIO app and at go.ohio.edu through the new Athens campus experience. Students will receive a few notifications each week throughout the spring semester, and based on their feedback, there may be opportunities to opt into even more personalized notifications in the future. Students can also opt in to get Canvas Updates if they're enrolled in a Phase 1 course.
To opt in, navigate to Messages and select "Opt-in channels" in the upper right corner, then select the channels you prefer.
Health insurance requirements
Ohio University requires all students enrolled at the Athens campus to maintain an active health insurance policy. The university offers a comprehensive commercial health insurance policy and optional dental and vision coverage. Students with an existing insurance policy that meets the University waiver requirements may complete a waiver application by Feb. 2 to remove the charge for the University Student Health Insurance for the remainder of the academic year.
Learn more about your options or find out where you're covered
Celebrate MLK Week
Each year, Ohio University celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The week-long celebration honors the life and legacy of Dr. King with inclusive OHIO and regional tributes that highlight equality and social justice.
There are events throughout the week like a talk with author Jonathan Eig , a Community Service Fair to learn about ways to get engaged with our community, and a fashion show that depicts fashion during the time of MLK.
More about the week-long celebration
Feeling under the weather?
As we begin a new semester amid cold and flu season, keep in mind all of the campus and local resources available to help keep our community healthy. If your student is experiencing COVID symptoms, they can get a test at a local pharmacy or Athens County Public Library locations.
Review the FAQ for what to do if students test positive, and no matter the illness, encourage students to isolate and rest when they need to!
Don't forget to fill out the FAFSA
The new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened Dec. 31. Just in case you need a little nudge, the OHIO priority deadline to complete the FAFSA is Feb. 15.
We recommend all students complete the FAFSA for full financial aid consideration!
Stay informed on Issue 2
Though Ohio's laws surrounding cannabis have changed, the Ohio University policy on cannabis will not change, as required by federal law. No matter your age, you cannot use or possess any form of cannabis, including recreational or medical cannabis, anywhere on OHIO property or at University-sponsored activities according to the Ohio University Student Code of Conduct . This means no vaporizers, no edibles and no smoking.
Is your student living on campus next year?
Housing and Residence Life is hosting information sessions on four different dates about the upcoming 2024-25 Room Selection Process. There will be two sessions on each date starting at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Students can attend an information session to learn more about the room selection process and chat with Housing staff about any questions they have!
Upcoming Events
Sorority and Fraternity Life Expo
Jan. 17 | 7 p.m.Being in a Fraternity or a Sorority is about leadership, scholarship, philanthropy, service and friendship! Learn more about becoming a part of sorority and fraternity life at OHIO in the Baker Ballroom.
More info
Bonding with Bobcats
Jan. 22 | 5 p.m.Join Vice President for Student Affairs Lyn Redington and Student Trustees Mia Citino and Garrett Meek for an open house at the Baker third floor atrium.
More info
Sibs Weekend
Feb. 2-4Ohio University welcomes families and friends to reconnect with their college students on the Athens campus during Sibs Weekend!
Make your plans
Quick links
Dynamic Strategy Survey Help guide the University's engagement work
Basic Needs support Campus food pantry, emergency microgrants, housing help