2018 2019
Welcome to College YOUR GUIDE TO ORIENTATION AT OHIO UNIVERSITY
hello
Welcome to Ohio University! We are thrilled to be some of the first to welcome you to campus and the Bobcat community. During your orientation, you will have the pleasure of meeting us, working with us, and exploring your new home, Athens. We also know that orientation may be a bit of an information overload. It is a lot to take in, but we will walk you through it step-by-step. To get started, read this magazine – it will provide a glimpse into your life as a Bobcat and help you prepare for orientation. A few tips before you arrive on campus. You’ll hear BSO a lot; that stands for Bobcat Student Orientation, your required two-day orientation session. Have an open mind. We know icebreakers are cheesy, but they work! Finally, our goal is for you to leave with a new friend. This means you have to participate and get to know your fellow classmates. Take advantage of this opportunity and introduce yourself to the person next to you. We can’t wait to see you!
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THERE ARE MORE THAN 450 STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AT OHIO UNIVERSITY.
inside Welcome
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Map
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Exploring Athens
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Undecided – It’s OK!
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OHIO: Your Next Chapter
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Explore Your Major
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External Credit
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Home Away From Home 9 Finding Your Support Network
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Financial Aid & Bursar
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Name and Pronouns
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Preparing for BSO
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Stay Connected
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Ready. Set. OHIO!
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THE FRONT ROOM IN BAKER UNIVERSITY CENTER SERVES MORE THAN 2,000 CUPS OF COFFEE EACH DAY!
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The best time of your life is about to begin Welcome Home. You’re about to embark on another transition in your life, your transition to college. This can be an overwhelming experience, but Ohio University has strategically placed people and programs to support you.
academic excellence as we have graduated some of our nation’s and world’s leading
As a new Bobcat, we welcome you to join our legacy. To join the 214 years of tradition, academics, and community — all things you feel as soon as you step onto campus. President Duane Nellis touched
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engineers, nurses, medical doctors, writers, journalists, businesspersons, scientists, artists, sports administrators, educators, ceramicists, musicians, and political leaders, just to
on this during his inaugural address,
mention a few of the fields in which our
“Fundamentally, our legacy is one of
graduates excel.”
ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF FRENCH FRIES FROM CULINARY SERVICES IS 305,910 LBS.
“So enter... and now we realize that once inside the gate our brief years here will be daylike and timeless, for time passes like a leaf turning yellow. These are glorious, wonderful days...” 1949 ATHENA YEARBOOK President Nellis continued his speech, saying,
open to new possibilities. During your first
“We must prepare our students not to just
year, you will discover who you are and make
survive in this world, but to thrive and lead in
strides toward your goals.
this world.” At orientation, we want you to
Are you ready? We cannot wait to celebrate
thrive, to embrace the challenges, and to be
you and all of the success you find at OHIO.
THE ESCALATORS IN BAKER UNIVERSITY CENTER ARE THE ONLY ESCALATORS IN SOUTHEAST OHIO.
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Exploring Athens beyond class and campus Community is one of OHIO’s five core values1, and membership in the Ohio University community includes being involved and responsible members of the city of Athens. So, let’s talk about Athens. Surrounded by rolling hills, twisting rivers, and thick forests, Athens is its own kind of authentic, it’s a quirky, brick-filled, vibrant town. Some find comfort in the unique eateries with local flavors or even at a new coffee spot. Some will spend hours on the bike paths and hiking trails. Others will invest
PROVIDED PHOTO Artist Noah Hogan in Passion Works Studio | Passion Works’ Passion Flower is the Official Flower of Athens, Ohio
their time at open mics and supporting the local music scene. No matter what you do, becoming a Bobcat also means becoming an Athenian.
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While you will still find the modern comforts of
www.ohio.edu/5c/index.cfm
shopping centers, familiar restaurants, and grocery stores, you’ll soon see that Athens is home to so
others – each coming from a unique background,
much more. Wake up early on a Saturday morning
mindset, and culture. There are people studying
to purchase fresh fruit from a family at the Athens
to become doctors and writers, people raising
Farmers Market. Ditch the technology and go
their young families, people caring for their
outside: hike, swim, bike, or explore the Hocking
aging parents, and people who spent their whole
Hills. Now is your chance to enjoy the authenticity
lives in this culturally rich Appalachian town. As
of this small town in the foothills of Appalachia —
you experience Athens, keep in mind that it’s a
a quiet place with a loud voice.
community and a home – though you may be gone in a few years, how you act during those years
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When you’re in Athens, you’ll have your learning
affects everyone else. Embrace this opportunity
community, residence hall, classmates, coworkers,
to meet new people and care for your neighbors.
and student organizations. You may even see
The Bobcat community stretches far beyond the
people from your high school around town, but
borders of College Green. Athens is your new
never forget that you’re here with thousands of
extended family. Treat its residents as such.
OHIO UNIVERSITY GETS A SHOUT-OUT IN THIRD SEASON OF NETFLIX’S ‘ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK’
EXPLORE SOUTHEAST OHIO
Experience all the charm Athens offers USAToday & “10Best” Name Athens, Ohio Best College Small Town1 Athens is a place of creativity and self-expression. You will notice our public
places to go
art installations and find working artists around every corner. Things are happening. Still, there is a simplicity to life here. A traffic jam is three cars long,
Here is a snippet of a long list of things you should explore:
and you will spot the same friendly faces in class, outside the barber shop, and at
• Strouds Run State Park
Blue Eagle guitar store. From that familiarity comes support, and we hope you
• Sells Park
will come to recognize that community is more than where you live. It’s about
• Casa Nueva
the relationships you build and the ways you give back. Make the leap and get
• Athens Farmers Market
involved. Shop local, volunteer with the humane society, keep our town clean
• Paw Paw Festival
and peaceful. Above all, take advantage of your new home. Athens is a place you
• Spring Literary Festival
can contribute to and from which you can learn.
• International Street Fair • Athena Cinema
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• Athens Skate Park
• O’Betty’s Red Hot!
www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-small-college-town/
• Nelsonville Music Festival
MARCH MADNESS: OHIO TOOK UNC TO OVERTIME BEFORE TAR HEELS PREVAILED 73-65 IN 2012 REGIONAL SEMIFINAL NCAA GAME
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OHIO: Your next chapter You’re nervous. Your palms are starting to sweat, your heart is beating out of your chest, you’ve already fired off five sassy comments (and counting) to your innocent family members; it is move-in day at Ohio University. It is one of those things for which you feel least prepared. Now, I am not talking about the 956 things that you packed – the hangers, coffee makers, framed pictures of you at prom, or the highlighters in every color. No, I’m talking about the feeling of starting a new chapter – a chapter that is filled with new friends who will study with you in Alden at 2 a.m. during finals week. A chapter that includes pizza at tailgates and “OU, Oh yeah!”s at sporting events. You’ll have
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professors who will challenge your every thought. You will find that major that gets you excited for a morning class. It is exhilarating and the best part about this chapter is that YOU get to create it. Those cheering for you on and off campus are the characters and YOU are the author. My advice to all new authors is simple: soak it all in. Being a college student only lasts so long, but you’ll always be a Bobcat. Cherish the ups and downs, the laughter and the tears, because these memories will be with you forever. Look at the bricks you walk on everyday and think of what you’re building, how you’re growing. We all look forward to seeing the Bobcat you will soon become!
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS MAKE UP APPROXIMATELY ONE-THIRD OF OHIO’S FIRST-YEAR CLASS EACH YEAR
Your new home away from home Let me be one of many to officially say: welcome to Ohio University! You took the exams, you toured the campus, you found the extra-long twin-sized mattress sheets, and you are finally here. So… now what? You will attend class (as you should), you will check out the dining halls, and sweat it out at Ping. Great! That makes you a Bobcat, right? Technically, yes. But, there’s just a little more to it. Being a Bobcat means bleeding green at the sporting events you attend, the symphonic concerts you listen to at Mem Aud, and the stand-up open mics you laugh at in Baker. It means finding that organization you love so much you would go to battle for it. It’s making that Sunday dinner tradition at Union Street Diner with your closest friends. You will see what it is like to be a Bobcat on every Green — from North to South, East to West. As a recent grad who experienced what it was like to blink and have four amazing years go by, I can honestly say that there are a million memories and traditions I cherish. I loved the annual Women’s Comedy Show during Mom’s weekend, the programs at Studio C in RTV, and the vanilla chai lattes at Donkey. My body never stopped going. I was happily exhausted until graduation day, but don’t follow my passions. Make your own! That is what is so great about being a Bobcat at Ohio University — there is something for everyone. These stories written by Marissa Donovan, BSC ’17
PING CENTER’S INDOOR CLIMBING WALL OFFERS APPROXIMATELY 936 SQUARE FEET OF CLIMBING AREA
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Finding your support network It’s safe to say that nobody goes through college alone. Nobody earns their degree without dedicated instructors and staff cheering them on. Here’s a quick rundown of your OHIO network. Ohio University consists of nine undergraduate
feel comfortable starting a conversation with
colleges and one center, and each has a dean who
their leaders about anything: making friends,
oversees the academic, research, and student
homesickness, not getting the expected grades,
service areas. At BSO you’ll interact
coming out, that they haven’t found their
with your professors and instructors,
place on campus.
who you will soon see on a daily basis — these are the people you’ll learn from
OHIO UNIVERSITY
in the classroom and visit during office
connect with their resident assistant, or
hours. You start making connections at
RA, who are the people that manage
Orientation. Every student will connect
the hallway of the residence hall. They
with a college-specific Orientation Leader
too will plan activities to bring students
and faculty advisor. These connections
9 UNDERGRAD COLLEGES
share resources, help you learn more about life is like at OHIO.
together. Lose your room key? Find your RA! Trouble with a math test? The RA knows a tutor! Need to talk about
your major and provide a glimpse of what
depression? Your RA can talk about COLLEGE DEAN
In addition, most students will start their first semester at OHIO in a learning
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Students living on campus will also
PROFESSORS + INSTRUCTORS
campus services and may even walk with you to set up an appointment.
community, an intentionally designed
Every OHIO student has an assigned
experience for incoming students. Students
academic advisor. At minimum, students
work with a Learning Community Leader
will see this person once per semester
(LCL) — a peer connected to the learning
— though all are encouraged to make
community — who will organize study sessions
appointments as often as needed to discuss majors,
and out-of-class activities. Many students make
minors, certificates, and other academic-related
lasting friendships during this semester together.
topics. Every student also has a specific financial
LCLs are not counselors, but students tend to
aid advisor. The Allen Student Advising Center,
24/5 BOTH THE SECOND AND FOURTH FLOORS OF ALDEN LIBRARY ARE OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
“You are a Bobcat no matter where you are, both inside and outside of the classroom. Part of being a Bobcat is helping others. You are ambassadors for this family no matter where you are.”
RA
PROFESSORS + INSTRUCTORS
YOU
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
JENNY HALL-JONES, DEAN OF STUDENTS AND 3-TIME OHIO GRADUATE located in Baker University Center, is also a great
FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR
advising resource. All of the above is gathered together in the My OHIO
LCL experiences, too.
Success Network. This is an online system in use at OHIO through which professors can congratulate
Our Bobcat family is big — 25,000+ students, faculty,
students or check to see if they need a hand.
and staff on the Athens Campus. More than 230,000 alumni living all over the world. Plus 15,000+ students
You’re not alone at OHIO. When you’re a Bobcat, you
and staff in our eCampus and at OHIO’s regional
are part of the Bobcat family. This unique university
campuses and centers.
family will celebrate your successes, help you when you’re struggling, and invite you to share in others’
We’re looking forward to knowing you.
CULINARY SERVICES SERVES APPROXIMATELY 3.8 MILLION MEALS PER YEAR.
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What’s in a name?
Enter or update your preferred name and pronouns Individuals may have a variety of reasons to take advantage of the University’s preferred name options, such as preferring use of a middle name, a nickname,
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or another name, for a variety of personal reasons.
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sis.ohio.edu/student
Students can update their preferred name and/
2
www.ohio.edu/registrar/preferred-names-faqs.cfm
or pronouns in My OHIO Student Center1. After
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www.ohio.edu/lgbt/pronouns.cfm
logging in, click on the "Names" link in the Personal Information section to review and update, or to enter
Ohio University adopted a Name and Pronoun Policy
your preferred name and pronouns. The preferred name
creating the opportunity for students to be identified
you enter will be displayed in most university systems
with the name and/or pronoun with witch they
and services, such as your ID card, Catmail, the online
identify. Visit the preferred names2 and pronouns3 FAQ
directory, Blackboard, grading rosters, etc. In 2015,
pages for more information.
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ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF CHICKEN NUGGETS FROM CULINARY SERVICES IS 24,550 LBS.
Stay connected Email To keep in touch with professors and classmates, you should use your Ohio University email account or as we call it, Catmail1. Even if you already have an email account, getting in the habit of using and checking your Catmail each day is important. University departments will send important information to your Catmail including registration updates, billing information, and messages from university administrators. This is also how we will communicate orientation updates to you and your family.
OHIO BSO App Download OHIO BSO2 via your app store for up-to-date orientation information, the BSO schedule, and to explore all OHIO has to offer!
Technology Bringing a laptop or tablet helps you navigate the My OHIO system3, find classes, and register for fall semester! If you are unable to bring a device with you and cannot borrow one, access to technology will be available during your advising session at BSO. If you’re in the market for a new computer, printer, or tablet, OHIO has negotiated special discounts with Apple and Dell. The Bobcat Depot4 also sells various accessories and provides repair services.
Resources 1
www.ohio.edu/oit/email/
2
www.ohio.edu/uc/bso/
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www.ohio.edu/oit/services/myaccount.cfm
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bobcatdepot.ohio.edu/
DURING FINALS WEEK, ALL SEVEN FLOORS OF ALDEN LIBRARY ARE OPEN 24 HOURS.
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Getting around campus R
ID
G
E
S
C
IR
C
L
E
Make sure to download the BSO App filled with maps 14
CULINARY SERVICES IS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER OF STUDENTS ON CAMPUS EMPLOYING MORE THAN 2,100 STUDENT WORKERS.
key Convocation Center Parking Area
Convocation Center Orientation Starts Here Baker University Center Memorial Auditorium Nelson Court Living Learning Center Sargent Hall College Green Gordy Hall Tupper Hall
more maps Athens Campus Map www.ohio.edu/athens/ ioumap.html ADA Accessibility Maps www.ohio.edu/athens/ ada_access.html
and walking directions around campus
Campus Parking Map www.ohio.edu/athens/ parking/
THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 300 RESIDENT ASSISTANTS (RA) ON CAMPUS.
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Undecided?
It’s OK Find your passion. Then follow it all the way to success.
students share responsibility and through which
Being undecided doesn’t mean being unambitious
with their academic, career, and personal goals.
or uninspired. On the contrary: at University College, we see it as being unbound, unlimited, and open to everything Ohio University has to offer. It’s why we’re here and what we’re all about. We’re an engaged network of individuals, all dedicated to helping you plot out a successful first year and beyond: unafraid, and on your way to greatness. Let’s go!
students create sound educational plans consistent
Everyone benefits from Advising. What Will You Gain From Academic Advising? • Informed guidance that will assist you as you make decisions about your academic goals. • An understanding of campus resources and academic programs. • Skills reading your DARS (you’ll learn
What you need for where you’re headed.
more about this at orientation), using the
We’re ready to point you in the right direction.
Undergraduate Catalog, and using the
Ohio University recognizes academic advising to
online tools available to you for degree
be a central element of the educational experience of its undergraduate students. Advising is a collaborative relationship for which advisors and
planning. • The variety of opportunities available to you that will enhance your academic experience — internships, campus involvement opportunities, etc.
online www.ohio.edu/uc/advising-center/ www.ohio.edu/uc
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For every person, and every path. If you’re new to campus, joining us from another college, or just have a question, we can help you.
OHIO’S MARCHING BAND IS CALLED THE MARCHING 110. THE 110 ORIGINALLY REFERRED TO THE NUMBER OF BAND MEMBERS IN 1967.
Explore your major Not sure where to start? The O*NET Interest Profiler can help you find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work.
www.mynextmove.org • Select the “Tell us what you like to do” link and complete the following 60 questions as directed. After completing these 60 questions, you will be given a customized Interest Profiler. • Jot down your results and bring these options with you to orientation to talk further with your Academic Advisor.
Have an idea of what you want to study but not sure what career opportunities are available? Exploring this website will not only help you connect majors to careers but also learn about typical career areas and types of employers that hire people with each major, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate.
bit.ly/ohiou-career-tools
Already declared your major? Career Early. Career Often. Explore the ever-expanding collection of career and leadership resources available through Ohio University Career Tools. This is the only website you need for job searching, major and career exploration, graduate school preparation, and much more. Career Tools has it all.
www.ohio.edu/careerandleadership/resources/index.cfm OHIO UNIVERSITY UNVEILED ITS RUFUS MASCOT ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 2, 2006.
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Getting the credit you’ve already earned Ohio University recognizes several kinds of transferable credits, including those from other institutions and exam credit such as CC+, IB, and AP. For more on how your credits will transfer and to learn about your transfer credit evaluation report, visit the Undergraduate Admissions website. In general, college-level courses taken at a regionally accredited institution will transfer to Ohio University with grades of "C-" or better. In some circumstances, a grade of "D-" or better may be accepted for credit. Please have official transcripts from all institutions you’ve attended sent directly to Undergraduate Admissions. We encourage you to bring an unofficial
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online
copy with you or a list of the exams you have taken.
www.ohio.edu/admissions/transfer-credits
For students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP)
your pending credit. The BSO team will ensure your
exams, your official scores will not be available during
class schedule is still complete and appropriate after
orientation. Your academic advisor will work with you
your test scores have been received. Be sure to continue
to create a complete and appropriate schedule based off
checking your Catmail for any updates.
AT FOUR STORIES TALL, THE NEW RESIDENCE HALLS BOAST SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE ATHENS CAMPUS AND THE APPALACHIAN HILLSIDES THAT SURROUND THE UNIVERSITY.
Help funding your future The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships awards federal, state, and institutional financial aid. This includes scholarships, grants, employment opportunities, and loans. As an official Bobcat, you are responsible for completing all requirements to receive your financial aid. Access your financial aid information at your OHIO Student Center at sis.ohio.edu/student. Check your To Do List and complete all requirements. Below are important actions you need to take.
SCHOLARSHIPS If you have Ohio University scholarships, you must meet certain requirements. You must be aware of renewability criteria for all scholarships you receive. • Visit your OHIO Student Center.
Did you know each student at Ohio University has their own financial aid advisor? Visit www.ohio.edu/financial-aid/contact
OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES Your Award Letter provides anticipated direct charges and financial aid. This calculation gives you an estimated outof-pocket cost. There are two additional loan options to
• Select “Accept/Decline Awards”.
consider for assistance in covering the balance. Visit www.
• Select the name of each scholarship to review the
ohio.edu/financial-aid/resources/additional.
eligibility criteria and renewability requirements. If you have scholarships from outside agencies, endorse the check and mail it to our office ATTN: Outside Agency Scholarships. Awards of $1,000 or less are applied fully to fall semester unless specified by the donor. Other scholarships are divided equally between fall and spring.
FEDERAL LOANS If you wish to utilize Federal Student Loans, you must complete all requirements. • Visit your OHIO Student Center. • Select “Accept/Decline Awards”. • Make your loan decision by selecting Accept All, Decline All, or specifying an amount. Go to studentloans.gov: • Log in with your FSA ID. • Select Complete Loan Agreement (MPN). • Go back to the home page and select Complete Entrance Counseling.
OFFICE OF THE BURSAR The Office of the Bursar is responsible for billing and collecting balances owed to the University. Online services found in the Finances section of My OHIO Student Center include: making payment, direct deposit enrollment, payment plan enrollment, 1098-T Forms, and health insurance and/or legal service waivers. University account statements are only available online. You can set up an authorized user, such as a parent, to view/pay balances. You, and authorized users, will be emailed an account balance notice at the first of the month. Balance information and due dates are located on My OHIO Student Center under Account Inquiry and Charges Due. Past due balances may incur a 1.5% late fee charge and a restrictive financial hold. Incoming freshmen will be sent an email in early August for the fall semester charges. You can learn more about the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Office of the Bursar through our Bobcat Basic videos on the orientation website. You will also have the opportunity to meet with them on Day 2 of Orientation.
OHIO IS A SMOKE AND TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS.
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Preparing for BSO
Don’t forget to bring this with you to BSO!
Your next steps: Here are a few reminders to help you prepare and pack for your orientation visit: • Upload a photo for your OHIO Student ID. No glamor shots please! Find instructions waiting for you in your Catmail. • Download the OHIO BSO app! You can begin viewing the BSO schedule now! • Not sure if you need to take a placement test? Check out website. • Watch the Bobcat Basics videos on our website. It’s helpful to watch them with any family members that will be attending BSO too. Don’t forget to bring: • Parking Permit • Any unofficial transcripts or documents regarding credit you’ve earned which can be used to help shape your class schedule • This magazine and your completed Advising Worksheet • Technology to help you register – we recommend something larger than your phone If you have any questions as you prepare for your orientation visit, check our website! We provide a ton of information to help you feel informed and prepared to attend BSO. If you can’t find what you are looking for, feel free to give us a call at 740.593.1951.
online
www.ohio.edu/uc/bso/your-next-steps.cfm
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A mockup of an OHIO ID. Unfortunately your ID can’t be quite as fun — but please still bring your best selfie game, check your Catmail for all the details. THE WEBSITE IMGUR WAS LAUNCHED BY FOUNDER ALAN SCHAAF BSCS ‘10 IN HIS OHIO RESIDENCE HALL.
Design your future An essential component of Bobcat Student Orientation is your introduction to your academic college and registering for your first semester at OHIO. New students should view the videos and complete the Pre-Orientation Advising Worksheet prior to attending your Bobcat Student Orientation session.
www.ohio.edu/uc/bso/preorientation.cfm
OHIO’S GREEN AND WHITE COLORS DATE BACK TO 1896. BEFORE THAT, THE UNOFFICIAL COLORS WERE BLUE AND WHITE.
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READY. SET. OHIO!
Wondering what you do the rest of the summer after BSO? Continue checking your Catmail and prepare for Move-in1 and Welcome Week2! First-year student movein takes place August 23–24. Please arrive to your residence hall at your scheduled date and time based on the Arrival Guide1 details. We have a lot of events planned during Welcome Week that will help you meet new people, explore the area with new friends, and acclimate to Athens and the campus. As students arrive to campus, Housing and Residence Life staff will be in the residence halls to answer any questions you might have. We cannot wait to see you at movie nights, your class photo, Convocation, and the involvement fair! These are just a few activities you will get to experience during Welcome Week to help you settle in and begin to call OHIO, home. For information about Welcome Week, please visit www.ohio.edu/arrival-guide.
save the date Welcome Week August 23-September 1, 2018 First Day of Class August 27, 2018 Homecoming October 15-20, 2018 Parents Weekend September 28-30, 2018 22
ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF FRESH PRODUCE FROM CULINARY SERVICES IS 500,000 LBS.
online 1
www.ohio.edu/arrival-guide
2
www.ohio.edu/uc/bso/welcome-week.cfm
THE VOICE OF JAFAR IN DISNEY’S ALADDIN IS ALUMNUS JONATHAN FREEMAN.
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Undergraduate Orientation Programs Baker University Center 417 1 Ohio University Drive Athens, OH 45701-2979 T: 740.593.1951 www.ohio.edu/orientation
BSO Checklist This Orientation magazine Pre-Advising Worksheet A laptop or tablet All of your questions about Ohio University!
See you soon!