Frequently Asked Questions
Financial Questions
How can I find a part-time or summer job/internship?
Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship site to learn about the different types of employment the University has to offer. There is a job board at Chubb Hall, located outside of the Financial Aid office. Many local establishments hire students during the year. The Office of Career Services also publishes an information bulletin concerning summer jobs and internships from January through June. Opportunities are available across the U.S. Visit http://www.ohio.edu/careers/students/employment.cfm to access the Bulletin. Your college and/or major may also post information about internships specific to your major in administrative offices.
How do I apply for scholarships, Work Study and financial aid?
The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (740-593-4141) can answer your questions about obtaining financial assistance. Every student has a financial counselor at the Office of Financial Aid. Many financial aid forms are available online at http://www-sfa.chubb.ohiou.edu/html/index.html
Involvement/Community Questions
How do I get involved in student organizations?
Ohio University holds a student activities fair on the College Green early fall quarter. The fair is a good venue for browsing student organizations and asking questions about their organizations. You can also consult the online directory of student organizations http://storg.admsrv.ohio.edu/displayAll.cfm, then send the contact person an email to find out when meetings are held or check out available websites.
How can I get involved in the Athens community?
Visit the Community Service Center (339 Baker Center) for more information. There is an extensive list of community service opportunities at http://www.ohiou.edu/commserv.
Where is the nearest full-size mall/shopping center?
Athens has two small shopping malls. The Athens Mall is located on East State Street about two miles east of campus. University Mall is located on East State street about two and a half miles east of campus. The nearest large malls are in Lancaster, OH and Parkersburg, WV, both are about 45 minutes from Athens.
Where can I purchase local, healthy food?
The Athens Farmers Market (http://www.athensfarmersmarket.org/)is a great place to find local, healthy food. The Farmer’s market is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from April through November.
Where are some places to go that can only be found in Athens?
Some uptown favorite dining locations are Bagel Street Deli, Brennan’s, and The Court Street Diner. Shopping includes Artifacts, Ski’s Tees, and a number of small gift stores. If you are looking to do something outdoors, visit Stroud’s Run or take a little longer drive to Old Man’s Cave.
How do I find out about live entertainment in Athens?
A free local newspaper, The Athens News, runs an extensive live music and entertainment guide every Thursday. Ohio University also operates a campus and community based “fun” page: http://cscwww.cats.ohiou.edu/about/fun/, in addition to the online campus calendar of events: http://www.ohio.edu/calendar/. Or visit the Athens County Visitors Bureau events website: http://www.athensohio.com/.
How can I find out about study abroad?
Ohio University offers a wide range of study, work, and internship opportunities abroad. Contact the Office of Education Abroad for more information. Walk-in study abroad advising is available Mondays through Fridays from 1:00-4:00 pm in Lindley Hall.
Services Available
What services are available for people who are LGBT?
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Programs Center is located in 354 Baker Center and serves people of all sexual orientations and gender identities as individuals and groups. The center offers a variety of educational and cultural programs and events throughout the academic year.
What services are available on campus for students with disabilities?
The Office for Institutional Equity (located in Crewson House) offers a wide range of accommodations for students with physical or learning disabilities. Contact Disabilities Services at 593-2620 or visit http://www.ohio.edu/equity/disabilityservices/index.cfm for more information. Please be advised, all disabilities must be properly documented before the university can offer appropriate accommodations.
Where is the US Post Office on-campus?
The post office at 408 Baker University Center is open Monday through Friday (hours vary throughout the year).
I am having computer problems, I might have a virus. What can I do?
For computer help, contact Computer Network Services at 593-1222. The support center is available from 8am-8pm Monday – Friday and 11am-7pm on the weekend. You can also ask questions on their website http://technology.ohio.edu/support/supportcenter.html
Where can I use my Bobcat Cash?
Bobcat Cash can be used at any of the OU markets, West 82 Food Court in Baker Center, the Mini Mall in Nelson Dining Hall, are just a few places to use Bobcat Cash. To add money to Bobcat Cash, go to the Bursar in Chubb Hall or online through your eAccount.
Where can I purchase the discounted software everyone keeps talking about?
MicrosoftXP (Operating System), Office 2003, Tiger OS, and Mac Office 2004 can be purchased at HDL Center, first floor. A valid OU ID is required and the payment methods are cash or charge to your OU student account.
Can I have a car on campus as a freshman?
Due to limited parking on the Athens campus of Ohio University, freshmen living in residence halls are not eligible to purchase parking passes. Alternate parking in Athens should be found. Refer to the Off-Campus Parking List located under the Students' tab,
-Provided by Parking Services.
Is there an easier way to get up Jeff Hill?
Enter Glidden Hall (also called “the music building”) and take the elevator to the fourth floor.
Where can I get tickets for sporting events?
Student tickets are free, except men’s ice hockey. Ice hockey tickets can be purchased at Byrd arena one hour before the game. Student tickets can be picked up at the box office in the Convocation Center (the Convo) Monday through Friday 8am until 5pm. Students need their ID to get student tickets. Some sports do not require tickets, visit www.OhioBobcats.com to get more information.
Where can I borrow free DVDS and Videos on campus?
Instructional Media and Technology Services (IMTS), 2nd floor Alden Library
Academic Services
I’m struggling in a class, where can I find a tutor or get extra help?
The Academic Advancement Center offers tutoring in many areas, such as math and math related courses; they will also help with finding your study style and assist you with time management. In addition to that, there is a Writing Center on the 2nd floor of Alden Library where staff members are available to proofread your written materials. Many courses have Supplement Instruction (SI) sessions with student leaders who have taken the course previously.
How can I get help choosing a major and possible careers?
The Office of Career Services, located on the 5th floor in Baker Center, provides assistance with making career decisions, exploring major and career options, organizing career fairs, and conducting effective job searches. Every fall quarter there is a majors fair where students can come and learn about many of the more than 200 majors offered here.
How do I calculate my grade point average?
Visit http://www.cas.ohiou/undergrad/qlinks/gpa_cal.asp. This website allows you to calculate your accumulative GPA based on your predictions for the present quarter’s grades. It also allows you to see how retaking one or more courses can impact your accumulative GPA.
How can I access information about study guides and learning strategies?
Visit the following websites for information on self-assessments, memory techniques, test preparation, and overall effective study habits.
http://studytips.aac.ohiou.edu/
http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html
http://www.adm.uwateroo.ca/infocus/study_skills/index.html
http://www.eop.mu.edu/study/index.html
What jobs can I expect to find in my major?
By visiting http://author.admsrv.ohio.edu/careers/students/MajorsInfo.cfm you will learn about career possibilities for a range of majors and the strategies needed to get there.
How can I find out who my advisor is?
From the OHIO website (www.ohio.edu); click on “Students,” under the “My…” menu click on “advisor;” enter your Oak ID and password. Your advisor’s name and the most current registration information will appear.
How do I choose a major?
While declaring a major does not bind you to any particular academic or career path, you will devote a great deal of attention to your major area of study at Ohio University. If you are uncertain about what major you would like to pursue, use the first couple of quarters to explore different majors and ask questions of friends and faculty involved in majors that might interest you as well as people who work in fields that are associated with that major. Consider your own strengths and what kinds of intellectual activities you find rewarding, and visit the University College Advising website for information to help you choose a major at www.ohio.edu/advising/major.cfm. Consult with your academic advisorand/or career counselor to develop a plan of study that will help you implement your goals. Remember, you can do coursework in more than one college and/or major at the same time.
How do I change my college or major?
Contact your academic advisor if you would like to change majors within a single college. Students wishing to change colleges must do so during the first two weeks of the fall, winter, or spring quarters. Each college sets its own requisite grade point average (g.p.a.) for admission, and in some cases you will have to satisfy prerequisites before gaining admission. You should contact the administrative office of the college in which your desired major is located. Remember, you can do coursework in more than one college and/or major at the same time.
What is academic probation?
A student is placed on academic probation if his or her accumulative grade point average (g.p.a.) falls below 2.0. Students on academic probation may be required to attend an academic success workshop and may be encouraged to register for study skills courses. Students on probation must raise their accumulative g.p.a. above 2.0 in order to be removed from probation. Students who fail to raise their accumulative g.p.a. above 2.0 but who meet specific requirements for making progress toward a 2.0 can be continued on probation for a maximum of three quarters. Students who do not meet these requirements will be dropped from the university.
Issues, Concerns, Emergencies
Where do I go if I’m sick or get hurt over the weekend?
The nearest hospital is O'Bleness Memorial Hospital; you can go to their Urgent Care Center or the Emergency Room (593-5551). If you do not have transportation to the hospital, and it is NOT an emergency, you should call OUPD 593-1911. In case of an emergency, call 911.
I have gotten in trouble with my RA! What do I do?
Depending on the nature of the offense, you will probably be referred in University Judiciaries or your Resident Director. To get information about the Judiciaries process, as well as your rights and options as an accused student, contact the Ohio University Students Defending Students. They are a free resource provided to students, to help guide you through the process. They are located in Baker Center, room 328. They can also be reached 593-4045 or you can visit their website www.ousds.com
I’m nervous walking home alone at night, are there any services that can help me?
Yes. The SAFE-T Patrol Team will provide a free walking escort for all students, staff, and visitors. They operate 7 days a week from 7pm-2am.Call 593-4040 to request an escort.
I don’t like my roommate/residence hall, how can I move?
During the 2nd week of the quarter, your resident assistant (RA) will let you know when room change meetings are going to occur. Attend one of the meetings based on whether you want to move inside your residence hall or into a different one.
Where do I go if I feel like I need to talk to someone about issues going on in my life?
Counseling and Psychological Services located on the 3rd floor of Hudson Health Center provides personal adjustment services to students ranging in topics from relationship issues, coping with anxiety and stress, drug and alcohol counseling, eating disorders groups, career counseling, interest inventories, educational counseling on academic issues, and exam panic counseling. For more information, visit http://www.ohiou.edu/counseling/. Additionally, you can visit the counselors-in-residence in the Student Help Center, 419 Baker Center, Tuesdays from 5:00-10:00pm.
I feel like I am being treated unfairly by one of my professors, what can I do?
The first thing to do is make an appointment to speak with your professor. All professors have office hours allotted to work with students individually. If you have met with your instructor, and still do not feel that you are making progress, you can contact the Ombuds Office at Ohio University, located at Crewson House. This office can help you resolve interpersonal disputes and find resolutions to your concerns about academic, staff, or student issues. They can work to help mediate issues. The Ombuds Office is a confidential service open to all students and employees at Ohio University. Simply walk in or call for an appointment. Appointments at accessible locations can be arranged by calling the Ombuds Office at 740-593-2627.
