Ohio University

Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO), required for all new Ohio University students, enables you and your parents to meet with faculty, staff, and orientation leaders to prepare for fall semester. You will learn about the curriculum and your major requirements, register for fall semester classes, obtain your student ID card, and tour the campus with a student orientation leader.

You will learn how to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you as you transition into the OHIO community. Placement tests are also offered for students who may need to take chemistry or a modern language.

BSO is for students and parents. Admitted first-year students attend a day-and-a-half program during July or August, and parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend. With separate tracks for students and parents, the entire family can become informed about university academic programs, policies, facilities, and services.

Registering for BSO. In mid-May, invitations to register online for a summer BSO session will be mailed only to those students who have confirmed their intent to enroll by submitting a housing contract and deposit or commuter exemption application. You will select your preferred dates of attendance online; note that dates are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Appropriate courses are available for all majors for every session of BSO, and course offerings are adjusted throughout the program to meet the needs of students. This allows all students to make an appropriate schedule for their academic goals regardless of when they attend BSO.

Facts about Orientation and Welcome Week

• Orientation is a requirement of all first-year undergraduate students and is a one-and-a-half day program.
• The Orientation reservation site is accessible through your My OHIO portal. Reservations for Orientation cannot be accepted by phone.
• On-campus overnight accommodations will be available. Residence hall rooms are air-conditioned, and linens are provided.
• Orientation fees are not included in tuition and will be added to your fall semester student financial account.