A committee comprised of representatives of the Division of Student Affairs, University College and other University departments, is preparing to kick off Ohio University’s 2019-20 academic year with a schedule of Welcome Week events which will help new students on the Athens campus make connections, explore the community, and get ready for the year to come.

Last year Ohio University kicked off the year with Welcome Weekend, but this year programming will extend beyond a full week. Ohio University’s Welcome Week activities start with students moving into their residence halls Thursday, Aug. 22 through Saturday, Aug. 24 and will include music and theater performances, social events, movies, college welcome sessions, and more.  

This year features an expanded menu of activities for students during, and after move-in. “On the first day of move-in, the Backyard Bash on East Green will feature a ninja warrior obstacle course, laser tag, ice cream and Kona Ice, frisbee art, karaoke, and a number of other fun attractions,” said Housing and Residence Life Executive Director and Welcome Week Co-Chair Peter Trentacoste. “In addition to Backyard Bash, we have a number of new and exciting events like our Saturday night concert on South Green that will feature Drake Bell, from the show “Drake and Josh,” performing with his band Drake 24/7.” Beyond the new and exciting events, several traditional events remain including Party at Ping and the First Year Class Photo which will both happen on Friday, Aug. 23. 

On Sunday, Aug. 25, President Dr. M. Duane Nellis will host the annual President’s First Year Convocation at the Convocation Center. Afterward, students will have the opportunity to find out about campus organizations at the Student Organization Fair on College Green.

Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones looks forward to greeting and helping students and their families as they arrive on campus and settle in during Welcome Week. “I love working Move-In and helping students and parents get into the residence halls,” Hall-Jones said. “It feels wonderful to be one of the first people to welcome them here and I love participating in, and watching, the President’s First Year Convocation ending with the walk-up Richland Avenue and through the College Gate to the Campus Involvement Fair!”

“Transitioning to college can be difficult,” said Hall-Jones. “In their first week here we want each student to feel a connection to both people and place. People, so they know someone here cares about them and their success. And place, so they feel at home here knowing that they have the support and resources they need to thrive.”

Despite the name, Welcome Week activities extend beyond a week this year. Trentacoste explained that the committee is planning programs that will take place beyond the first week of class extending well into the first half of the Fall Semester for students living on and off campus.

The Class of 2023 began their journey of becoming Bobcats in June during Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO). From June 3-29, incoming students came to campus for orientation and they attended various sessions to introduce them to Ohio University and college life, bonded with other incoming students, and scheduled their classes for Fall Semester.

“We look forward to the energy and excitement our new students will bring to campus when they arrive and move in. A full Welcome Week slate of academic and social events will help students feel prepared and excited for the coming academic year,” said Director of Undergraduate Orientation Programs and Welcome Week co-chair Vincent Prior.

For more information about Welcome Week 2019, including an Arrival Guide, Move-In Schedule, and Event Schedule, visit the Welcome Week website or check out the Bobcat Student Orientation app in your app store. The Arrival Guide, features more details about transportation and parking that will be beneficial for students and parents during Move-In.