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University Community
Welcome home, Bobcats: Welcome Week to feature events for new, returning students
Ohio University invites all students to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year during Welcome Week 2026.
Welcome Week is filled with events that will help students get connected, feel supported and be prepared for a successful start of the academic year.
Whether you are joining OHIO for your first year or returning to OHIO, Welcome Week is for you. This slate of events will introduce you to faculty, staff and many of the resources available within the Ohio University and Athens communities.
This year’s activities will include the annual class photo, fireworks, the grand opening of the golf simulator, food events all across campus, the Involvement Fair, special events at Baker University Center, Ping Recreation Center and Alden Library, and even a petting zoo.
OHIO’s regional campuses will also be hosting a wide range of Welcome Week events, and you can read more about the events at these websites:
For more information and a complete listing of this year’s events, see the Welcome Week website.
Thursday, Aug. 20 events include
Residence Hall Move-In – Students will be moving into their residence halls between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Aug. 20 and Aug. 21.
Movie on the Lawn: Pitch Perfect - All students are invited to watch the popular movie on the West Green beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 21 events include
First-Year Student Community Meetings – These meetings will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Check with your resident assistant for your floor’s location.
Smart Cookie Trivia Night (Commuters) – All commuter students are invited to a fun-filled evening of Jeopardy-style trivia featuring questions from a variety of categories. Play individually or with friends, compete for bragging rights and prizes, and see who will be crowned the ultimate Smart Cookie. This event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Living Learning Center.
Annual Class Photo – All first-year students are invited to Peden Stadium from 7:30-8:30 p.m. for the annual class photo.
Baker Bash – This fun event will be held at the Baker University Center from 7:30-10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 22 events include
Academic College Welcomes – New students for Fall 2026 are invited to meet with their colleges, learn expectations and meet other students in similar or the same academic programs. The welcome events will be held from 1-3 p.m. You can find the welcome locations for different colleges and departments here.
Minute to Win: Commuter Student Challenge – All commuter students are invited to this fun event to enjoy these one-minute games, meet new people and compete for exciting prizes. This event will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Living Learning Center. After the event, all attendees can walk over to the Party at Ping.
Party at Ping – Join Well-Being and Recreation on the Ping Center front lawn from 6–9 p.m. for an evening of music, food and fun. The evening will include free food, a performance from the Marching 110, games and giveaways.
Sunday, Aug. 23 events include
Board Games and Escape Room (Commuters) – All commuter students are invited to the Living Learning Center from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. to enjoy a mix of fun, teamwork and friendly competition.
First-Year Student Community Meetings – The meetings will be held from 1-1:45 p.m. Check with your resident assistant for you floor’s meeting location.
New Student Convocation – Held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Convocation Center, this event is open to all new students, including commuters and graduate students.
Involvement Fair – Held on the College Green from 3-6 p.m., this event allows new students to learn about the hundreds of student organizations they can join while at OHIO.
Returning Student Community Meetings – These meetings will be held from 8-9 p.m. Check with your resident assistant for your floor’s meeting location.
Monday, Aug. 24 events include
Sunrise Yoga – The outdoor sunrise yoga events on Aug. 24 and several other days are open to all levels. You can find more information on dates, times and locations here.
Ask A Bobcat – On Aug. 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., stop by the Ask A Bobcat tables at the Baker University Center and ask questions or just chat with your fellow Bobcats.
First Day of Class Photos – From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in front of the Living Learning Center.
Hypnotist Show with Dale K – This popular event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Baker University Center Ballroom.
Tuesday, Aug. 25 events include
First Day of Class Photos – From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the West Green in the area outside of James Hall and Sargent Hall.
Writing Commons Grand Opening – Stop by from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Aug. 25, 26 and 27.
Petting Zoo – From 5-8 p.m. at the Morton Field between East and South Green near the bottom of Morton Hill.
Wednesday, Aug. 26 events include
Well-Being Wayfinder with Counseling and Psychological Services – From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Lindley Hall 052.
UPC's Field Day – The field day will include a bounce house, obstacle course, yard games and more, and will be held at PawPrint Park from 4-7 p.m.
2026 Multicultural Expo – All first-year students are invited to attend this event from 7-9 p.m. at the Baker University Center Ballroom.
Additional events include
Golf Simulator Grand Opening – From 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Golf and Tennis Center.
UPC Drag Show – The doors to this event, which will be held in the Baker University Center on Saturday, Aug. 29, will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m.
Bobcat Block Party and Fireworks – This event will be held from 5-10 p.m. at PawPrint Park on Friday, Aug. 28, and will include a DJ, food activities, Battle of the Bands and fireworks.
You can find more information about Welcome Week and a full list of events on the Welcome Week website.
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Published
August 20, 2026