Explore this page to learn important details about the program your student will be attending such as parking and check-in locations.
Join Your Student at BSO!
Family and Guest Orientation Programs
Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO) believes that a student's support system at home and the people in their lives are critical partners in the transition process. To assist those people in supporting a successful transition for our students, all student programs coordinated by BSO have an optional family and guest program that happens right along with the student program!
Family and guest orientation includes sessions specifically designed to inform and educate family members and guests about Ohio University and its educational opportunities, as well as strategies for supporting their student with common transitional issues. While some sessions on program days will include students, participants in these programs should expect to be in their own program to meet these objectives. While family and guest participation is not required, it is strongly encouraged.
What to Expect During Family and Guest BSO
Your student's program, and by extension your own, will be tailored to fit the way that your student is beginning their journey at OHIO. Explore these pages to learn more!
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Supporters of Transfer Students
Explore this page to learn important details about the program your student will be attending such as parking and check-in locations.
Program Schedules
Your schedule will differ depending on the program you are attending with your student. Find yours below!
Program Details and Important Things to Know
Sign Up Information
When students sign up for their BSO program, they are asked to indicate how many family members or guests will participate in orientation. Students will also be asked to provide names and email addresses for family members and guests participating. If this number or the information about those attending the program changes after the student signs up for the program, they can edit the information provided in the sign-up process by clicking the appropriate link in the confirmation email received when signing up. This information will also be confirmed during Check-In when you arrive for the program.
Program Fees
Separate Family and Guest fees apply for folks attending BSO with their students. Be sure to review those before completing the sign-up process and deciding how many family members and guests will be attending the program.
Pre-BSO Modules
All students must complete online modules before their BSO program. Guests are also encouraged to view the online modules their student will navigate. Family members and guests can access the modules through the link below and will need to click the "Guest" button within the modules. It is very important that students complete the student version of the Pre-BSO Modules prior to their arrival for BSO.
Overnight Stay
Family members and guests of first-year students attending a 1.5-day program in May, June, or July have the option to stay on campus during the program. Overnight accommodation needs are indicated during the sign-up process. Guests will stay in a different residence hall from students.
Guests choosing to stay off campus can find places to stay on the Visit Athens County page.
Please note: First-year students attending a 1.5-day program in May, June or July are expected to stay on campus during the program to participate in late night sessions. Students need to provide their own linens (sheets, blankets, towels, etc.) for their stay on campus.
A linens package (including 2 flat sheets, 1 blanket, 1 pillow, 1 pillowcase, 1 body towel, 1 hand towel and 1 washcloth) will be included for each guest for the overnight stay, but you’re welcome to bring anything to make your stay more comfortable.
The residence hall is a traditional style hall and does include community bathrooms.
If you need to update your guest housing option after signing up, please contact our office at orientation@ohio.edu. There is an additional fee for guest housing on campus. Full details about our orientation fees can be found on our Fees page <link>.
Parents & Families Hub
New Student And Family Programs understands the pivotal role that parents and families play in students’ lives and stands ready to be your partner. Whether you are seeking connections to resources or feeling unsure about where to turn, we can be your first call. Our inclusive philosophy embraces diverse family structures, be it families of origin, families of choice, or other supportive figures in the lives of Bobcats.
Phone: 740.593.1951
Email: deanofstudents@ohio.edu
Bobcat parents and families are encouraged to sign up for the Dean of Students' monthly parents and families newsletter to stay up to date on information and resources to support students as they transition to college life.