Summer First-Year Guest Schedule
This schedule is for in-person summer orientation programs for first-year student's families and guests in May, June, and July 2026. All details are subject to change.
Day 1 Arrival Information: Parking & Shuttle
| Time | Information | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 - 12:30 p.m. | All participants should park in Convocation Center Lots 127 or 128. For GPS directions, enter 95 Richland Avenue16 West Green Drive, Athens, Ohio 45701. Follow the “Orientation Parking” signs to the designated area, where Orientation Leaders will be stationed at the entrance to distribute parking passes. Students and guests staying overnight in a residence hall should bring their belongings with them. On Day 1, shuttles will run from 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. between parking lots 127 and 128, Jefferson Hall (your first stop for check-in), and Baker University Center. A QR code to track the shuttles can be found at the end of the printed schedule you will receive during check in with the BSO team. | Lots 127 & 128 |
Day 1 Arrival Information: Check-In Process
Required Program Check-In & Optional Activities
Students and guests must complete two check-in steps (see chart below). Students should bring a valid ID; laptops are not needed until Day 2. You may arrive anytime during the check-in window, but we recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before it closes to complete all steps. Optional activities are also available to customize your experience.
| Status | Activity | Description | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Check-In: Step One | All participants must check in at Jefferson Hall 160 as their first stop upon arrival. Students and guests staying overnight should bring their belongings, as they will move into their assigned room during this time. Students requesting an overnight stay exemption are also required to check in. | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Jefferson Hall 160 |
| Required | Check-In: Step Two | All participants must check in with the Bobcat Student Orientation team. Guests will receive their materials, and students will take their student ID photo, confirm their major, and connect with various student services. Students must bring a valid ID. | 9:00 - 12:30 p.m. | Baker University Center 240/242 |
| Optional | BSO Resource Fair | More than 40 campus programs, services, and select off-campus groups will host tables for students and guests to explore available resources. We strongly encourage participants to attend! | 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 pm | Baker University Center Ballroom (4th Floor) |
| Optional | Residence Hall Viewing | Housing and Residence Life offers room viewings for selected residence halls, showcasing a variety of living style options.
| 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Visit this webpage for more information. |
| Optional | Campus Tour | Familiarize yourself with Ohio University’s landscape on an abbreviated campus tour. Trek across the bricks while learning about key resources. | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. | Baker University Center 1st Floor (Behind escalators) |
| Optional | Food Options | Grab a bite to eat! Stop by Jefferson Marketplace for a made-to order sandwich at Brick City Deli (opens at 10:30 a.m.), a drink from Eastside Grounds, or a quick snack. You can also explore the dining options at West 82 Food Court in Baker University Center. | 8:00 – 1:00 p.m. & 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Jefferson Marketplace: Jefferson Hall West 82: Baker University Center (1st Floor) |
Day 1 Sessions
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | BSO Welcome and Program Overview Start your experience with a welcome from university leadership and the BSO team! You’ll meet your Orientation Leaders, review the program schedule, hear from the Office of the Dean of Students, and get a preview of what awaits you at Ohio University. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium |
| 1:50 - 2:05 p.m. | Student Dismissal Followed by Family and Guest Overview | Memorial Auditorium |
| 2:05 - 2:30 p.m. | Helping Your Student Thrive Led by the Office of the Dean of Students, this session offers families and guests an opportunity to explore how OHIO supports students to academically and personally thrive. You’ll also gain valuable insights into the university’s expectations, ensuring your student’s success. | Memorial Auditorium |
| 2:30 - 3:05 p.m. | Campus Safety and Support Panel Join this panel to learn more about campus safety and security, as well as resources that support students holistically. | Memorial Auditorium |
| 3:15 - 3:30 pm | Understanding FERPA and the Registrar’s Office The Registrar’s Office will discuss FERPA policies and procedures, as well as how those policies impact families. | Memorial Auditorium |
| 3:50 - 4:30 p.m. | Bobcat Breakout Session One (options listed below)
Getting Involved (Morton Hall 235), Hosted by Center for Student Engagement and Leadership & Sorority and Fraternity Life: Getting involved will help you find your community, develop leadership skills, and create lasting memories. With 400+ organizations, including student government & sorority and fraternity life, there is something for everyone. Learn more here! Beyond Books and Tutoring: OHIO's Academic Support Hub (Morton Hall 115), Hosted by Academic Achievement Center & University Libraries: Discover campus resources that support your academic success, including tutoring, help services, study spaces, and acclimating to campus. You'll also learn tips to help all students feel connected and confident on campus. Holistic Support at OHIO (Morton Hall 237), Hosted by: Campus Recreation & Well-Being, LINKS Program, OhioHealth Campus Care, Student Accessibility Services, & TRIO Student Support Services: Your well-being and success go beyond the classroom. This session will introduce you to a variety of support services, including student accommodations, peer connection programming, well-being coaching, and student health services. to make the most of your Bobcat experience. The Commuter Student Experience (Morton Hall 127), Hosted by Housing and Residence Life: This session offers you the opportunity to learn about commuter-specific resources, as well as commuter programming, outreach events, and student employment opportunities on campus. | Morton Hall *Refer to the session description in the middle column for the specific classroom for each session. |
| 4:40 - 5:20 p.m. | Bobcat Breakout Session Two (Same sessions as listed above, except the Commuter Student Experience is not offered, and there is a session for the OHIO Honors Program.) OHIO Honors Program (Morton Hall 127), Hosted by OHIO Honors Program: The OHIO Honors Program (OHP) is an experience-based program that supports students through interdisciplinary coursework and out-of-class activities. In this session, admitted OHP students and their guests will learn about program requirements, opportunities, and create a plan for their first semester.The OHIO Honors Program (OHP) empowers students to align their personal interests with their academic pursuits and follow their learning wherever it leads. In this session, you will learn more about the opportunities available and expectations for course registration. | Morton Hall *Refer to the session description in the middle column for the specific classroom for each session. |
| 5:20 - 6:30 p.m. | Dinner at Nelson Dining Hall | Nelson Commons |
| 6:30 - 7:30 pm | Family Dessert Reception with University Leadership Join members of university leadership for a dessert reception and casual conversation. This session is a great opportunity to connect with other families and guests while engaging with university staff and asking any questions you may have. | 29 Park Place |
| 8:00 pm | Family Programming in Lincoln Hall Join Housing and Residence Life for a casual evening with fellow guests and family members and get a glimpse of the programming your student will experience this fall! | Lincoln Hall |
Day 2 Schedule
| Time | Session | Location | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:15 - 8:30 a.m. | Shuttle Information Shuttles will run between Convocation Center Lots 127 and 128, Nelson Commons, Jefferson Hall, and Baker University Center, with each loop taking approximately 20 minutes. A QR code to track shuttle locations is provided at the end of the printed schedule you received during Check-In: Step Two. If you plan to skip breakfast, Morton Hall is the closest shuttle stop for the Academic College Session. | Various Locations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 6:30 - 8:00 a.m. | Residence Hall Move-Out Students and guests who stayed overnight must move out of their assigned residence hall. Check-out takes place in your residence hall lobby. | Various Locations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00 - 8:15 a.m. | Breakfast at Nelson Dining Hall Included in your guest package is a hot breakfast at Nelson Commons. If you can’t make it and are in search of coffee or tea, Southside Espresso in Nelson Commons opens at 7:00 a.m. | Nelson Commons | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:30 - 9:20 a.m. | Academic College Sessions for Families and Guests
| Morton Hall *see table for specific classrooms. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:40 - 10:20 a.m. | What Does OHIO Have to Offer? Discover how students can make the most of their time at OHIO through hands-on learning, leadership experiences, study away, career development, and more. This panel will highlight key programs that shape the student experience and support success—in and out of the classroom. | Memorial Auditorium | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:20 - 10:50 a.m. | What I Wish My Family Knew Hear from our orientation leaders as they reflect on their personal transitions to college and share how their relationships with family evolved during that time. This session includes an open Q&A, giving guests the chance to ask questions directly to the student panel. | Memorial Auditorium | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:50 - 11:40 a.m. | Family to Family: From One Bobcat Supporter to Another In this session, learn from parents and family members who have already been in your shoes. Whether this is your first Bobcat or your last transitioning to college, you’ll get to hear what other parents wish they knew and advice for your family’s transition. | Memorial Auditorium | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:40 - 12:55 pm | Lunch at Nelson Dining Hall We encourage you to talk with your student about the academic sessions they attended this morning. Their lunch begins at 11:45 a.m. | Nelson Commons | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1:10 - 1:50 p.m. | Paying for College Join the Office of the Bursar and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn details regarding key deadlines and essential processes. This session will help you ensure everything is in place for your student to manage their payments and receive financial aid and scholarships. | Memorial Auditorium | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Next Steps Panel Representatives from Housing and Residence Life, Transportation and Parking Services, Culinary Services, Bobcat Depot, and the Bobcat Student Orientation team will share important reminders and next steps to help you and your student prepare for the fall semester. | Memorial Auditorium | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Beyond BSO Wrap up your orientation experience with a chance to ask final questions and take part in a special Bobcat Student Orientation tradition—writing a letter to your student. These letters will be delivered a few weeks into the semester as a thoughtful reminder of your support. Paper and envelopes will be provided. You can drop off your letter in the mailboxes located inside The Front Room Coffeehouse on the fourth floor of Baker University Center. | Memorial Auditorium | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 3:00 - 4:45 p.m. | Free Time While your student completes course registration in another building, we encourage you to connect with other guests. Once students are finished, they will head to Baker University Center to check out and pick up their student IDs, making Baker a convenient spot to wait for them. If you'd prefer to explore the area, visit athensohio.com for recommendations on local dining, drinks, and shops! | Baker University Center |