Preparing for Orientation

To get started with Bobcat Student Orientation, the first thing students should do is sign up for the program. For details on eligibility, available dates, and program costs, please visit our sign-up page.

If you want to change your major from your initial application to Ohio University, it's important to do so before attending orientation, since the orientation program is designed to connect you with other students in your major or college. To change your major, contact Undergraduate Admissions at admission@ohio.edu. Please include your full name, PID, and intended major.

Major changes should be done at least one week before your scheduled orientation date to make sure we have prepared your orientation materials for your new major. However, major changes can be requested while you are at orientation. If you change your major after you have signed up for an orientation program, the orientation staff may reach out to discuss potential date changes if the new major wasn't previously scheduled to participate in that program date. 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) protects you against lost or stolen passwords by adding a verification step to your OHIO login. New students are required to enroll in MFA before participating in their BSO program. This step is important to ensure students can access their MyOHIO Student Center during course registration at BSO. Failure to enroll in MFA may result in delays in course registration during BSO.

Enroll in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

An important part of preparing for your orientation program is taking placement tests. The tests you need to take are determined by your selected major. Placement tests are necessary to make sure you enroll in the appropriate first course in certain subject areas for the first semester in your major. Learn more about placement testing before BSO by reviewing our Placement Testing Webpage. 

Placement Test Information

Placement tests must be completed before your scheduled orientation program and the available tests are as follows:

• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Language
• Music Theory

All students must complete online modules before their BSO program. Use the link below to access the Pre-BSO Modules webpage. Students must log in to the modules using their OHIO ID and password. Your OHIO ID includes the first letter of your first and last name followed by six digits (example: aa000000). Family members and guests are also encouraged to view the modules by following directions on the Families and Guests web page.

Complete your Pre-BSO Modules now! 

Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.32 requires male Ohio resident students between 18 and 26 to register with the U.S. Selective Service to be considered in-state residents to attend public universities and colleges. Failure to complete this step could result in tuition surcharges. Learn more about this by reviewing the website below. 

Selective Service Registration information  
 

Students are encouraged to review their MyOHIO Student Center to view the following:

• Holds and To-Do List Items
  • Students are encouraged to review holds and follow instructions to clear any holds prior to their BSO program to avoid course registration delays. Additionally, students should try to complete any to-do list items before attending a program.
• Transfer Credit Report
  • Before attending BSO, make sure to review your Transfer Credit Report information before attending BSO to ensure all of your anticipated external credit is included. If there is credit missing, double check to ensure that you've requested your official transcripts and test scores be sent to Ohio University.

Prior to attending BSO, request that official transcripts and test scores be sent to Ohio University. Eligible college credits from another institution, exam credit or other transferable credit will only be applied once official documents have been received from the institution or testing agency. As a reminder, your high school will not send college-level transcripts or test score reports on your behalf; you must request these directly from the institution or testing agency.  

Official transcripts, exam credits or other credits should be sent electronically as a secure PDF to admissions@ohio.edu or by postal mail to: Undergraduate Admissions, Chubb Hall 120, 1 Ohio University Dr., Athens, OH 45701.

Have additional questions about transfer credit? Check out the Undergraduate Admissions website for transferring your credit.

Students can update their preferred names and/or pronouns in MyOHIO Student Center. After logging in, click the "Names" link in the Personal Information section to review and update, or to enter your preferred name and pronouns. The preferred name you enter will be displayed in most University systems and services, such as your ID card, Catmail, the online directory, Canvas, grading rosters, etc. Visit the preferred names FAQ page for more information.

We recommend downloading the Go OHIO app, the official app of Ohio University, prior to your visit. You can use the BSO experience inside Go OHIO to get quick access to schedules, parking, maps, dining and more during your visit. You’ll likely want to continue using Go OHIO in your first semester to access your personalized Student Dashboard with you class schedule, meal plan balances, email, student account information and more, all in one place.