Below you'll find the BSO topics we most commonly receive questions regarding.
Orientation Schedules
- The schedule for our orientation programs varies based on program and population type. Schedules can be found either on our preparing for orientation page or on each program types page.
- All sessions for students are required. Missing or skipping sessions will prevent students from registering for classes. If you do not anticipate being able to attend the entire program, we encourage you to consider selecting a different date or contacting our office to discuss your situation.
Changing or Cancelling Your Orientation Sign Up
If you need to cancel or reschedule your orientation, please contact our office (orientation@ohio.edu or 740-593-1951) as soon as possible. Please note that cancelling your orientation session does not withdraw your application to the university, and you will need to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you intend to do that.
Spending the Night on Campus During BSO
- Students attending a 1.5 day summer program are expected to stay overnight on campus. Lodging is included in registration.
- Residence hall rooms are assigned to students upon arrival at BSO. Students can request to stay overnight with another student attending the same BSO session as them. They simply need to inform Housing and Residence Life during check-in.
- Linens are not provided for students staying overnight. Students should bring towels, pillows, and sheets/blankets for a Twin XL (or a sleeping bag if that is preferred). If a student is traveling from outside of the state and is unable to bring linens or if a student forgets to bring theirs, we will have linens packages available as needed. More information on what to bring to the 1.5 day BSO program can be found on our first-year programs page.
- Please note the residence hall is a traditional style hall and does include community bathrooms. Accommodations can be requested during check-in.
Academic Preparation
- Be sure to have your final transcripts and any AP/IB test scores sent directly from the awarding institution to Ohio University Admissions (admissions@ohio.edu). Learn more here.
- Please bring unofficial copies of your transcripts and test scores if your official documents have not yet arrived, so Success Advisors can use them to assist with course registration.
- Placement tests are not required for every major. If you do not see placement tests listed under your major on our Placement Test Page (link) then you do not need to take them. You may receive general emails about placement testing sent to all incoming students. If no placement tests are listed in the chart, you can disregard these messages.
- If you plan to change your major, we strongly recommend doing so before attending orientation. While major changes can be made during BSO, our program is designed around your selected major, and making changes in advance ensures you receive the most relevant information and materials. To change your major, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@ohio.edu at least one week prior to your scheduled orientation date.
- Choosing a later BSO date will not prevent you from enrolling in a full course schedule. Each orientation session offers the same in-depth academic advising and access to course registration, and all students will register for a complete and appropriate schedule for their intended major. However, some specific courses or class times may be unavailable if seats have already been filled.
Family and Guest programming at Orientation
- While attendance is not required, families and guests are invited to participate in a dedicated BSO track designed to support their role in their student’s transition—whether transferring to OHIO or moving from high school to college. Student sessions focus on building autonomy and connecting with future classmates. Learn more about what to expect and what to bring by visiting our family and guest webpage.
- Family members and guests are not allowed to join their students during course registration. Students will be assisted by an academic advisor and Orientation Leader (OL) throughout the registration process.
- Families and guests are not required to stay on campus during their student’s BSO program. While on-campus accommodations are available for a fee, many choose to stay at nearby hotels. Guests staying on campus will not share a room or residence hall with their student. Please note that the residence hall is traditional style and includes community bathrooms.
Orientation Fees
- Student orientation fees for the program and one night staying on campus in a residence hall are included in The OHIO Guarantee+™. There are additional fees for the family and guest orientation programs and their overnight accommodations on campus, as well as any students staying for additional nights. Full details about our orientation fees can be found on our fees page.
- Fees will be automatically charged to your student account after you check-in for orientation. You can pay these fees along with your tuition charges as accepted by the Bursar's Office. No payments need to be made before or during your orientation program.
- Orientation fees are non-refundable. If you have additional questions about fees, please reach out directly to our office via orientation@ohio.edu or 740-593-1951.