group photo of the OHIO LINKS Peer Mentors
LINKS Program

LINKS Program

LINKS Student Testimonials “I am so grateful to have had this experience because the program helped me a lot during my transition from high school into college. Which was why I gave back by being a Peer mentor and served alongside such sweet people” Hai Lan
LINKS Student Testimonials "LINKS gave me the sense of community I didn’t know I needed my freshman year. I was going through a really hard time and having a mentor who genuinely cared made all the difference. My LINKS mentor supported me when I felt alone, and we’re still friends to this day." Kayla 

At Ohio University, we believe that every Bobcat deserves to feel supported. For more than 40 years, the LINKS program has helped students transition to university life and succeed at OHIO. LINKS seeks to foster and support the academic, social, and personal success of students. LINKS is a first-year support program.

The LINKS program is highly successful, boasting a 91% fall to spring retention rate with an average 3.2 GPA, and a 79% retention rate from year 1 to year 2 of enrollment. Many of our LINKS students go on to become leaders across the greater university campus community.

We are LINKS. We are all Bobcats, connecting and supporting each other. Any incoming, first year Ohio University student is eligible and invited to sign up to participate.

The LINKS program is housed under the Office of Signature Academic Experiences, Chubb Hall 060.

Please contact us with questions:

academic.experiences@ohio.edu

740-593-1953

Frequently Asked Questions 

Welcome Program

The LINKS Welcome Program is a one-day event held before the start of the fall semester to welcome LINKS students to campus. Students who plan to live on campus will move into their residence halls a day before the program, providing an opportunity to settle in and begin connecting with peers. The program continues with enrichment activities that help students familiarize themselves with campus resources, meet LINKS-affiliated staff and campus administrators.

Heard about LINKS and what to join? 

Click Here

Students walking together during welcome program activity
A LINKS student talks with a fellow student

Peer Mentoring Support Program 

Every LINKS student is assigned a peer mentor who maintains weekly contact throughout the academic year individually, and in group activities, helping students find community, connection, and sense of belonging on campus. LINKS peer mentors are successful returning students, who serve as role models to first year students, and provide academic, personal, and social support, as they transition from high school to college. 

Learn More About Being a Peer Mentor

Meet Our Peer Mentors

A LINKS student smiles at their desk

Academic Year Enrichment

LINKS students will have access to academic monitoring and tracking, academic and professional development workshops, leadership and workforce development, community service, and regular enrichment sessions. Some session topics include time management, study skills, goal planning, career and leadership development, study abroad, and more.

Ohio University is committed to upholding practices of equal access and equal opportunity for all. Participation in the LINKS program is open to all students.

Ohio University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, national ancestry, sex, status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military service, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information in its programs, activities, and admission.

If you believe our program has violated our non-discrimination policy, please contact civilrights@ohio.edu