The mission of Undergraduate Orientation Programs is to support incoming and current students, as well as their families and guests, through seamless orientation and transition processes that include intentionally-designed programs, effective online resources, and consistent outreach. Our programs ensure all students belong to the OHIO community, succeed as a new student, and own their unique experiences.
To accomplish this mission, we engage all units and staff across the university in collaborative partnerships and develop informed student leaders who value diversity and inclusion, embody OHIO spirit, and demonstrate a genuine passion for helping their fellow Bobcats with a service-oriented mindset.
Our vision is to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students to thrive as we establish the foundation for the transformational OHIO experience focused on personalized success.
Our initiatives include pre- and post-orientation modules, in-person orientation programs, and virtual orientation programs for all new first-year and transfer students beginning at OHIO each semester. We also coordinate Relocate Advising Day for regional campus students moving to the Athens campus, College Credit Plus orientation, and family/guest programs for all orientations, as well as co-coordinate the efforts of Welcome Week.
Undergraduate Orientation Programs welcomes approximately 5,200 new students and 6,800 family members and guests to the Athens campus of Ohio University each year through BSO programs.
Nominations are accepted from faculty, staff, students, and community members as a way to identify students who may be good for the position. After our office receives a nomination, we contact the student to encourage them to apply. Nominations are accepted in September and October of each year.
Orientation Leaders guide program participants through orientation, facilitate small group sessions, assist faculty and staff who partner with our programs, and create an inclusive environment where learning and growth can occur.
OLs are assigned to work with at least two specific colleges. OLs will be expected to learn about the student experience in these particular colleges (such as curriculum requirements, internship expectations, and student organization opportunities). Student staff in this position will support participants in these programs in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, presenting sessions on academic expectations, facilitating small group icebreakers and activities, and assisting students as they learn course registration processes and register for first semester courses. Student staff will support family and guest program participants in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, serving on student panels, supporting sibling orientation programs, and answering general questions about academic expectations in specific majors.
Student staff are expected to participate in the following:
*Students must commit to working all orientation programs in the month of June and attending and participating in the UC 3690 course and OL Training. Participation in the other events and experiences listed above are dependent on course conflicts and other student leader training and responsibilities. Generally speaking, the roles and work times for all programs not starred in the list above can be discussed.
New orientation leaders are typically not permitted to enroll in courses, on campus or online, or hold other employment during training in May and throughout the month of June. Between these dates, staff members are expected to focus on their roles with orientation.
Students must meet the following requirements to apply:
Graduate students will not be considered for these positions, but can contact our office for other opportunities.
Students must submit an online application. Applications have closed for the 2024 Orientation Leader position. The application will open in September 2024 for the 2025 team.
When submitting the application, candidates should be prepared to answer the following questions:
All applicants participate in an individual interview as part of the hiring process. Candidates receive information about signing up for an interview after completing the application.
All applicants participate in a group interview as part of the hiring process. Candidates will receive information about signing up for an interview after completing the application.
Initial offers of OL positions happen in November and candidates are given a specific time frame in which to formally accept the position before it is offered to other candidates in the applicant pool. Unfortunately, we may have great candidates who we are unable to offer a position to. However, some of those candidates may be offered a slot in our alternate pool and could be asked to join the team at a later date if a position opens up.
Contact us with any questions or concerns.
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Williamstown, WV
Major: Biology Pre-Med
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Spikeball Club
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help, everyone is always willing to help with anything you’ll need.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Major: Political Science
Minor: Psychology
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Tour Guide, College of Arts and Sciences Ambassador, Women's Rugby Team Vice President
What did you choose Ohio University?
Ohio University is like no other. Immediately being on campus, I felt connected, like this was home. Here at OHIO, we are about supporting one another and such a community; you can instantly feel it. That's why I chose OHIO.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Somerset, OH
Major: English in Honors Tutorial College
2nd Year Student
2nd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Sphere Literary Magazine & Classic Lit Book Club
Why did you choose Ohio University?
I chose Ohio University for the diverse options for leadership roles and the quality of education within the Honors Tutorial College. The campus is also relatively small and walkable.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minors & Certificates: Minor in Psychology
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Sigma Kappa
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Trust the process, you hear it all the time and for me personally I ignored it. I was so in my own head and thought the process was overrated. I finally let myself trust the process and when I did OU became my home away from home.
Pronouns: They/Them
Hometown: Charles Town, WV
Major: Exercise Physiology Pre-Athletic Training
Minor: Radio and Television Broadcasting
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Student Leader at Shively Dining Hall, Ohio University Athletic Training Student Organization, Exercise Physiology Club Member of Ohio University, Tennis Club, Student Ambassador for the College of Health Sciences and Professions, Hydration Assistant for Ohio University Football
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Make connections, it doesn’t matter if it’s a professor, faculty, or TA, the connections you make during your time at Ohio University can lead to help finding the position that you have dreamed of in the post graduate world.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Piqua, OH
Major: Integrated Social Studies
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
What is one thing you wish you had known before attending BSO?
It’s okay to be outside of your comfort zone!
Pronouns: She/They
Hometown: Grove City, OH
Major: Integrated Language Arts
Minors & Certificate: Dance Performance and Choreography; English
2nd Year Student
2nd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Tour Guide, Learning Community Leader, OU Vibrations
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
My dad has always told me, "College is what you make of it," and I couldn't agree more. Be spontaneous, put yourself out there, seize opportunities, and do what you love, even if it's scary at first! It'll be well worth it.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Monroe, OH
Major: Spanish and Philosophy
Minor: Studio Art
2nd Year Student
2nd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Philosophy Circle, College of Arts and Sciences Student Ambassadors, Sigma Delta Pi
Why did you choose Ohio University?
Ohio University has such a welcoming atmosphere with all of the faculty, staff, and students. It is also absolutely beautiful and feels like home at any time of the year!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: State College, PA
Major: Integrated Social Studies
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Connavino Honors Program and Club Lacrosse
Why did you choose Ohio University?
I chose OHIO because of the beautiful scenery and how welcoming everyone was. The energy on this campus is incredible!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Sports Management and Advertising & Public Relations
2nd Year Student
2nd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: The Post Podcast Team Leader, Marketing Executive for Girls Club Ohio
What is your favorite memory of being a Bobcat?
My first year homecoming weekend was the first time I really bonded with people, and made some valuable connections.
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Sissonville, WV
Major: Hearing, Speech, & Language Sciences
Minor: Psychology
3rd Year Student
2nd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: President of Best Buddies Ohio University Chapter, Fundraising Chair for Bobcats of the Shelter Dogs, Director of Public Relations for Phone a Friend, Member of NSSLHA, Tour Guide, Student Ambassador for College of Health Sciences & Professions, Learning Community Leader Coordinator
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Try to get involved in something on campus, whether it be a campus job, organization, or club. Meeting people with similar interests is a great way to make friends!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Major: Philosophy Pre-Law
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
What is one thing you wish you had known before attending BSO?
I wish I knew how overwhelming that it can be. I also wish that I knew that I had people to talk to during BSO that would’ve helped me with how I was feeling.
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Ashburn, VA
Major: Political Science
6th Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Marching 110, Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Singing Men of Ohio
What is your favorite memory of being a Bobcat?
My favorite memory of being a Bobcat is singing the alma mater at the start of an Ohio University homecoming football game with the Singing Men of Ohio
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Dayton, OH
Major: Accounting
2nd Year Student
2nd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Copeland Scholars Vice President of Professional Development, Ohio Women in Business Finance Committee
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Have fun!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Nigeria
Major: Biological Sciences Pre-Professional
Minor: Psychology
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Student Alumni Board and American Medical Student Association
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Don’t be in haste to make friends when you get to college. At the perfect time you would find your people and it would all make sense. If you put in efforts regarding your education you’ll definitely see results. Take deep breaths and do everything one step at a time.
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: New Lebanon, OH
Major: Media Arts Production
Minors & Certificates: Minor in Podcasting
3rd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Anime Club Ohio University
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Join a club! Putting yourself out there is the first step and it’s the easiest way of finding friends with your interests.
Pronouns: He/They
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Major: Studio Art - Ceramics
Minors & Certificates: Plant Biology
3rd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Battles and Bobcats, OU Game Developers Association
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Just do it. Take the class, talk to the person, apply to the job. Whatever it is, you'll regret missing the chance more than you'll regret failing at anything you try.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Major: Sociology-Criminology and Psychology
Minor/Certificate: Forensic Studies Certificate
3rd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Vice President of Victims’ Rights Ambassadors, Psychology Club, Ohio Innocence Project - University Chapter, University Hearing Board.
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
It is okay to feel nervous! Everyone feels that way, but it is a very exciting experience! Don’t be afraid to take a step out of your shell. Everyone you meet has gone through the same experience, and we at BSO are here to help ease any and all nerves you may have!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Jackson, OH
Major: Communication Studies
Minors & Certificates: Minor in Writing and Certificate in Social Media
3rd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Student Professionals in Communication Studies (SPCS), Lambda Pi Eta Fraternity
Why did you choose Ohio University?
I spent two years at another university prior to transferring to OU. Since making the switch, I am finally experiencing what it means to be a college student. Ohio University has a community unlike anything I've ever seen. Being a Bobcat means having unwavering support no matter what path you choose.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Waterford, OH
Majors: Sociology Pre-Law and Psychology
Minor: Social Service
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Mock Trial, Phi Alpha Delta, Student Social Work Association
What is your favorite memory of being a Bobcat?
I went canoeing in the Backcountry of Minnesota and made so many new friends!
Pronouns: She/They
Hometown: Massillon, OH
Major: Mechanical Engineering
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Lost Flamingo Theatre Company, Society of Women Engineers, Alpha Omicron Pi, Mechanical Engineering Staff-Student Liaison Committee, Bobcat Peer Health Educator
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Welcome diversity and be open to meeting new people, trying new things, and exploring new places. You will not only learn a lot about yourself, but also about your community, peers, and the world!
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Athens, OH
Major: Integrated Social Studies
3rd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Organizer For, Community Meet-Ups, Member of the Ohio University Paranormal Society
What is your favorite memory of being a Bobcat?
Sledding down Jeff hill with new friends and then going to the Washington residence hall kitchen to make curry, and ending up becoming the best of friends with the people I sledded with.
Pronouns: They/Them
Hometown: Pickerington, OH
Major: Studio Art
Minor: Museum Studies Certificate
2nd Year Student
2nd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Battles and Bobcats, Art Ambassador, Learning Community Leader
What is your favorite memory of being a Bobcat?
My favorite memory of being a Bobcat was realizing I belonged here at OU. Sitting with the best friends I have ever met in my favorite place was a life-changing experience.
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Gahanna, Ohio
Major: Adolescent-to-Young Adult Integrated Mathematics
Minors & Certificates: Psychology and Mathematics
4th Year Student
3rd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Learning Community Leader Coordinator
Why did you choose Ohio University?
I chose Ohio because the feeling of community on campus made me feel like I would be appreciated and encouraged to flourish.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Major: Honors Tutorial College (HTC) Social Work
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Margaret Boyd Scholar, Women's Affairs Senator in Student Senate, Student Social Workers Association
Why did you choose Ohio University?
I chose Ohio University because I knew HTC would provide me with an amazing college experience. I also fell in love with the beautiful scenery and brick buildings on campus. The OHIO Community consistently makes me feel welcomed and wanted.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
Major: Journalism News and Information
Minor & Certificates: Social Media Certificate
3rd Year Student
3rd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Working on Campus
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Make the most out of every moment! Time flies, and you'll look back and wonder where all the time went. Enjoy everything, make memories, and meet new people! You won't regret it!
Pronouns: They/She
Hometown: Beckley, West Virginia
Major: Classical Civilizations
Minor: Art History
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Victim's Rights Ambassadors, Classics Club, Monsters in Literature Book Club, College of Art and Sciences Student Ambassadors
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
College is a place to learn and grow. Exploring different clubs and organizations, classes, and ways of life will help you understand and grow into who you truly are, take your time at Ohio University trying new things and experiencing the freedom that college provides.
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Indore, WV
Major: Virtual Reality & Game Development
Minor: Communication
2nd Year Student
2nd Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Orientation Leader
What is one thing you wish you had known before attending BSO?
I wish I knew that the Orientation staff WANT you to ask questions!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Bethel, OH
Major: Political Science Pre-Law and Economics
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Tri-Beta
What is one thing you wish you had known before attending BSO?
There will be a lot of information you get. You are not expected to remember it all and its okay to feel overwhelmed. Just remember you are not alone.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Lebanon, OH
Major: Integrated Language Arts
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Hall Council and Residence Hall Association (RHA)
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Take advantage of the resources the Academic Achievement Center has to offer!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Tallmadge, Ohio
Major: Journalism and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
4th Year Student
4th Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: LGBT Center Staff worker, CIAO Club, Latino Student Union, Cutler Council
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Ask questions! There is always someone there to help you with anything you need. If you hit a dead end they can always help you find someone else who can help!
Hometown: Elyria, OH
Major: Integrated Social Studies and History
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Residence Hall Council
Why did you choose Ohio University?
I fell in love with the campus and the opportunities for education majors that are provided.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Uniontown, OH
Major: Social Work
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Library Service Desk, Honors Tutorial College, Student Social Work Association Club
What is your favorite memory of being a Bobcat?
Late night walks on college green with my friends!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Mansfield, OH
Major: Music Education
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Secretary of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Take the time to connect with your professors and your advisor. You only have a set number of years here at Ohio University and these individuals have all the tools you need to succeed.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Springboro, Ohio
Major: Psychology
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Residence Hall Council President, Ciao Club, Rock-Climbing at Ping Recreation Center
What is your favorite memory of being a Bobcat?
My favorite memory of being a Bobcat would be going to a hockey game with my friends!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Major: Exercise Physiology
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Resident Advisor, Learning Community Leader, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Pre-Physician Assistant Club
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Hit the ground running, but also be open to change! I think setting goals and making a plan for yourself is very important to your success in your first year. However, don't be afraid to change your path. College is a time for exploration, and you may leave with different goals than you came in with.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Berea, OH
Major: General Business
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
What is one thing you wish you had known before attending BSO?
Don’t worry, people are there to help you!
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Marysville, OH
Major: Music Education - Vocal Emphasis
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Ohio University Singers, Poetry Nights at Donkey Coffee
What is one piece of advice you have for incoming students?
Maintain a good work-life balance! Even though we’re all here to get a good education, it’s okay to set aside time for yourself and take a mental health day when you need one. Don’t burn yourself out!
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Berea, OH
Major: Music Education Instrumental Emphasis
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: NAFME, University Band, Symphonic Band
Why did you choose Ohio University?
Ohio university is an incredibly welcoming and inclusive place that has a spot for anyone and everyone.
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Pickerington, OH
Major: Integrated Language Arts Education
Minors: Psychology & English
2nd Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: Liberation Now! & Sphere Magazine
What is one thing you wish you had known before attending BSO?
One thing I wish I knew before attending BSO is that there isn't a huge hurry to make friends-- there are plenty of opportunities for friendship in college so long as you put yourself out there.
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Dayton, OH
Major: Accounting & International Business
1st Year Student
1st Year Orientation Leader
Student Involvement: University Program Council, SOX 404 Fellowship Program
What is your favorite memory of being a Bobcat?
My favorite memory is going to my first hockey game!