Ohio Housing Officers
A day of connection, collaboration, and inspiration with housing professionals from across the state.
OHO
WELCOME
The fall 2026 Ohio Housing Officers (OHO) one-day meeting, hosted by Ohio University Housing and Residence Life, brings together housing operations and residence life professionals from across the state for a day of learning, connection, and collaboration in the heart of Athens.
Sessions will feature topics relevant to professionals at all levels, with meaningful opportunities for networking built throughout the day. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned housing officer, you’ll find space to share ideas, gain practical insights, and build connections with colleagues from a wide range of institutions.
We look forward to welcoming teams from across Ohio’s colleges and universities, as well as our colleagues from Ohio University.
Never attended OHO before? This is a great place to start- expect an engaging, welcoming environment designed to help you learn, contribute, and connect.
Call for Session Proposals
Show and tell time is back! Show us what you’re doing on your campus and tell us how it’s working.
Submission Timeline
- Proposal Submissions Open: July 14
- Proposal Submission Deadline: August 14 at 12 p.m. (noon)
- Notification of Acceptance: August 28
- Presenter Confirmation Deadline: September 11
Additional details and updates will be shared as the timeline is finalized.
Questions about proposals can be directed to Jacob Hesse at hesse@ohio.edu.
Cost and Registration
Registration options are available for attendees traveling in for the event, as well as those wishing to stay overnight and experience more of Athens and OHIO's campus.
Take advantage of early registration pricing when available and select the option that best fits your needs.
| Rates | |
|---|---|
| Meeting (includes lunch, parking, and sessions) | $30 |
| Meeting + Overnight | $75 |
| Meeting + Overnight + Linens | $105 |
Agenda
Check back soon for the full schedule and start planning your OHO experience. We can't wait to share what is in store.
| Date | Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, September 27 | 3-5 p.m. | Residence Hall Check In | 4 University Terrace |
| Sunday, September 27 | 6-8:00 p.m. | OHO Welcome and Trivia Social | Jackie O's Tap Room |
| Monday, September 28 | 8-10 a.m. | Meeting Check In | Nelson Commons Banquet Hall |
| Monday, September 28 | 9-10 a.m. | Choose Your Own Adventure Tours | Departs from Nelson Commons Banquet Hall |
| Monday, September 28 | 10-10:30 a.m. | OHO Introductory Remarks | Nelson Commons Banquet Hall |
| Monday, September 28 | 10:45-11:15 a.m. | Session Block 1 | See detailed schedule below |
| Monday, September 28 | 11:30 a.m.-12:05 p.m. | Session Block 2 | See detailed schedule below |
| Monday, September 28 | 12:15-1:30 p.m. | Lunch | Nelson Commons Banquet Hall |
| Monday, September 28 | 1:30-2 p.m. | Keynote- Jessica Pagan Aello | Nelson Commons Banquet Hall |
| Monday, September 28 | 2:15-2:45 p.m. | Session Block 3 | See detailed schedule below |
| Monday, September 28 | 3:00-3:30 p.m. | Session Block 4 | See detailed schedule below |
| Monday, September 28 | 3:45-4 p.m. | OHO Closing Remarks | Nelson Commons Banquet Hall |
| Monday, September 28 | 4-5 p.m. | Choose Your Own Adventure Tours | Departs from Nelson Commons Banquet Hall |
Session Specific Information
Review to the table below for information on the sessions provided for each block.
| Block Number | Session Title | Presenter | Session Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session Block 1 | My Lessons from OHO: How to Upgrade Your Move-In Experience | Alan Ihms | Presentation | LLC 102/104 |
| Session Block 1 | Taking the Lead on Student Leadership | Jim Sand and OHIO student leaders | Presentation | LLC 130 |
| Session Block 1 | Strategic Partnerships (Senior Housing Officers) | Senior Housing Officers | Round Table | McDavis 100A |
| Session Block 1 | Getting involved in Regional Organizations | Liz Hornyak, Travis Hardwick, Mellie Derry, Madesh Samanu (Moderated by Nate Chesser) | Panel | McDavis MPR S001 |
| Session Block 1 | Being Comfortable in Crisis Response | Kiernan Beal | Round Table | Nelson Commons Private Dining #1 |
| Session Block 2 | Student Staff Integration and Development | Caleb Bryant | Presentation | LLC 102/104 |
| Session Block 2 | Residence Hall Government | Jim Sand | Round Table | LLC 130 |
| Session Block 2 | Budgeting and Planning | Brent Poynter | Round Table | LLC 150 |
| Session Block 2 | Housing and Learning (Senior Housing Officers) | Senior Housing Officers | Round Table | McDavis 100A |
| Session Block 2 | Bringing a New Construction to Life: Let's Talk About It | Chloe Wetstein, Chris Owens (Moderated by Tristian Totten) | Panel | McDavis MPR S001 |
| Session Block 2 | Good Grief! Understanding Loss, Growth, and Support in Housing & Residence Life | Myke Block | Presentation | Nelson Commons Private Dining #1 |
| Session Block 3 | Student Mental Health | Myke Block | Round Table | LLC 130 |
| Session Block 3 | Staff Selection and Training | Katherine Clifford | Round Table | LLC 150 |
| Session Block 3 | Value, Sustainability, and Student Success (Senior Housing Officers) | Senior Housing Officers | Round Table | McDavis 100A |
| Session Block 3 | Cross-Campus Collaborations | Johnna Matulja, Trent Pinto, Zach Swope (Moderated by Merissa Burns) | Panel | McDavis MPR S001 |
| Session Block 3 | Student Centric Construction and the Importance of Relationships | Chris Owens | Presentation | Nelson Commons Private Dining #1 |
| Session Block 3 | Real Time Response: Being a New RD | AJ Stewart, Caleb Bryant | Round Table | Nelson Commons Private Dining #2 |
| Session Block 4 | Supervising Fulltime Staff | Jim Sand | Presentation | LLC 130 |
| Session Block 4 | Using Data to Inform Student Support | MacKenzie Hesse, Travis Hardwick | Round Table | LLC 150 |
| Session Block 4 | Wellbeing and Mental Health (Senior Housing Officers) | Senior Housing Officers | Round Table | McDavis 100A |
| Session Block 4 | The Future of Higher Education | Jneanne Hacker, Carl Dieso, Sher-Ron Laud, Christina Smith (Moderated by James Jackson) | Panel | McDavis MPR S001 |
| Session Block 4 | Generational Needs | Jen Maskiell, Nadia Niamke | Presentation | Nelson Commons Private Dining #1 |
| Session Block 4 | Room Changes | Marcus Dobro, Liz Hornyak, Jordan Appelhans | Round Table | Nelson Commons Private Dining #2 |
Parking Information
Complimentary parking will be available in Lot 93, conveniently located in front of the Golf & Tennis Center off South Green Drive. Information will be shared with attendees after registration concludes.
Optional Tour Details
Enhance your OHO meeting experience with one of our optional campus tours. Offered at no additional cost, these guided tours provide a unique opportunity to explore Ohio University's beautiful campus, residential neighborhoods, and innovative student spaces while connecting with colleagues from across the state.
The Places That Make OHIO, OHIO
Every campus has buildings. OHIO has landmarks. From the iconic silhouette of the Baker University Center to the welcoming College Gateway, this tour explores the spaces that have become woven into the fabric of the Bobcat experience. Stroll through some of our most beloved destinations, including the Living Learning Center and Emeriti Park, and discover how history, tradition, and place come together on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.
Shaping the Next Generation of Bobcats
Tradition and innovation go hand in hand at OHIO. On this tour, you'll explore South Green, where Ohio University has reimagined the residential experience through modern facilities, intentional community design, and student-centered spaces. Visit the Living Learning Center, McDavis Hall, and the vibrant outdoor spaces that connect our residential neighborhoods. See firsthand how OHIO is investing in the future while staying true to what makes the Bobcat experience special.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
If you're looking for the quintessential residential college experience, welcome to East Green. Home to 14 residence halls, two dining venues, and a dynamic engagement space that serves students from across campus, East Green is a neighborhood built for connection. Walk through the heart of student life, where traditions are made, friendships are formed, and every corner offers an opportunity to belong. Whether you're a resident, commuter, or visitor, East Green showcases the energy and community that define life at OHIO.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Ohio Housing Officers fall 2026 meeting would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their partnership helps create opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and connection among housing and residence life professionals from across the state.
We are grateful for their commitment to supporting higher education and the student experience. Please take a moment to learn more about the organizations whose contributions help make this event a success.