Keeping Bobcats Informed, Dec. 13, 2023

Parents and Families, 

We are just a few days away from the end of the semester, and the year! As we look ahead to next semester, I invite you to fill out a brief survey for Sibs Weekend (opens in a new window), which will take place in February. (opens in a new window) 

I hope your student has had a successful finals week so far and is looking forward to a restful winter break. Read on for winter closure (opens in a new window) information, important deadlines for spring semester and FAFSA updates. (opens in a new window)

In addition to the stress of finals, I want to recognize the impact of an incident on campus we addressed (opens in a new window) earlier this week that reminded us all of the importance that Bobcats Make Respect Visible. (opens in a new window) We must find ways to encourage constructive dialogue and not division, to spread ideas and not hate, to listen more and to judge less.

Please reach out if you need support or have any questions as this semester comes to a close, and see you in January!

Kathy A Fahl, MSW
Dean of Students

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Is your student staying in Athens over winter break? They can enjoy a restful break and explore the Athens community — catch a movie hosted by the Athena Cinema (opens in a new window), attend Donkey Coffee's open stage nights (opens in a new window) on Thursdays, do some shopping at the Athens Art Guild's Holiday Shoppe (opens in a new window) Dec. 16-17, or find a new book and a cozy reading spot in Alden. (opens in a new window)

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2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Student organizations are encouraged to sponsor a table at this year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebratory Brunch. The brunch takes place after the Silent March on Jan. 15. Students can reserve a table of eight for $180 by Jan. 8, by emailing bungard@ohio.edu or diversityinclusion@ohio.edu with their student org account number. They can also purchase individual tickets. (opens in a new window)

View the full week of MLK Celebration events (opens in a new window)

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A lot of facilities will close or operate under limited hours at the end of finals week. Encourage students to check the hours of operation before making plans to use these services.

• Culinary Services 
• Ping Recreation Center 
• Aquatic Center
• Bird Ice Arena
• Baker University Center
• Transportation Services
• Campus Mail

Need support for meals over break? Students can visit Cats' Cupboard during adjusted winter break hours (opens in a new window) or attend one of the free community meals (last option in the menu). (opens in a new window)

Help check a few things off your student's list before leaving the residence hall: remove food from microwave and fridge, open blinds, close and lock windows, and set the temperature around 75 degrees. Not returning to OHIO for the spring semester? Students not returning need to officially check out with a Housing staff member by closing (Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.), but no later than Jan. 14. (opens in a new window) Find more info (opens in a new window) about fall closing and details on how to check out if not returning for spring semester.

Federal student aid timeline

The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is changing for the better! The FAFSA will be available on Dec. 31, and the OHIO priority deadline to complete it is Feb. 15. If you don't have an FSA ID, get one at fafsa.gov (opens in a new window) now. We recommend all families complete the FAFSA for full financial aid consideration!

→  More about the changes (opens in a new window)

Looking for student leaders

Has your student made a big impact on the OHIO community? Encourage them to apply for a Leadership Award! This annual awards ceremony recognizes both individuals and student organizations for their leadership at Ohio University. Some awards have a scholarship component.

→  Share the application

Changes to access student info

The My OHIO Portal (my.ohio.edu) will retire on Dec. 18.

If students haven’t already, they should download the Go OHIO app (opens in a new window) or check out the web version at go.ohio.edu (opens in a new window) for the information you used to find in the portal, plus a student dashboard with personal information. 

→  Learn more (opens in a new window)

Student services don't stop with the break

If students have an urgent need to speak with a counselor at any time during break, call 740.593.1616 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741. Self-guided resources (opens in a new window) are always available too.

If you're looking for survivor response resources, reach out to the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization (opens in a new window). You can call their support hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or chat online. (opens in a new window)

Quick Links

Review deadlines and other important dates for spring semester > Academic Calendar (opens in a new window)

Fill out your 2023 course and instructor evaluations > Your voice counts! (opens in a new window)

Browse the Ohio University Press book sale and use code SNOW for 35 percent off > Sale ends Dec. 15 (opens in a new window)

Not returning next semester? > Get a Bobcat Cash refund (opens in a new window)