As Spring Semester 2019 Move Out and Commencement approaches, Ohio University students, friends and family members are advised to plan ahead for residence hall move out, increased campus traffic and event-related parking regulations.

All Ohio University residence halls will officially close at 8 p.m. Friday, May 3. Students should vacate their residence hall within 24 hours of their last exam or by 8 p.m. Friday, whichever comes first. Students needing a Friday night extension checking out no later than 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4, can submit a request by visiting their housing self-service.

Remember: Avoid parking any vehicles in roadways or fire lanes and pay close attention to all posted campus signage. Students residing in the Convocation Center and on South Green are encouraged to check out by Thursday or after 1 p.m. Friday if possible to avoid parking and traffic congestion associated with the Commencement ceremonies.

Ohio University Transportation and Parking Services will open campus dark green and purple lots for public parking to assist in the move-out process beginning on Tuesday, April 30. Regular (non-metered, non-restricted) spaces will be open within these lots.

Students are encouraged to have their items packed prior to parents arriving to expedite the checkout process. Students’ rooms must also be cleaned prior to departure. This includes:

• The removal of all recycling, trash and personal items.
• Donation systems are set up at every residence hall.
• ALL carpet and furniture must be placed in the appropriate signed outside area. NO carpet or furniture is allowed in the dumpsters.
• Removal of all food items from microwaves and refrigerators.
• East Green, West Green and Front Four: Food donation bins are in every residence hall lobby.
• Back South: Food donation bins are near back doors.
• Ask your RA for food bank donation bags as needed.
• Wiping down all room surfaces, including microwave and refrigerator units, inside and out.
• Unplugging all appliances and leaving their doors open.

Please note that all students must properly check out through a Housing and Residence Life staff member. A $100 minimum fee is charged to students who do not complete the checkout process properly. Additional information regarding residence hall move out is available online.

Thousands of students will be participating in graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4.

The Graduate Commencement ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 3, for master’s and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.

Parking for Spring Commencement: Parking is available within any dark green or purple lot on campus from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4.  Please reference the Campus Parking Map for lot locations and designations.

Transportation & Parking Services will work in conjunction with the Ohio University Police Department (OUPD) to manage traffic and parking for this event. Guests should pay close attention to highway and campus signage directing them to the closest available parking lot for their needs.

Disability parking and a drop off location for those with mobility concerns: A designated drop off zone is accessible via West Green Drive to accommodate loading/unloading needs. Disability parking will be available at the Convocation Center (see map here).

RV Parking: A limited number of RV spaces are available for reservation located at The Ridges during Commencement weekend. Visit this website to submit your reservation request.

It is important to note that many events are scheduled to take place across campus during Commencement weekend and increased traffic is anticipated. OHIO event staff will be on site prior to Commencement to provide assistance, traffic control and parking direction.

Campus Transportation Resources: Free event shuttles and accessible transportation will be available from several parking lot locations in support of commencement activities. For additional information on available transportation accommodations please visit this website.

For more information on Transportation & Parking resources, connect with the TPS Customer Care Center at 740-593-1917 or tps@ohio.edu. Follow TPS on Twitter @OUTransParking for live updates on parking availability during commencement activities.

Tips for Traveling to Athens
Click here to access driving directions to Athens from several different locations. Click here to check highway and road conditions throughout the state of Ohio.

Ohio University's Move-OUt is Southeast Ohio’s largest annual donation event. Donate unopened food, gently used clothes, household items, school supplies and larger items like furniture and carpets.

On-Campus Students: Donation locations are provided for every campus residence hall. Follow the signs for food bank, furniture, carpet, clothes and all donation items. 

Off-Campus Students: Drop-off donation locations are available throughout the Athens community. Many non-profits can pick up donations at your residence; call and schedule a pickup in advance.

Click here to learn more about drop-off locations and non-profit efforts nearest to you. Information for community members and students interested in volunteering with the Move-OUt effort is also available within the site.