Families and Guests
Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO) believes that a student's support system at home and the people in their lives are critical partners in the transition process. To assist those people in a successful transition for our students, all student programs coordinated by BSO have an optional family and guest program that happens concurrently with the student program. Family and guest participation is not required, but strongly encouraged.
Family and guest orientation includes sessions specifically designed to inform and educate family members and guests about Ohio University and its educational opportunities, as well as strategies for supporting their student with common transitional issues. While some sessions on program days will include students, participants in these programs should expect to be in their own program to meet these objectives.
Sibling Orientation (First-Year Programs in May, June and July Only)
Bobcat Student Orientation hosts sibling orientation programs during 1.5-day first-year orientation programs in May, June and July. This program is open to siblings of incoming first-year students attending BSO who will be in grades 6th-12th in the following fall semester. Participants in sibling orientation are engaged in activities outside of our traditional family and guest sessions that are created specifically for them to have a fun and enjoyable BSO experience. This program takes place during the same times as our family and guest sessions of the BSO program. Guest orientation fees apply for participation in this program. Siblings should be signed up through the same process as other family members and guests, as described below.
Sign Up Information
When students sign up for their BSO program, they are asked to indicate how many family members or guests will participate in orientation. Students will also be asked to provide names and email addresses for family members and guests participating. If this number or the information about those attending the program changes after the student signs up for the program, they can edit the information provided in the sign up process by clicking the appropriate link in the confirmation email received when signing up. Our virtual BSO programs include a family and guest orientation track with some separate sessions for those interested in participating in the program. Separate family and guest fees apply, so be sure to review those before completing the sign-up process.
Pre-BSO Modules
All students must complete online modules before their BSO program. Guests are also encouraged to view the online modules their student will navigate. Family members and guests can access the modules through the link below and will need to click the "Guest" button within the modules. It is very important that students access the modules via the link on the Preparing for Orientation webpage where they will login with their OHIO ID and password or we will not have a record of the modules being completed.
Overnight Accommodations
First-year students attending a 1.5-day program in May, June or July are expected to stay on campus during the program to participate in late night sessions. Guests have the option to stay on campus for these programs as well, which will be indicated during sign-up. Guests are housed separately from students.
Guests choosing to stay off campus can find places to stay in the Athens County Visitor’s Guide.
A linens package (including 2 flat sheets, 1 blanket, 1 pillow, 1 pillowcase, 1 body towel, 1 hand towel and 1 washcloth) will be included for each guest for the overnight stay, but you’re welcome to bring anything to make your stay more comfortable. This may include a pillow, blanket or other comfort items. Students are expected to bring their own linens.
Other suggested items to bring:
- Phone charger
- Computer/tablet charger
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Medications
- Snacks
Please note the residence hall is a traditional style hall and does include community bathrooms.
If you need to update your guest housing option after signing up, please contact our office at orientation@ohio.edu. Please note that there is an additional fee for guest housing on campus. Full details about our orientation fees can be found on our Fees page.
Parents & Families Newsletter
Bobcat parents and families are encouraged to sign up for the Dean of Student's monthly parents and families newsletter to stay up-to-date on information and resources to support students as they transition to college life.