A group of students walks along a brick path surrounded by trees. The focus of the photo are two students facing forward smiling while listening to one student who is turned around, presumably speaking to them.
BSO is Ready for You!
BSO is ready to welcome you to campus, no matter the time of year! First-Year students who are starting at the beginning of a Spring semester or cannot attend the day and a half summer sessions, can attend our One-day orientation programs. Explore this page to find out everything you need to know to be prepared to attend one of these special programs! Once you're ready, use the link below to sign up!
Sign-Up For a One Day BSO

One Day First-Year Orientation

These programs are designed to achieve all the same goals as the day and a half program, but in a shorter time period to support differing transition timelines. For first-year students starting at Ohio University in the spring semester, a one-day program takes place in January, the week before spring classes begin. For students who cannot attend BSO during the summer months, we also offer a one-day program in August just before the start of the semester. For specific dates for these programs, please refer to our Sign Up page or by logging onto the Application Status Portal and visiting the Orientation Sign Up Link. 

Students who are unable to attend the summer program dates and are interested in attending an August orientation program, should contact us to discuss additional options to meet the orientation requirement. 

The post-BSO modules will be available 5-7 days after the completion of your BSO program.

 

Things to Bring to BSO

Bring the following with you for your in-person BSO program:

  • Photo ID (needed for check-in)
  • Laptop or tablet for course registration, if possible
    • We will have limited computers available during course registration at orientation. If you can bring your laptop, iPad, or Tablet with internet access, please do so for a quicker registration process.  This does not need to be the technology you will have as a new student, so you do not need to worry about getting that at this time. If possible, consider borrowing technology from someone to bring with you. Given the format of the advising sessions, a smartphone is difficult to use for registration purposes. We recommend bringing different technology, if possible.
    • Don't forget chargers for your devices.
  • Bring an umbrella and wear comfy shoes. We want you to be prepared for a fun day in many locations throughout campus! We also recommend bringing a jacket for use in some of our indoor session locations, as they tend to be very cold during the summer months. We travel around campus during the program, so be prepared for cold weather during the winter months.
  • Unofficial college transcripts and test scores
    • If your official transcripts (indicating any college credit you may receive) and test scores have not been received or processed in time for your orientation, you’re welcome (but not required) to bring an unofficial copy for academic advising and course registration purposes.
  • Refillable water bottle
    • Most water fountains on campus have been converted to bottle refilling stations. You will be traveling around campus a lot, so it will be important to stay hydrated!

Traveling to Athens

Airport and Rental Car Information

John Glenn International Airport (CMH)(opens in a new window) 
Address: 4600 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219 
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 18 Minutes

Rickenbacker International Airport(opens in a new window) 
Address: 2241 John Cir Dr, Columbus, OH 43217 
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 17 Minutes

West Virginia International Yeager Airport(opens in a new window) 
Address: 100 Airport Rd #175 Charleston, WV 25311 
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 36 Minutes

Bus and Train Information

GoBus(opens in a new window) provides transportation between cities and rural areas in the state of Ohio. GoBus makes stops at the John Glenn International Airport(opens in a new window) and drops off in Athens at Baker University Center(opens in a new window). Purchasing tickets and more information can be found on the GoBus website(opens in a new window). They can be reached at 888.954.6287. 

Parking Information

Parking for summer 1-day programs will be in Lot 132 (next to Peden Stadium), which can be found on the Campus Parking Map. Participants can use the entrance on South Green Drive and accessible parking will be available near the parking lot entrance. If you are using a GPS or other map service, please use the following address to find this parking location: 100 Richland Avenue, Athens, OH 45701. When you arrive at the lot, an orientation leader will provide you with a parking pass at the entrance. 

Program Check-In

Students participating in the 1-Day Bobcat Student Orientation should check in with the Orientation Staff in the Walter Hall Lobby. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, your laptop, a valid ID, and anything else you'll need to stay comfortable throughout the day! 

January Program Schedules

Our program schedules are updated on an annual basis, currently our schedule for our next January program has not been published. Please check back closer to the program for an updated schedule. 

More Important Information

Other helpful information about attending Bobcat Student Orientation can be found by exploring the webpages below.