91̽»¨

Orientation FAQ

Can I change my orientation session after I have signed up?

Yes. Please contact us to change your orientation date. Our staff will be able to assist in signing you up for a date that is available to you. For a list of available dates, please visit our Sign-Up page.

What happens if I need to cancel my orientation session?

If you need to cancel your orientation, please contact us as soon as possible. Please note that cancelling your orientation session does not withdraw your application to the university and you will need to contact the Office of Undergraduate 91̽»¨s if you intend to do that.

When I go to the system to sign up for my program, I don't see all of the program dates. Why is that?

Some majors have a smaller number of students entering in a semester and have fewer dates available as options so students are able to connect with a larger group of peers in their major during the program. Also, the system is set up to close sessions as the available seats fill for each program, so it is also possible that the program dates you do not see are because the available seats for your major are all full. In some instances, exceptions may be made to accommodate you on dates you do not see available in the system to sign up. If that is the case, please contact us to discuss your options. 

What if I need to leave early or miss part of the program?

All sessions during your orientation are mandatory. Missing or skipping sessions prevents you from registering for classes. For extenuating circumstances, please contact our office in advance to discuss your situation. 

What are the fees for orientation? 

Student orientation fees for the program and one night staying on campus in a residence hall are included in The OHIO Guaranteeâ„¢. There are additional fees for the family and guest orientation programs and their overnight accommodations on campus, as well as any students staying for additional nights. Full details about our orientation fees can be found on our Fees page. 

How do I pay the fees for orientation?

Fees will be automatically charged to your student account after you check-in for orientation. You can pay these fees along with your tuition charges as accepted by the Bursar's Office. No payments need to be made before or during your orientation program.

Are orientation fees refundable? 

Fees are non-refundable. If you have any additional questions, please contact our office.

If I choose a later BSO date, will I still have classes to choose from?

Each orientation session provides the same in-depth academic advising and access to course enrollments. No matter the program you attend, you will register for a complete and appropriate schedule for your intended major. However, some course offerings or specific class times may not be available during your selected program date if seats have already been filled in those courses. 

What should I do if I have taken AP exams?

Have your AP scores sent directly to 91̽»¨. Undergraduate 91̽»¨s only accepts scores submitted by the CollegeBoard. Any credit you are eligible for will be loaded to your university record before orientation. We recommend you have a copy of your AP scores available when you participate in orientation, as it will aid in your scheduling process. If you are still awaiting scores when you participate in orientation, it will be helpful to inform your academic advisor about the AP exams you have taken to make sure your schedule is planned properly.  

What should I do if I've taken courses at another university?

Have an official transcript sent directly to the Office of 91̽»¨s, Chubb Hall 120, Athens, OH 45701 as soon as possible. We would also suggest that you have an unofficial copy of your most current transcript available when you participate in orientation to be used as a discussion point in the event your transcript has not been fully processed. If you would like to check if your transcript has been received, please contact the Office of Undergraduate 91̽»¨s.

What if I want to change my major?

If you wish to change your major, we recommend doing so as soon as possible.  Since our orientation program is designed to connect you with other students in your major and specific information is shared about your major or college, it is important to make any major changes prior to participating in orientation. To change your major, please contact Undergraduate 91̽»¨s via email at admissions@ohio.edu. You should do this at least one week prior to your scheduled orientation date to make sure we have prepared your orientation materials for your new major. 

Do families or guests need to participate in orientation?

Family members and guests are encouraged to participate in orientation with their student. While the program is not required for family members or guests, it is an excellent time for you to get information and helpful hints on how to help your student through their college experience. It will also give you a chance to ask questions and get to know some of the students, staff, and faculty who will be working with your student throughout their college career. Additional information about the program can be found on our Family and Guest Orientation page. 

Do families and guests participate in the same sessions as students?

Families and guests have a separate orientation experience from students. Student sessions are designed for the student to develop essential academic autonomy and an opportunity to meet future classmates. Our program sessions are designed to meet each groups' needs in this transitional experience. Additional information about the program can be found on our Family and Guest Orientation page. 

Will families and guests be able to help their student schedule?

Students will be assisted by an academic advisor and Orientation Leader (OL) throughout the registration process during BSO programs. The academic advisor is happy to answer any questions the parent may have after the student has registered. We appreciate your support in providing students the opportunity to make their own academic decisions.

Where will students park for BSO and how will they get a parking pass?

Specific parking information can be found on the Preparing for BSO page. When you arrive at the parking lot for your program, our staff will give you a parking permit for you to place on your dashboard. This parking permit will only be valid for the duration of your program.

What should students bring to an in-person BSO program?

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. 
  • Attire
    • Bring an umbrella and wear comfy shoes. It is a long (but fun!) program and we want you to be prepared. 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 also 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
    • Due to COVID-19 protocols, 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!
  • For Overnight Stays Only in May, June, and July:
    • Linens are not provided for students staying overnight. Students should bring towels, pillows, and sheets/blankets for a Twin XL (or a sleeping bag if that is preferred).  If a student is traveling from outside of the state and is unable to bring linens or if a student forgets to bring theirs, we will have linens packages available as needed. 
    • Bring any additional items to make the overnight stay more comfortable, as well as toiletries, personal hygiene items, and medications. 
    • Please note the residence hall is a traditional style hall and does include community bathrooms. 
    • You may also want to bring snacks for during the program and board games/cards to use during the evening social programming. 
What should family members and guests staying on-campus bring to 1.5-day programs?

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.