Apr 15, 2026   |  FAMILIES

It's hard to believe the end of the semester is almost here! Remind your students to look out for emails, including this one, for details and info on Commencement, move-out, finals week resources and returning in the fall. I know it may feel overwhelming at times, but we're here to offer support and answer questions.

To any of you with students moving out or across town in a few weeks, help us reduce waste and explore all of our recycling and donation options. For those of you with students graduating, congratulations! They can't achieve this major milestone without their support system, including you. 

Kathy A Fahl, MSW
Associate Vice President & Dean of Students

Regardless of whether your student lives on or off campus, make sure they're prepared for the end of the spring semester.

OHIO and community partners have worked together to keep items out of the waste stream during move-out. Items like furniture, clothing, unopened food, school supplies and more can all be donated. There will be drop offs around residence halls and at multiple locations around Athens. Some organizations also offer pick up of donated items.

Housing and Residence Life is partnering with Storage Scholars to make the process easier. Storage Scholars will provide packing materials before exams, offer safe in-room storage for belongings, and ensure secure, temperature-controlled storage for the summer. Packing boxes can be shipped anywhere in the U.S., and upon your student's return, their items will be waiting in their new room, ready for the new semester.

Students may utilize designated 30-minute loading zones and any dark green or purple parking lot during the established move-out period. Expect increased traffic throughout the day on Friday, May 1 due to the graduate commencement ceremony as well as checkouts taking place on campus.

The AIFVF continues through April 19. Founded in 1974, the AIFVF has been presenting the best in international film. Known globally as a festival that supports cinema from underground and marginalized populations, the AIFVF represents the values that we share as a community. Free student tickets are available the day of the screening when the box office opens.

 →  View the schedule

NAMI - Athens, Health Promotion, CPS, Active Minds, and Well-Being and Recreation have put together three days of events and activities to help students de-stress, relax and reset, and thrive during finals week. Events like free coffee, yoga, crafts and Exam Jam begin April 27 on College Green by the Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium. 

 →  View the schedule

Students can join University and community partners for a day of celebration April 22. Visit Grover Center for a free thrift store, tabling from student and community orgs, and more! Head to Alden 251 for Zine Making and take a break from finals studying. Celebrate early, and learn how to ID trees on April 18. 

Dispose of unwanted or expired medications at a medication disposal event on April 21. There will also be take home pouches distributed for those who would rather dispose of medications at home. 

 →  Learn more

Students with a Bobcat Cash balance of $15 or more, who are not returning next semester, are eligible for a refund. The Bobcat Cash Account Balance and Refund Policy and the electronic refund form can be found on the Bobcat Cash webpage.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made significant changes to federal student financial aid programs. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships has created an OBBBA web resource to explain how the changes will impact students and families, and we encourage you to review the changes carefully. 

Many of the provisions take effect July 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 academic year; however, because summer semester begins the financial aid year at OHIO, students enrolling for summer 2026 terms will be the first to be affected by OBBBA. OHIO will post details on the OBBBA website about the ways we can support summer students, including the process to request a Summer Aid Advance. 

The residence halls officially close at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Students should review their closing checklist and other important information before they leave! The last recommended date to have mail delivered to campus should be Friday, April 24. The closing website has information on the checkout process, recycling/donating, additional contracts, refunds, dining, quiet hours, and other important details. Does your student need to stay an extra night, request May Break Housing, or looking for housing during summer school? Visit the closing website. 

You don't have to be an expert to make a difference. Small actions can help prevent harm and support Bobcats. Remember:

Want to learn more? Green Dot Bystander Intervention education is available by request for student organizations and groups.

 →  Workshops

April 20 | 4-6 p.m.

If your student is curious about international internships for Summer 2027 that fit with their career interests, they can drop in on Monday to learn about SISAL’s International Internship Program, featuring partially and fully funded placements around the world.

 →  More info

April 23 | 2-5 p.m.

Graduating students can join in the Konneker Alumni Center for Tassels & Toasts as we celebrate the Class of 2026 and welcome them into the alumni family! They get a free champagne flute and alumni T-shirt while enjoying snacks, a photo booth, and more.

 →  Share the registration link

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Events start April 20