Aug 19, 2026   |  ATHENS CAMPUS

Campus is already buzzing with the early arrival of students! We can't wait to kick off the semester with Welcome Week. Now is a great time to reconnect with Bobcats you might have missed this summer, get involved in a new student org or take a moment to reset before the school year begins.

I officially stepped into the role of Interim Vice President for Student Affairs today, so while I’m no longer the Dean of Students, my commitment to you remains in my new role. Next time you receive this newsletter you'll be hearing from Interim Dean of Students Scott Bye, who has served as an Assistant Dean of Students for the past 3 years here at OHIO and is ready to support you. You might have also met Assistant Dean of Students & Director of New Student and Family Programs Mak Olaker during BSO. No matter who you reach out to at OHIO, we're here for you on your journey. 

I'm looking forward to the year ahead and seeing many of you on campus later this week!

Kathy A Fahl, MSW
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs

Whether you’re a first-time student moving in, a graduate student commuting to class or an undergraduate moving into your off-campus house, the City of Athens’ construction project on Richland Avenue may affect your route to Ohio University’s Athens campus in the coming weeks. These improvements may cause delays or changes to both vehicle and pedestrian routes. Larger vehicles, like U-Hauls, may face challenges accessing certain areas on campus. 

Make sure to read about any road and parking lot closures and make a plan for move-in or your class commute. Thank you for your patience and understanding as OHIO works to enhance our campus experience.

There are plenty of open positions for student jobs across campus! Search for jobs on the OHIO Jobs site, see if you are Work Study eligible or apply for a PACE (Program to Aid Career Exploration) role. There are even opportunities to work with organizations around the community. 

 →  Student employment

Connect with new Bobcats! You'll be welcomed with events that will help you get connected, feel supported, and prepare you for a successful start at OHIO. Attend sunrise yoga, movies on the lawn, a petting zoo, well-being wayfinding and more.

 →  Full calendar

Are you a second-year student? When you attend any of the designated Sophomore September events listed on the website, you'll receive a sticker at each event. Once you collect four stickers on your postcard, you can turn them in to the Signature Academic Experiences office to earn free OHIO merchandise like stickers, baseball caps and tote bags — and be entered for a chance to win $100 in Bobcat Cash!

 →  Learn more

September 2 | 12-3 p.m.

Looking for ways to get involved in the local community? Join the Center for Community Impact and our local nonprofit partners and community-engaged student organizations at 29 Park Place to learn about the volunteer, internship, research or other opportunities.

 →  More info

September 3 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Attend the Fall 2026 Business Job & Internship Fair on Thursday, September 3 in the Baker Center Ballroom. Open to all majors! 

 →  More info and registration

THRIVE Week takes place during the third week of classes and is a chance to explore OHIO resources from basic needs to group fitness, connect with other students, and feel empowered to take on the semester.

 →  THRiVE Week events

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