Homecoming is almost here!

Explore Athens in the fall, mold prevention, employment

Sep 18, 2024 | FAMILIES

It’s been a busy month! I hope many of you had a great time connecting with your Bobcat during Family Weekend. I enjoyed meeting so many families and spending time with our newly formed Bobcat Family Council. I’m excited about the possibilities ahead as we work to better support parents and families. We would love to hear about your experience as well, so please take a moment to complete the Family Weekend survey.

The fun keeps coming with Homecoming Week right around the corner. Bobcats near and far will be celebrating from September 23-28! If you’ll be in town, we invite all parents and families to attend President Lori Stewart Gonzalez’s Sunday Morning Brunch on September 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 29 Park Place. If you aren’t able to join us during Homecoming Week, rest assured that you can tune in to the fun by watching the Homecoming parade livestream.

I also want to acknowledge that this month has been difficult for some of our Bobcats. As I have done, please encourage your student to step back and take breaks when needed. Whether it’s enjoying a walk in the fall weather, attending a yoga class, resting on a favorite campus bench or dropping in for a counseling session, there are many ways the Ohio University community is here for your student.

As always, I’m here to support you and your students.

Homecoming Week is Sept. 23-28! Students can join the pep rally, support their community with Pack the Pantry, watch the parade and cheer on our team at the football game. The week is filled with opportunities to connect and show their Bobcat pride!

Students can discover Ohio University's vibrant spirit by exploring the local community! They can enjoy scenic hikes and see the leaves change at Strouds Run State Park or Wayne National Forest. They can even find trails close to campus at The Ridges. Don’t miss the exciting artists performing on campus this year or catch a movie at the historic Athena Cinema uptown. For a taste of regional culture, check out events happening around Athens County.

The annual Bobcat tradition welcoming new and returning students was packed with community, fun — and enthusiastic recruitment strategies by our student orgs. Check out the photo story from the week of welcome events.

> See the story

October 7 is the deadline to register or verify registration status to be able to vote in the upcoming election on November 5. If your student is not sure how to register, needs to vote by mail or is looking for where their polling location is, we've got them covered!

> Voting resources

Is your student looking for a gig? There are plenty of student employment positions open throughout the semester. They can join the Culinary Services team (and get some sweet perks), apply to be a Well-Being Coach, or work with community partners through Work Study. They can view the Community Work Study group on GivePulse and request membership to check their eligibility and access the job listings. Students can always check the Ohio University jobs website for other student employment opportunities.

When it comes to mold and mildew, prevention is key. The CDC states that molds are found in virtually every environment and can thrive in warm, humid places. If your student has any concern about mold in any campus buildings, including residence halls, we want to remediate the situation. Have your student contact Facilities Management and Safety at 740.593.2911. They’re available 24/7 and can quickly respond to your students needs the same day (and no later than 24 hours).

Group counseling is Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS's) most recommended service, where students can give and receive feedback and support while working through individual concerns in a safe and confidential environment. Support, process, and skills-based groups are available, and they are filling up and starting soon! Students can learn more by visiting CPS's group counseling page.

The Information Security Office has updated its Identifying Malicious Emails webpage with more comprehensive details on phishing tactics and social engineering. It also features the Phish Bowl tool, a phishing awareness video, and examples of phishing techniques. In response to community feedback, the page now provides insights into Extortion emails, a common and alarming phishing method. If your student encounters suspicious emails, they can report them by forwarding the message as an attachment to security@ohio.edu.

September 15-October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15-October 15 to recognize and uplift the contributions of those of Hispanic descent and celebrate Hispanic culture. Students can participate and learn more through events like documentary screenings, a kickoff festival and cookout, and conversation hours.

September 23 | 3-6 p.m.

The keynote speaker will be Tracey Medley, tech-entrepreneur and OHIO alum. After her talk, there will be a Women in Business Panel featuring Jackie Rees Ulmer, dean of the College of Business; Elise Velders, senior manager at Sogeti; and Emily Beekhuis, people manager at Sogeti.

All are welcome to join the Ohio University Alumni Association for an exhilarating adventure during Homecoming with Bobcat Quest! Form a group of up to 6 participants — whether friends, family, or fellow Bobcats — and dive into this campus-wide and community-wide quest.