As the class of 2029 explores Ohio University’s campus at Bobcat Student Orientation, excitement arises for their arrival. Although it’s fun, the independence and distance from home can also be stressful, especially without the physical presence of home. College is transformative and empowering, but it can also be difficult. There is no need to face these challenges alone.
The closure of the Multicultural Center, Women’s Center and Pride Center will eliminate some of the most visible support resources on campus. Although the centers leave big shoes to fill, many other campus resources have long worked in tandem with those departments, creating innovative student and faculty engagement programs in recent years.
Baker University Center has been a hub for campus resources since its creation. Departments and offices, such as the Office of Health Promotion, have provided free resources including condoms, lubricant and dental dams. The office also offers education on sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, mental health and suicide prevention, and interpersonal violence and bystander intervention.
Career Services, located in Baker 507, supports students’ professional development through career coaching, major exploration and industry guidance. The office also offers career fairs, alumni networking events and access to the career closet.
Bobcat Network is an online tool for professional development. It’s a social media app to connect current Bobcats with our vast alumni network.
Career Services is also a part of a wide range of academic support resources. The Academic Achievement Center offers Peer Assisted Learning, drop-in tutoring and First-Generation Student Success services. They also have more discipline-based tutoring, such as the STEM Academy, Media Arts Tutoring, Learning Commons and Writing Commons.
The Allen Center also offers academic advising, advocacy and coaching. The Allen Center offers major exploration where students are guided through figuring out their academic and career goals. An immediate resource all incoming Bobcats will become acquainted with is the Student Success Advisors. They can act as a first point of contact for any needs for academic advising and help.
If you encounter concerns about living arrangements and housing, contact Housing and Residence Life, located in the Living Learning Center room 215. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, located at Chubb Hall room 020, is a great resource to utilize when looking for financial aid and funding help. If help is needed with food, housing or bills, the Dean of Students offers a Basic Needs Program to support OU students experiencing financial hardship.
Technology issues can be directed to the Office of Information Technology, which has a website that goes over common issues and shares contact information for the IT Service Desk. The Bobcat Depot is a great place to look for any new technology you may need, while the Tech Help Desk is located on the fourth floor of Alden Library.
College students should be aware of both on and off-campus resources for any health needs. Local providers such as Planned Parenthood, also known as the Athens Health Center, and OhioHealth Campus Care offer sexually transmitted infection and sexually transmitted disease testing, pregnancy services and contraception.
Sexual violence and mental health are prevalent issues on college campuses. OU’s Survivor Advocacy Program offers confidential support to students affected by sexual assault, harassment, dating or domestic violence and stalking. SAP helps students access resources and navigate reporting through Community Standards and Student Responsibility or the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.
Counseling and Psychological Services provides free mental health services to all students, including crisis support and counseling. Wellness can also mean student engagement across campus. Bobcat Connect is the university’s portal to more than 570 student organizations, including groups based on identity, interests and academic majors.
The first year of college can be nerve-wracking. Being away from home and surrounded by strangers is hard. But you are not alone. These resources are here to help, and they are ready to support you with open arms.
