Bobcat Student Orientation seeks student leaders

Each year Ohio University welcomes over several thousand new students to the bobcat family at Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO). OHIO depends on its student Orientation Leaders to help welcome and guide incoming students and their families and guests through the orientation process.

BSO allows new OHIO students and their guests to meet with faculty, staff and students and to gear up for fall semester through academic preparation and socialization. Serving as an orientation leader allows students to develop valuable leadership and organizational skills, support incoming students as they transition to college life, and deepen their connections on campus.

“Being an orientation leader has been one of the greatest decisions I have made at Ohio University,” said Miranda Gillilan, a media and social change major. “I love welcoming all the new Bobcats and their families and showing them how amazing this place truly is! I have also created wonderful memories and lasting friendships from being an orientation leader.”

Between taking an intro to BSO course, living in the residence halls, working long hours and spending every fun-filled moment in Athens together, orientation leaders develop lifelong friendships while changing the lives of incoming students at Ohio University. Working with new friends creates a strong team-orientated environment and even enhances students’ professional skills.

Building relationships, improving public speaking skills, and serving as a campus leader are only a few of the many ways working with BSO helps to enhance your resume and professional abilities.

This year the application cycle has been moved earlier in the year and applications to become an orientation leader are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 4. Applicants must participate in a group and individual interview sessions. All current OHIO students are eligible to apply. Faculty and staff may nominate students to orientation leader positions by completing the nomination form at www.ohio.edu/uc/bso/join-our-team.

“Orientation leaders play an important role in the new student process,” said Director of Undergraduate Orientation Programs Vincent Prior. “During BSO programs, OLs help new students by serving as peer educators to inform them about what life is truly like as a student at Ohio University. They bring the student perspective to the orientation process that faculty and staff are not able to provide.”

Help incoming students make a smooth transition to the Bobcat life. Apply now to be an orientation leader or nominate a student to be an orientation leader. For more information, visit www.ohio.edu/uc/bso.