51ÉçÇø

Parents and Families, 

We are just a few days away from the end of the semester, and the year! As we look ahead to next semester, I invite you to fill out a , which will take place in February. 

I hope your student has had a successful finals week so far and is looking forward to a restful winter break. Read on for winter closure information, important deadlines for spring semester and FAFSA updates.

In addition to the stress of finals, I want to recognize the impact of an incident on campus we addressed earlier this week that reminded us all of the importance that Bobcats Make Respect Visible. We must find ways to encourage constructive dialogue and not division, to spread ideas and not hate, to listen more and to judge less.

Please reach out if you need support or have any questions as this semester comes to a close, and see you in January!

Kathy A Fahl, MSW
Dean of Students

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Is your student staying in Athens over winter break? They can enjoy a restful break and explore the Athens community — catch a movie hosted by the , attend on Thursdays, do some shopping at the Athens Art Guild's Dec. 16-17, or find a new book and a cozy reading spot in Alden.

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2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Student organizations are encouraged to sponsor a table at this year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebratory Brunch. The brunch takes place after the Silent March on Jan. 15. Students can reserve a table of eight for $180 by Jan. 8, by emailing bungard@ohio.edu or diversityinclusion@ohio.edu with their student org account number. They can also purchase individual tickets.

View the full week of MLK Celebration events

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A lot of facilities will close or operate under limited hours at the end of finals week. Encourage students to check the hours of operation before making plans to use these services.

• Culinary Services 
• Ping Recreation Center 
• Aquatic Center
• Bird Ice Arena
• Baker University Center
• Transportation Services
• Campus Mail

Need support for meals over break? Students can visit Cats' Cupboard during adjusted winter break hours or attend one of the free community meals (last option in the menu).

Help check a few things off your student's list before leaving the residence hall: remove food from microwave and fridge, open blinds, close and lock windows, and set the temperature around 75 degrees. Not returning to OHIO for the spring semester? Students not returning need to officially check out with a Housing staff member by closing (Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.), but no later than Jan. 14. Find more info about fall closing and details on how to check out if not returning for spring semester.

Federal student aid timeline

The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is changing for the better! The FAFSA will be available on Dec. 31, and the OHIO priority deadline to complete it is Feb. 15. If you don't have an FSA ID, get one at now. We recommend all families complete the FAFSA for full financial aid consideration!

→  More about the changes

Looking for student leaders

Has your student made a big impact on the OHIO community? Encourage them to apply for a Leadership Award! This annual awards ceremony recognizes both individuals and student organizations for their leadership at 51ÉçÇø. Some awards have a scholarship component.

→  Share the application

Changes to access student info

The My OHIO Portal (my.ohio.edu) will retire on Dec. 18.

If students haven’t already, they should download the Go OHIO app or check out the web version at for the information you used to find in the portal, plus a student dashboard with personal information. 

→  Learn more

Student services don't stop with the break

If students have an urgent need to speak with a counselor at any time during break, call 740.593.1616 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741. Self-guided resources are always available too.

If you're looking for survivor response resources, reach out to the . You can call their support hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or

Quick Links

Review deadlines and other important dates for spring semester > Academic Calendar

Fill out your 2023 course and instructor evaluations > Your voice counts!

Browse the 51ÉçÇø Press book sale and use code SNOW for 35 percent off >

Not returning next semester? > Get a Bobcat Cash refund