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Building Bobcats Community Learning Program

Co-sponsored by the Center for OHIO Employee Excellence, the Building Bobcats: New-to-OU Community Learning Program is a cohort-based, faculty-led community learning and engagement program.

The program is designed to provide participants with community-focused networking and learning opportunities. Specifically, program participants will be introduced to unique aspects of »¨¼¾´«Ã½, the Athens community, and Appalachian Ohio by actively exploring the »¨¼¾´«Ã½ campus and surrounding community.

Structure

The program will be hosted in person on the Athens campus of »¨¼¾´«Ã½. Participants will gather monthly in-person in Alden Library, Room 319 from 12:30 – 1:50 PM (September through April) on Tuesdays for 80-minute experiences and discussions. Program dates are Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 18, Dec. 9, Jan. 20, Feb. 10, Mar. 17, and April 7.

Meeting topics include »¨¼¾´«Ã½, the Athens campus, the Athens community, and Appalachian Ohio. Monthly meetings will include invited guest speakers to share their stories and experiences.

To build a stronger Bobcat community within this cohort, participants will also have the opportunity to join monthly community-learning activities.

The 2025-26 program is organized and facilitated by OHIO faculty members Rebecca Dingus and Kristin Hepworth. 

Eligibility

Any full-time »¨¼¾´«Ã½ faculty or academic staff who have been employed by »¨¼¾´«Ã½ for five years or less are specifically encouraged to sign up for the program. However, all full-time »¨¼¾´«Ã½ employees are welcome. (Note: the maximum number of participants will be 24; selection will be based on registration date.)

Please register for the Building Bobcats: New-to-OU Community Learning Program  no later than Friday, September 5 and then attend the first meeting on Tuesday, September 9 at 12:30 PM in Alden 319.

Please contact Dr. Katie Hartman (Vice Provost for Faculty Development; email: hartmank@ohio.edu) at or Suzanne Durst (Director, OHIO Center for Employee Excellence; email: dursts@ohio.edu) with questions or concerns.