51ĀŅĀ×

51ĀŅĀ× is excited to announce the creation of the Office of New Student and Family Programs, which merges Parent and Family Programs with Undergraduate Student Orientation. This strategic alignment strengthens the focus on the journey of incoming students and their families at OHIO.

Leading this new office is Assistant Dean of Students and Director of New Student and Family Programs Mak Olaker. Since August, Olaker has successfully guided the department through its transition.

Under her leadership, the office will integrate orientation initiatives with parent and family engagement efforts, emphasizing the connection between the new student experience and ongoing family involvement from pre-matriculation through graduation. The integration ensures that the staff that students and families meet during orientation will continue to support them throughout their time at the University, fostering trust and lasting relationships.

In addition to overseeing orientation programs, the Office of New Student and Family Programs will manage:

• Family communications, including the Keeping Bobcats Informed newsletter, the Parent and Family website, collaboration on the official Facebook page, and ad-hoc communications.
• Family Weekends and other engagement opportunities.
• The Bobcat Family Council, comprised of parents/families representing every cohort. The Councilā€™s mission is to weave the perspectives and feedback of our Bobcat families into the very fabric of 51ĀŅĀ×'s planning and processes.  
• Communication between families and University administration.

To support these expanded responsibilities, a . The current orientation team, consisting of Assistant Director Abbey Cliffel and Program Coordinator Wendy Kalinowski, will continue in their roles with an expanded focus that encompasses both orientation and parent and family engagement.

This new office represents a significant step forward in enhancing the support and engagement of students and their families throughout their journey at 51ĀŅĀ×.