Office of Student Life

Doc's Download

October 21, 2025

Dear Buckeyes,  

I hope you had time to rejuvenate during Fall Break, though I also know that the half-way point of the semester can be a tough time. So, if you are struggling in any way, know that it is OK to ask for help and support when you need it. A variety of support resources are available to you, from the Student Wellness Center and Student Advocacy to the Counseling and Consultation Service and more. We are all here for you and want to promote your success as you engage, learn and thrive!   

Please take a look at the updates and information below to help you make the most of the coming weeks. 

  • BuckeyeThon Registration Week 

  • Campus Security Support Grant 

  • Celebrate Brutus 

  • Future of Student Life  

  • Halloween Safety Tip 

  • OH! The Places You’ll Go  

  • #SpotlightonStudent Life  

  • Well, Well Wellness 

  • Wellness Assessment 

 

BuckeyeThon Registration Week 
This is Registration Week for BuckeyeThon, Ohio State’s official student-run philanthropy. It’s your opportunity to sign up to support the fight against pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Watch for tables all over campus now through Friday with information and an opportunity to sign up.

Campus Security Support Grant 
The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) has launched a new request for proposals for the Campus Security Support Grant, available through SB 94 for registered student organizations.  Proposals are due by noon on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Student organizations interested in applying for this grant can find additional information at the ODHE website.

Celebrate Brutus 
Celebrate Brutus Buckeye's 60th birthday with a huge party. We will attempt the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (TM) title for the largest gathering of people wearing conical party hats. (Hats will be provided!) Join the fun at 5:30 p.m. (program at 6 p.m.) on Wednesday, October 29, in the south stands of Ohio Stadium. More information is online at go.osu.edu/CelebrateBrutus. The event will build community and promote resilience. Celebrating good news, like a birthday, has benefits for both the sharer and the receiver. You can sign up for the party online.

Future of Student Life 
Student Life is updating our strategic plan, and we want your input. Building on recent successes like opening the Monda Student Resource Center and raising the minimum student wage to $13 per hour, this new plan will support President Carter’s Education for Citizenship 2035 plan while driving meaningful progress that directly impacts you, as a student. Please take a few minutes to complete the strategic planning survey by Friday, October 31, and share your ideas so we can continue to enhance your experience.

Halloween Safety Tip 
With Halloween coming up, keep the costumes spooky but take your personal safety seriously. If you celebrate, please do so responsibly and be respectful of your neighbors. On campus, make sure everyone uses their Buck ID to swipe into residence halls and do not allow tailgaters. Off-campus, lock doors and windows and keep lights on, especially at night. Students can use the Lyft Ride Smart program or free CABS On-Demand for late-night rides. Avoid walking alone, especially at night. More Halloween safety tips are online.   

OH! The Places You’ll Go 
With a student budget in mind, Ohio State’s Discount Ticket Program (D-Tix) offers tickets to Columbus-area shows, museums, concerts, sporting events and more at an exclusive rate. Our spotlight ticket this month is to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Discounted tickets are now back in stock and are $13, available two per BuckID! They don’t expire until January 4, 2026, so you can even use them for their amazing Wildlights display this winter. You can get to the zoo by riding COTA. Visit the D-Tix website: https://activities.osu.edu/programs/dtix  

#SpotlightonStudentLife
I’ve started a new feature on my Instagram account, #SpotlightonStudentLife, where I focus on a team, department, resource or service offered by Student Life. First up: Rec Sports. Be sure to follow me @scarletandgrayslvp for more. And don’t forget to tune in to my podcast, Doc’s Download: The Podcast Edition, available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Well, Well, Wellness 
Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting sick. The influenza vaccine is available through Student Life Student Health Services for students. Most health insurance plans, including the Student Health Insurance plan, cover flu shots at 100%. Students can schedule a flu vaccine appointment during their “Boo to the Flu” clinic Wednesday, October 29, from 5-6:45 p.m. at the Wilce Student Health Center, or via My BuckMD and select "Vaccine Pharmacy Appointment" under appointment type.

Wellness Assessment 
You are encouraged to take the annual Wellness Assessment. It captures critical insights into the well-being of our Buckeye student community; providing data that directly informs strategic decisions across the university. Student participation helps improve our understanding of evolving student needs and ensure programs, services and resources are aligned with supporting your holistic well-being. Students can take the survey online at go.osu.edu/WA.


Have a Scarlet and Great remainder of fall semester. And of course, Go Bucks (and that means you!)


Doc    

 

Melissa Shivers, PhD    
Senior Vice President for Student Life