Office of Student Life

Doc's Download

February 3, 2026

Dear Buckeyes,

I hope you are managing well through all the snow and cold and are off to a strong start this semester. Here are some items that might help you along the way.  

 

  • Buckeye Day of Dialogue 

  • Buck-I-SERV 

  • Drop-In Workshops 

  • Flu Shot 

  • Homecoming Court 

  • Monda Student Resource Center 

  • OH! the places you’ll go 

  • Report Hazing 

  • Safety Tip: Community Crime Map 

  • USG Elections  
     

Buckeye Day of Dialogue 
Join Listen. Learn. Discuss. and university leaders for an engaging civil discourse event as only Buckeyes can do. The first annual Buckeye Day of Dialogue will be 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Ohio Union and is free and open to students, staff and faculty. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided. More information and information on Buckeye Day of Dialogue is online.   
 
Buck-I-SERV 
Travel, learn and serve during summer break by participating in a Buck-I-SERV Alternative Break trip! The Office of Student Life’s Buck-I-SERV Alternative Break program is now accepting applications for Summer 2026 trips. Summer break trips will travel from May 9-16. Buck-I-SERV is a week-long, substance-free program centered on direct community service and civic engagement. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, Feb. 22, through an online application. Please visit the Buck-I-SERV webpage or contact Buck-I-Serv@osu.edu for more information. 
 
Drop-In Workshops 
Looking for a quick way to boost your mental health without a huge time commitment? Counseling and Consultation Service’s Drop-In Workshops are here for spring semester—and they’re FREE for all students! No sign-up needed—just show up. They’re perfect if you want to learn about wellness topics but don’t have time for ongoing therapy, and, if you are already seeing a therapist, these workshops can be a great add-on. There is a mix of in-person and virtual sessions via CarmenZoom with flexible days and times to fit your schedule. You can learn more about Drop-In workshops including current offerings at go.osu.edu/ccsworkshops.  

Flu Shot 
The number of flu cases has been high this winter. The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year.  Student Life Student Health Services offers several options for receiving your influenza vaccination. You can Schedule an appointment with the Pharmacy via My BuckMD and select "Vaccine Pharmacy Appointment" for the appointment type or ask your medical provider during any scheduled appointment.  
 
Homecoming Court  
Applications are now open through Friday, Feb. 6, to apply for the 2026 Homecoming Court at go.osu.edu/homecomingcourt. Homecoming Court members are selected for their leadership, spirit, integrity and meaningful contributions to the Ohio State community. These students exemplify Ohio State's core values and positively influence the campus through their involvement and achievements. Eligible students must have completed at least 60 credit hours by the end of summer, hold a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and plan to graduate no sooner than autumn 2026. 
 
Monda Student Resource Center   
With the cold weather continuing, the Reid Family Career Closet in the Monda Student Resource Center has winter apparel for students. Coats, hats, scarves, gloves and snow boots are available at no charge simply by making an appointment, in addition to professional attire suitable for job interviews, internships, case competitions and networking events. 
 
OH! the places you’ll go  
Love trying new foods and want a way to experience the Columbus food scene? How about trying one of the Columbus Food Adventures food tours! You can save money by getting tickets through D-Tix, Ohio State’s discount ticket program. Food Tour tickets are just $30 (more than 50% off original pricing!), two per BuckID per week for current Ohio State Columbus campus students. Options this semester include Food Hall and Short North Food Tours for a fun food-filled afternoon. There are plenty of other opportunities through D-Tix as well, including shows, museums, concerts, sporting events and more available at an exclusive rate. Find out more online.   
 
Report Hazing 
Ohio State offers anonymous reporting through a secure platform, RealResponse, for reporting hazing-related concerns. This system allows anyone to submit reports anonymously and confidentially in a safe and accessible way. Members of Student Life review incoming text messages and emails from RealResponse and will respond accordingly. RealResponse allows connections through anonymous back-and-forth communication, with phone numbers and email addresses remaining hidden throughout the process. Reports can be submitted through the online platform by texting 614-482-2678, or by emailing reporthazing@osu.realresponse.com. 
 
Safety Tip: Community Crime Map 
The Community Crime Map consists of statistics from the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) and shows off-campus crime reports. Register for email alerts within a one-mile radius of the Columbus campus from the most recent 7-day period – or enter your home address to receive customized alerts. The default crime categories are predetermined by Lexis Nexis. Stay informed of crime reports in your neighborhood by visiting the Community Crime Map. More information about the crime map is online.  
 
USG Elections 
The Undergraduate Student Government election process is underway. Candidates can collect petition signatures now through Friday, Feb. 6. The USG Judicial Panel will confirm signatures and let candidates know if they’re on the ballot. Campaigning begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 1, and voting runs from noon Monday, March 9, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11.
 

Have a Scarlet and Great week. O-H!  

 

Doc   

Melissa Shivers, PhD   
Senior Vice President for Student Life