Office of Student Life

Doc's Download

October 12, 2026

Dear Buckeyes, 

We're just days away from Autumn Break to give you a quick breather and I hope your semester is going well. With so many things happening, both on campus and around the world, it’s important to take time for yourself and your well-being. Here are some news and notes from the Office of Student Life to help you engage, learn and thrive at Ohio State, and beyond.    

In this issue: 

  • Doc’s Download: The Podcast Edition 
  • O-H! The Places You’ll Go: Franklin Park Conservatory 
  • Ohio State Story  
  • Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs 
  • Protocol for Political Activity on Campus 
  • Residential Experience  
  • Resources to Thrive 
  • Ride COTA 
  • Safety Devices 

Doc’s Download: The Podcast Edition
Pardon our dust! Buckeye Commons is making exciting updates to their space in the Ohio Union and to their program offerings! In this episode, Doc sits down with the Buckeye Commons staff to hear about all of the new and engaging experiences Buckeye Commons has to offer to the Ohio State community- from career coaching to mental health support and well-being resources!  Listen at go.osu.edu/docspodcast or watch at go.osu.edu/docsyoutube 

O-H! The Places You’ll Go
A place that’s alive as you are! There’s always something to do at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. From award-winning gardens to compelling art exhibits, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you. You can save money by getting tickets through D-Tix, Ohio State’s discount ticket program. FPC tickets are just $11, two per BuckID per week for current Ohio State Columbus campus students. There are plenty of other opportunities as well, including shows, museums, concerts, sporting events and more available at an exclusive rate. Find out more online.   

Ohio State Story 
What's Your Ohio State Story? We're collecting stories from students and alumni to better understand and communicate the Ohio State experience. What experience, opportunity, relationship or moment has shaped your time at Ohio State?  It only takes 2–3 minutes to share! Current students: Share your story at Ohio State Story Survey. 

Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs 
Ohio State has a revised Alcohol and Other Drugs policy. The policy revisions reinforce responsible service practices, clarify approval processes for university sponsored events, including those hosted by student organizations, and establish updated event timing guidelines.  

Protocol for Political Activity on Campus 
The Ohio State University is often the site of visits by candidates for a variety of federal, state and local public offices.  As a public institution, Ohio State welcomes visits by political candidates and surrogates affiliated with their campaigns. There are protocols established by the university for political activity on campus. If your student organization is considering an event which would include candidates or their representatives, please read and understand this protocol to ensure that university policies are followed. You can also find resources to help you with your event online. Protocol for Political Activity on Campus.   

Residential Experience
Ohio State is launching a new initiative designed to transform the residential experience. We're looking for your vision for the future of housing, dining, recreation, academic engagement and student support. Please take a brief 3–5 minute Residential Experience Student Survey to help us plan campus living from now through 2035 and beyond. 

Resources to Thrive 
The Monda Student Resource Center is now working with Single Stop, a free online benefits and resource platform that helps you identify support you may be eligible to receive. This resource provides support for students facing financial challenges or other barriers, helping ensure access to the tools and assistance needed to stay on track and succeed. In less than 15 minutes, the Single Stop screening tool provides an estimate of a student’s potential eligibility for state, federal and local resources, including food and nutrition programs, healthcare, utility assistance and other community support. Learn more about Single Stop or how to schedule an appointment with the MSRC Student Support Specialist, who can walk you through the screening, answer questions and help you navigate your next steps. 

Ride COTA 
Riding COTA as an Ohio State student is becoming even easier. Eligible students can now scan the digital pass in the Ohio State app instead of using a BuckID when boarding. Log into the Ohio State app and find the COTA pass tile on the “For You” screen.  Starting Jan. 6, 2027, physical BuckIDs will no longer be accepted for COTA rides. Learn more about the digital pass.          

Safety Devices
The Office of Student Life’s Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement office offers students free window and door alarms as well as personal safety devices. Deterrence tools can play a big role in helping to prevent crimes; off-campus students leaving Autumn Break should ensure all windows and doors are locked, and valuables are secured.  Students can stop by the Ohio Union Room 3106 to pick up the devices, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. More information is online.    

As always: Go Bucks!  


Melissa S. Shivers, PhD 
Senior Vice President for Student Life 
The Ohio State University