Office of Student Life

Doc's Download

November 5, 2026

Dear Buckeyes,  

Now that it's November, finals and winter break will be here before we know it. Student Life has a wide range of support and programs that you may find helpful as we head into the home stretch of the semester.  

In this issue: 

  • Battle Against Hunger  

  • Buck-I-SERV 

  • O-H! The Places You’ll Go: COSI 

  • Doc’s Download: The Podcast 

  • Fire Safety 

  • Group Therapy 

  • Movember 

  • Ohio State Story 

 

Battle Against Hunger  
The Battle Against Hunger, coordinated by Student Life’s service-based cohort, Pay It Forward, is underway, bringing awareness to food insecurity through food drives, service and educational events. You can get involved by donating to the month-long food drive or attending one of the educational sessions. New this year, compete with "That Team Up North" to see who can bring in the most donations in the month of November. Collection boxes for the food drive, benefitting the Monda Student Resource Center, are located at the Ohio Union Info Desk as well as select Rec Sports facilities and residence halls through Sat., Nov. 30. Any nonperishable items are accepted. Contact Emma Speyer (speyer.21@osu.edu) with questions. 
 
Buck-I-SERV 
Travel, learn and serve during spring 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 Spring Break 2027 trips. Spring break trips will travel from March 13-20, 2027. Buck-I-SERV is a week-long, immersive program centered on direct community service and civic engagement. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, Nov. 22, through the online application. Please visit the Buck-I-SERV webpage or contact Buck-I-Serv@osu.edu for more information. 
 
O-H! The Places You’ll Go: COSI 
Love science and want a way to have fun? How about visiting COSI, Ohio’s Center of Science and Industry! You can save money by getting tickets through D-Tix, Ohio State’s discount ticket program. COSI tickets are just $16, 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.   
 
Doc's Download: The Podcast  
In my latest edition of Doc's Download: The Podcast, student entrepreneurs share the stories of how they have utilized the online campus community to make a positive change in the real world. From a mobile pantry that delivers thousands of meals throughout Columbus, to the first-ever skin care organization that empowers Buckeyes to be their best and most beautiful selves, these go-getters demonstrate how the internet can be used for good. Listen at go.osu.edu/docspodcast or watch at go.osu.edu/docsyoutube. 
 
Fire Safety 
Did you know that the number one cause of fires in homes is unattended cooking. And the number one nuisance alarm in residence halls is burned food in microwaves. The Office of Student Life’s Risk and Emergency Management department reminds you to stay safe by staying alert while you are cooking, and stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove top. Don’t tamper with fire alarm devices such as smoke detectors in your room. And if the alarm sounds, get out of the building immediately. 
 
Group Therapy  
Group therapy can be just as effective as individual therapy for many mental health concerns. Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) offers a variety of free, confidential therapy groups each semester designed to support common student experiences, including stress, loneliness, relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, academic concerns and personal growth. Groups are led by CCS clinicians and typically include 4-10 students who meet weekly for 90 minutes. Some groups focus on learning specific skills and strategies, while others provide a supportive space to process challenges and connect with peers who may be navigating similar experiences. Interested? The first step is to schedule a phone screening. 
 
Movember 
Movember is a global movement dedicated to improving men’s health by raising awareness of mental health challenges, suicide prevention and other issues that impact men and boys. Each November, individuals and communities come together to spark conversations, strengthen connections and promote help-seeking behaviors that support overall well-being. Through education, outreach and community engagement, Movember encourages people to take action and support one another in meaningful ways. To learn more about Ohio State’s 2026 Movember campaign from Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service, and explore upcoming events, visit go.osu.edu/osumovember.  
 
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.  
 

And of course, Go Bucks! 

 

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