Office of Student Life

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October 29, 2024

Dear Buckeyes,  

The semester is more than half over, and I hope it is going well for you. Student Life is here to support you throughout your time at Ohio State and beyond, so please feel free to reach out if you are in need.  

Here are some news and notes from around Student Life that you may find helpful.  

  • Election Information  

  • REACH Training 

  • Blood Battle 

  • Student Advocacy Mental Health Grants 

  • Well, Well Wellness   

  • Halloween Safety Tips 

  • Greek Shriek! 

  • National First-Generation Celebration 

  • Dining Services Survey 

  • OH! The Places You’ll Go 

  • Meet the Team-Maureen Cahill  

 

Election Information 
Some important election-related dates are coming up soon. More information is available from OSU Votes, the student-led movement to register, educate and encourage other students to vote. This nonpartisan group fosters civic engagement at The Ohio State University. 

  • October 29 – Ohio absentee ballot application must be received by the Board of Elections in the county where you are registered to vote 

  • November 3 – Early in-person voting ends 

  • November 4 – Mailed absentee ballot must be postmarked 

  • November 5 – Deadline to hand-deliver your absentee ballot at your county board of elections 

  • November 5 – General Election Day with polls open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 

REACH Training  
Are you working on programming topics for your student organization and want to share important lifesaving information with your members? Student Life’s Suicide Prevention Program offers REACH© Training, a 90-minute, in-person, certifiable suicide prevention gatekeeper training experience that offers important information about how you can identify someone who may be at risk for suicide or in distress and how to respond. Request a Group Training for your university affiliated student organization or program today! Or register for an Open Training as an individual. More information is online. 

Blood Battle 
This year’s Ohio State vs. That School Up North Blood Battle is now underway. The school with the most blood donations wins. Last year, Ohio State claimed victory for the second year in a row in this legendary competition, which began in 1982. To win again, more blood donations must be collected than Xichigan during the Battle. Donate at Versiti blood drives on campus and in the community to support patients at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Student Advocacy Mental Health Grants 
One of the most frequently cited barriers to college students seeking mental health support is concern about finances. The Student Advocacy Center offers a Mental Health Care Grant which provides up to $2,000 to currently enrolled students (including grad and professional!) for costs associated with mental health care such as appointment copays, prescriptions and transportation. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply for this funding online. 

Well, Well Wellness  
Many college students feel passionate about social and political issues. At the same time, current events, including elections, come with unique stressors. While there is no one skill that eliminates all the stress you may be experiencing, there are some habits and strategies recommended by Counseling and Consultation Service:   

  • Prioritize basic needs such as getting enough sleep, nutrition and hydration. 

  • Maintain a healthy balance between staying informed and becoming overwhelmed by the content you’re consuming, especially when it comes to social media and the news. 

  • Take breaks to engage in positive distractions such as time with friends, hobbies and movement. 

  • Reflect on what is in your control and focus on what you can manage.  

  • Set boundaries with yourself and others when it comes to discussing topics that bring about strong emotions. 

 You can find online a comprehensive list of resources for support and ways to engage on campus.

Halloween Safety Tips 
This Halloween weekend, 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.  

Greek Shriek!  
Student Life’s Sorority and Fraternity Life community will celebrate the 6th Annual Greek Shriek!, a Halloween and fall festival, on Wednesday, October 30, from 5-7 p.m. on the South Oval. Ohio State faculty and staff with their families and community members are invited. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes. Activities include bounce houses, games, trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, face painting, photos, arts and crafts and an appearance by Brutus Buckeye! Please RSVP online for Greek Shriek at https://go.osu.edu/greekshriek.

National First-Generation Celebration
You’re invited to join in the National First-Generation Celebration on Friday, November 8. Throughout the day we will be celebrating the unique experiences of Ohio State community members who identify as First-Generation. Giveaways and treats will be distributed from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Center for Belonging and Social Change (Ohio Union – first floor), Hale Hall and the Student Academic Services Building. Then at 1:15 p.m. all First-Gen students, faculty and staff can take part in a celebratory photo on the South Oval. More information and a schedule of events is online.  

Dining Services Survey 
Share your thoughts about Student Life Dining Services in a confidential customer satisfaction benchmarking survey. The feedback from students, faculty and staff will be used for comparison of performance with similar universities. Participation is voluntary, anonymous and you may withdraw at any time without penalty.  The survey is administered by an independent research firm and should take less than 10 minutes. Take the Dining survey online. If you have questions, please email dining@osu.edu.  

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 $13, available two per BuckID and they don’t expire until January 1, 2025, 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   

Meet the Team 
I’d like to introduce you to Maureen Cahill, Director of Student Health Insurance. Meet Maureen by reading her online bio.   

 

Doc 

Melissa Shivers, PhD 
Senior Vice President for Student Life