Office of Student Life

Doc's Download

January 28, 2025

Dear Buckeyes,  

O-H! What a year it’s already started off to be with the amazing accomplishments so many have already made in the classroom, and National Championships for our football team, spirit squad and dance team! I hope you are also off to a strong start in the new year and new semester. Here are some updates I hope you will find helpful along the way.  

  • BuckeyeThon Registration 

  • Anti-Hazing 

  • Naloxone 

  • Group Therapy 

  • Safety Tip 

  • Reusable Sleeve 

  • Student Trustee 

  • OH! The places you’ll go 

  • Meet the Team-Dr. Matt Couch 

 

BuckeyeThon Registration is STILL OPEN! 
BuckeyeThon is the state of Ohio’s largest collegiate philanthropy, and it's not too late to Join the Movement! Late registration will be open until the Dance Marathon but join now for your chance to maximize your fundraising. Raise $250 and join us on Saturday, February 8, for the annual Dance Marathon event. Every dollar raised goes directly to Nationwide Children's Hospital, helping provide critical care and support to patients and their families. Visit go.osu.edu/BT to join today! Questions? Reach out at BuckeyeThon@osu.edu.

Anti-Hazing 
All Ohio State students must complete the Collin’s Law Anti-Hazing education modules before participation or membership in any activity, sport, club, or organization. The university has zero tolerance for hazing in any form and all members of the university community must conduct themselves in a manner that supports an environment free from hazing.  Complete the training in BuckeyeLearn at go.osu.edu/collinslawtraining.

Naloxone  
The "Carry Naloxone. Save a Life!" training provides participants with information on how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, administer the opioid overdose reversal drug, Naloxone and teach the importance of harm reduction and its concepts. The training is designed for any student, staff or faculty member who is interested. Participants will receive a naloxone kit and fentanyl test strips at no cost. Registration and dates for Naloxone Training this semester are available online. You can also schedule group training via the Student Wellness Center Presentation Request Form.

Group Therapy 
Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service offers group therapy for students. Groups occur weekly and are provided at no cost. Many groups have openings for spring semester. If you’re interested, the first step is to schedule a phone screening. You may also reach out to a group facilitator with any questions. Here are a few new groups to consider:  

  • Connections: For autistic or neurodivergent undergraduate students who may find social connection challenging as they navigate their experience at Ohio State.  

  • International Grad Student Group: For international graduate and professional students. 

  • Roll for Insight: This group is open to undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in building interpersonal skills and exploring identity through therapeutic tabletop role-playing quests with elements like D&D.  

Check out the complete list.

Safety Tip
Ohio State offers many safety resources. View the Off-Campus Community Crime Map which consists of statistics from the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) and shows off-campus crime reports. Download the Rave Guardian app that allows users to select friends or family to follow them via GP tracking as they travel on and around campus. Use CABS On-Demand for late night rides. Watch educational safety videos, find additional resources, view tips and procedures for staying safe in various circumstances. More safety resources are online. 

Pay it Forward 
The Pay it Forward cohort is currently accepting applications to join for the 2025-2026 academic year. Members of Student Life Leadership and Community Engagement cohorts are provided with opportunities to plan service experiences, develop as leaders and form meaningful relationships with peers who are committed to giving back to their community. Joining a Student Life cohort is a great way to make an impact at Ohio State. Students can submit applications online.

Reusable Sleeve
When you order a hot drink on campus at a Student Life Dining Services location, you’ll now have the choice to bring a reusable sleeve or order a scarlet or white Script Ohio sleeve on GrubHub. Last year, over 429,400 disposable sleeves were used on campus, creating 6,173 pounds of waste in landfills. Your small choice in sustainability makes a big difference at Ohio State.

Undergraduate Student Trustee 
Time is running out to submit your application to serve as The Ohio State University Board of Trustees’ next undergraduate student representative. Applications are due by Friday, February 7. If you demonstrate excellent leadership skills, can think strategically about the future of the university and are an Ohio resident who will attend Ohio State through at least May 2027, you are encouraged to apply. More information is online.  
 
OH! the places you’ll go 
Looking for a way to have fun this chilly Winter?  How about visiting Scene 75, the Largest Indoor Entertainment Center in Columbus! You can save money by getting gift cards through D-Tix, Ohio State’s discount ticket program. Scene 75 gift cards are just $10 each, but worth $20. You can get 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 about D-Tix online.

Meet the Team 
I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Matt Couch, Associate Dean of Students. Meet Matt by reading his online bio.    

 

Doc  
 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD  

Senior Vice President for Student Life  
The Ohio State University