Office of Student Life

In a Nutshell

September 30, 2025

Dear Partner in Student Success,    

I hope your fall semester is going well. Please know that the Student Life team and I are here to help and support you and all students across the university. See below for updates and information that may be of interest to you.    

In this issue:  

  • Stress and Loneliness 

  • Report Hazing 

  • Career Success 

  • REACH 2.0 

  • Medication Disposal Day 

  • Safety Devices 

  • Leadership Week 

 

Stress and Loneliness  
This is a potentially difficult time for students. Midterms bring stress, and loneliness usually hits at about the six-week mark. Student Life’s Student Wellness Center and Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) are excellent resources to help students face both of these challenges. They can take part in wellness coaching or check out “Let’s Talk” or other programs at CCS that could be helpful.  
 
Report Hazing   
Ohio State offers anonymous reporting through a secure platform, Real Response, 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 Real Response and will respond accordingly. Real Response 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. For more information about Ohio State’s efforts to combat hazing, visit our hazing prevention website.  
 
Career Success 
Data collected by the Center for the Study of Student Life finds Buckeye graduates are entering the workforce very well-prepared. How do we know? Their new bosses tell us so! In fact, 91% of surveyed employers rated Ohio State graduates as well or exceptionally prepared for employment. More than 70% of employers said Ohio State graduates are proficient in career and self-development, communication, critical thinking and professionalism, essential skills across industries. To explore more findings, visit the Employer Insights at Ohio State website. Questions can be directed to cssl@osu.edu. 
 
REACH 2.0 
Student Life’s Suicide Prevention Program offers REACH, a gatekeeper training program designed to help the Ohio State community prevent suicide. Beginning in October, they will offer REACH 2.0, a new, advanced training program designed for those already certified in REACH. This interactive in-person training will be offered monthly and is designed to bring together student, staff and faculty suicide prevention advocates committed to creating a campus culture of care. Registration is required to attend a REACH or REACH 2.0 training. If you have any questions, email reach@osu.edu. 
 
Medication Disposal Day 
Medication Disposal Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of any expired or unused over-the-counter or prescription medications, while also educating the general public about proper use and potential outcomes of misuse of medications. Vapes are also acceptable for disposal (but please remove battery first). All Ohio State students, faculty and staff are welcomed and encouraged to participate on October 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on South Campus on Siebert Lawn (West 11th Avenue end) and on North Campus (Town Square North). More information about Medication Disposal Day is online. 
 
Safety Devices   
Student Life’s Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE) resource center 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. Students can stop by the OCCSE office on the third floor of the Ohio Union to pick up the devices, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. More information about the safety devices is online.  
 
Leadership Week 
Student Life is hosting Leadership Week 2025, a campus-wide celebration of student leadership and learning, now through Oct. 3. Students can take part in Lunch and Learn sessions, workshops and other events designed to inspire growth and empower them to become leaders in their classes, careers, communities and personal lives. Programming will focus on five key themes: Career Development, Community Engagement, Personal Exploration, Philanthropy, and Wellness. The full schedule and registration can be found at go.osu.edu/leadershipweek. 

 

Have a Scarlet and Great semester, colleagues!   
 
 
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD    

Senior Vice President for Student Life    
The Ohio State University