Office of Student Life

In a Nutshell

October 21, 2025

Dear Partners in Academic Success, 

As always, thank you very much for your partnership and your commitment to providing Ohio State students with opportunities to engage, learn and thrive throughout their time here, and beyond. Here are some items from the Office of Student Life that may help you as you support students.  

  • BuckeyeThon Registration Week

  • Future of Student Life  

  • Let’s Talk 

  • Campus Security Support Grant  

  • Celebrate Brutus 

  • Career Coaching 

  • Wellness Assessment 

  • LeaderShape 

  • Greek Shriek  

 

BuckeyeThon Registration Week 
You may notice a great deal of tabling this week by BuckeyeThon, Ohio State’s official student-run philanthropy. This is Registration Week, an opportunity for students – and any other campus community member - to sign up to support the fight against pediatric cancer and blood disorders.

Future of Student Life 
The Office of Student Life is updating our strategic plan, and we want your input. Building on recent successes, such as the opening of the Monda Student Resource Center and the expansion of the Student Employment Experience program, this new plan will drive meaningful progress that directly impacts students’ well-being and experiences at Ohio State. Please take a few minutes to complete the strategic planning survey by Friday, October 31. Together, we can build an even stronger Buckeye experience.

Let’s Talk 
If students have a specific concern they’d like to talk through with a counselor, even if they’re not seeking regular therapy, Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service offers Let’s Talk. These free, informal and confidential virtual sessions with a counselor are available weekdays on a first-come, first-served basis. For students who need to speak with someone outside regular hours, the Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) provides a 24/7 support line at 614-292-5766; select option 2.

Campus Security Support Grant 
The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) has launched a new request for proposals for the Campus Security Support Grant, available through SB 94 for registered student organizations.  Proposals are due by noon on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Student organizations interested in applying for this grant can find additional information at the ODHE RFP website.

Celebrate Brutus 
Celebrate Brutus Buckeye's 60th birthday with a huge party. We will attempt the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (TM) title for the largest gathering of people wearing conical party hats. (Hats will be provided!) Join the fun at 5:30 p.m. (program at 6 p.m.) on Wednesday, October 29, in the south stands of Ohio Stadium. More information is online at go.osu.edu/CelebrateBrutus. The event will build community and promote resilience. Celebrating good news, like a birthday, has benefits for both the sharer and the receiver. You can sign up for the party online.

Career Coaching 
Students who have a quick, career-related question or are seeking some additional feedback on their resume can sign up to attend a virtual drop-in appointment in the Buckeye Commons. These 15-minute virtual appointments, Monday/Tuesday 3-4 p.m. and Wednesday/Thursday 9-10 a.m., are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is in Handshake and opens 24 hours before each session. More information on the sessions is online.

Wellness Assessment 
Students are encouraged to take the annual Wellness Assessment. It captures critical insights into the well-being of our Buckeye student community; providing data that directly informs strategic decisions across the university. Student participation helps improve the understanding of evolving student needs and helps ensure programs, services and resources are aligned with supporting students’ holistic well-being. Students can take the survey online at go.osu.edu/WA.  

LeaderShape
Applications are now open for students to apply for LeaderShape Institute 2026, an immersive, four-day, off-campus leadership development experience designed to help students explore their path to leadership. The Institute will take place at YMCA Camp Willson from January 8–11, 2026, during the last four days of winter break. This program is entirely free for the selected participants, with all costs—including transportation, lodging and meals—fully covered. The application window closes on November 8. Visit go.osu.edu/leadershape for more information.

Greek Shriek    
Student Life’s Sorority and Fraternity Life community will celebrate the 7th Annual Greek Shriek!, a Halloween and fall festival, on Tuesday, October 28, 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 for the event. 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 the event. If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to the Sorority and Fraternity Life Staff. 

 

Have a Scarlet and Great remainder of fall semester! 

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD    

Senior Vice President for Student Life    
The Ohio State University