Office of Student Life

In a Nutshell

November 20, 2025

With finals and winter break coming up, it’s a time when students often need extra support. Below are some resources and information that I hope you find helpful if you’re looking for ways to refer students you know and work with.   

  • Wellness Coaching

  • Buck-I-SERV Advisors 

  • Rec Sports Free Week  

  • Doc’s Download Podcast, featuring the Monda Student Resource Center 

  • Study Space 

  • Accreditation  

  • Freedom of Expression Training 

  • Exam Proctoring 

  • Gambling 

Wellness Coaching     
The Student Wellness Center offers free, personalized peer coaching services that help students navigate stress, financial decisions, relationships and nutrition goals. Referring students to wellness coaching is a simple way to connect them with meaningful support. Appointments are available in person or via Zoom, typically within two days. Learn more and encourage students to schedule at swc.osu.edu. Please contact Josh Bensink.2 with questions or student referrals.   

Buck-I-SERV Advisors 
Student Life’s Buck-I-SERV Alternative Break program is seeking trip advisors for spring break trips. Buck-I-SERV provides participants with week-long, substance free service trips focused on community service. Spring trips will travel from March 14-21, 2026. Advisors can be faculty, staff, graduate or professional students. Advisors incur no participant fees and no previous experience is necessary. Learn more about the trip advisor role and submit an application online. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, November 30. Please contact Buck-I-Serv@osu.edu for more information.

Rec Sports Free Week 
Student Life Recreational Sports is hosting Free Week for Ohio State faculty and staff December 1 – 8. All facilities, including the Aquatic Center, are available for faculty and staff recreation during regular operating hours. Group fitness classes will be available on a drop-in basis. Family hours  will also be available to Free Week participants Friday – Sunday. Learn more about Free Week and register now.

Doc’s Download 
A letter. A conversation. A life-changing gift. In a new episode of Doc’s Download: The Podcast Edition, I talk with Keith Monda, Veronica Brady and student guest Dhalia Brelsford about the inspiration behind the Monda Student Resource Center—a one-stop hub for food, apparel and essential resources that help Buckeyes succeed. Hear how this center is transforming lives and why generosity matters now more than ever. Listen to this and other episodes of Doc’s Download: The Podcast Edition at go.osu.edu/docspodcast or watch at go.osu.edu/docsyoutube. If you would like to donate to the Monda Student Resource Center, information is available on the center's website.

Study Space 
Students looking for a place to study heading toward finals should check out Buckeye Commons on the first floor of the Ohio Union. The Alonso Family Room is an inviting, relaxed space available to any student who wants to study or hang out during the day, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. It can be reserved by student organizations as a meeting space during the evening, Monday through Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

Accreditation 
The psychology internship program at Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) has been reaccredited for the next ten years, the maximum time awarded. A review of the program was conducted by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association. The CoA said, “(CCS) interns are thoughtfully selected in a manner that ensures that they can be successful in the program. Engaged and well-qualified faculty serve as role models and supervisors to interns.” The Commission also congratulated CCS on its commitment to “develop and maintain the best possible quality of graduate education and training in psychology.” 

Freedom of Expression Education 
The Office of Student Life will offer a Freedom of Expression General Awareness educational session on Wednesday, December 10, 2:30 to 4 p.m., in the Senate Chamber on the second floor of the Ohio Union. The session covers event planning best practices, how to respond to unplanned events, an overview of relevant laws and university policies, and the event reservation process. The module is targeted toward event staff, building coordinators, facility managers and other key stakeholders. Register at go.osu.edu/FOEtraining.  

Exam Proctoring  
Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) is seeking professional or graduate students and staff volunteers to assist with seating students and room monitoring during final exams from Friday, December 12, through Thursday, December 18. Shifts are typically 1-2 hours, and you may sign up for as many as you'd like. Select shifts on the  AU '25 Finals Volunteer Sign Up by Friday, December 5. Please be sure to include your name and dot number. Direct questions to Sarah goebel.98@osu.edu or the SLDS office at 614-292-3307.

Gambling 
Sports betting is becoming more common among college students and fans, especially with major games and seasons underway. While it can add excitement to the experience, there can also be significant dangers. The Student Life Student Wellness Center has a number of resources available to help students feel supported and informed so they can understand the risks and make choices that support their well-being, and the wellbeing of our community. More information is online at go.osu.edu/sportsbetting. 

As always, thank you for your partnership and support of Ohio State students. Have a Scarlet and Great end to the semester. 

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD   

Senior Vice President for Student Life    
The Ohio State University