Office of Student Life

In a Nutshell

February 3, 2026

Dear Partners in Academic Success, 

A new year and a new semester are underway. As I mentioned in my note a few weeks ago, thanks for ALL the ways you partnered with us to help Buckeyes engage, learn and thrive all throughout 2025. And here’s to 2026! Below are a few updates you may find helpful.      

  • Buck-I-SERV 

  • Compost 

  • Drop-In Workshops 

  • Homecoming Court 

  • Monda Student Resource Center  

  • Report Hazing 

  • STEP Expo 

  • USG Elections 

 
Buck-I-SERV 
The Office of Student Life’s Buck-I-SERV Alternative Break program is currently seeking trip advisors for summer break domestic trips. Buck-I-SERV provides participants with week-long, substance free trips focused on community service. Summer trips will travel from May 9-16. Advisors can be faculty, staff, graduate or professional students. Trip advisors provide support and mentorship to student participants and leaders. Serving as an instrumental resource during alternative break experiences, 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 until Sunday, Feb. 15. Please contact Buck-I-Serv@osu.edu for more information

Compost 
Diners at Woody’s Tavern in the Ohio Union can now compost food scraps, food containers and other compostable items right in the restaurant. The new effort expands to patrons the Union’s long-standing back-of-the-house food waste diversion. The program is part of ongoing sustainability initiatives from the Student Wellness Center’s Green Buckeyes Program, along with Facilities Operation and Development, the Ohio Union and SL Dining Services. Help Ohio State achieve zero waste by learning what’s compostable. and using the green cans when you eat at Woody’s. Any questions, please email Tom Reeves.5@osu.edu. 
 
Drop-In Workshops 
A great and convenient way for students to boost their mental health is Counseling and Consultation Service’s Drop-In Workshops, and they’re free for all students. No sign-up needed—they can just show up. There is a mix of in-person and virtual sessions via CarmenZoom with flexible days and times to fit student schedules. You can learn more about Drop-In workshops including current offerings at go.osu.edu/ccsworkshops.  
 
Homecoming Court  
Applications are now open through Feb. 6 to apply for the 2026 Homecoming Court at go.osu.edu/homecomingcourt. Homecoming Court members are selected for their leadership, spirit, integrity and meaningful contributions to the Ohio State community. These students exemplify Ohio State's core values and positively influence the campus through their involvement and achievements. Eligible students must have completed at least 60 credit hours by the end of summer, hold a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and plan to graduate no sooner than autumn 2026.

Monda Student Resource Center 
With the cold weather continuing, the Reid Family Career Closet in the Monda Student Resource Center is currently looking for donations of winter apparel for students. Coats, hats, scarves, gloves and snow boots are the most needed items. You can drop off items in the donation bin outside the MSRC or drive into the alley behind the Younkin Success Center and let the team know you have something to deliver by calling 614-688-2508. More donation information is online. Students can access items from the Reid Family Career closet for free simply by making an appointment. 
 
Report Hazing
Ohio State offers anonymous reporting through a secure platform, RealResponse, 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 RealResponse and will respond accordingly. RealResponse 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. 
 
STEP Expo 
The Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) is hosting its bi-annual Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston STEP Expo on Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the Ohio Union. Students will be displaying posters highlighting their STEP Signature Projects and the transformations they’ve experienced. There are hour-long sessions throughout the day. STEP invites you to serve as a reviewer at one or more sessions. Reviewers engage with a handful of student presenters in reflective conversations about their projects without a formal evaluative component. Volunteer online at go.osu.edu/exporeviewer by Thursday, Feb. 5. Contact step@osu.edu with any questions. 
 
USG Elections 
The Undergraduate Student Government election process is underway. Candidates can collect petition signatures now through Friday, Feb. 6. The USG Judicial Panel will confirm signatures and let candidates know if they’re on the ballot. Campaigning begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 1, and voting runs from noon Monday, March 9, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. 

 

Have a Scarlet and Great week. O-H! 

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD    

Senior Vice President for Student Life     
The Ohio State University