Office of Student Life

In a Nutshell

April 17, 2026

Dear Partners in Student Success,

We’re into the final weeks of the semester and students are feeling end-of-year excitement and also the pressure of finishing out the academic year. They are likely to need our support more than ever. 

Here is some information that you may find useful for yourself or the students you support: 

  • BuckID Upgrade 

  • Career Studios 

  • Doc’s Download: Podcast Edition 

  • Keeping Columbus Beautiful  

  • Monda Student Resource Center 

  • REACH Training 

  • Rec Sports Camps 

  • Student Life Strategic Plan  

BuckID Upgrade
Ohio State is modernizing BuckID access control readers across the Columbus campus, replacing all legacy magnetic stripe readers with more secure tap technology. Most students, faculty and staff have already transitioned to the tap BuckID, but if you received your card before summer 2023 and your card still relies on a swipe, now is the time to make the switch – and it’s free for students and employees. Anyone that is required to switch has received a direct e-mail from the BuckID office already. Otherwise, no action is needed. More information about the BuckID upgrade is online. 

Career Studios 
Student Life’s Career Studios are a new drop-in resource designed to offer students accessible, peer-led career support. Trained Peer Career Coaches assist with résumé development, job and internship searches, interview preparation and referrals to College Career Services for individualized guidance. Supported by professional staff, each Studio provides a student-centered environment that helps make career development approachable. The Career Studio locations are in Buckeye Commons on the first floor of the Ohio Union and Thompson Library. More information is online.

Doc’s Download: Podcast Edition 
If you haven’t seen the most recent edition of Doc’s Download, the Podcast Edition, listen at go.osu.edu/docspodcast or watch at go.osu.edu/docsyoutube. In this episode, we turn the tables and have a student be the interviewer. Coming soon: an episode that is all about Buckeye Football X’s and O’s.  

Keeping Columbus Beautiful  
The Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement team is the recipient of the 2025 Volunteer Group of the Year Award from Keep Columbus Beautiful. The organization cited OCCSE’s increased success in University District clean-up efforts, with more than 1,500 people collecting over 1,200 bags of trash during fiscal year 2025. Additionally, Keep Columbus Beautiful praised OCCSE’s dedication and impact on the University District move-in/move-out process. Keep Columbus Beautiful is a City of Columbus community improvement program and a national affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.

Monda Student Resource Center 
The Monda Student Resource Center’s Student Support Specialist offers personalized, one-on-one appointments available both in-person and virtually, to help students navigate challenges and connect with campus and community resources tailored to their individual needs, preferences and experiences. Specialists can also help link graduating students to resources wherever they’re heading next. Help a student get the support they deserve by sending them this link to schedule an appointment with the Support Specialist: Go.osu.edu/msrcstudentreferral.

REACH Training 
REACH© is an in-person suicide prevention gatekeeper training intended to provide general information about how to identify suicide risk and how to respond to anyone who may be experiencing distress. A 90-minute certifiable training experience, REACH includes important information about suicide, interactive dialogue and role play for staff, faculty, graduate and professional students. Contact Student Life’s Suicide Prevention Program for information on training sessions. 

Rec Sports Camps 
Student Life Recreational Sports has fun, active and engaging summer experiences for children in the community. Camp Recky and Esports Summer Camps offer opportunities for youth to stay active, build confidence and make new friends on Ohio State’s campus. Camp Recky features outdoor activities, games and swimming, while Esports Summer Camp blends gaming, teamwork and skill development in a supervised, supportive environment. Weekly sessions are available throughout the summer. Explore summer camp options and register online.

Student Life’s Strategic Plan  
Student Life has launched a refreshed Strategic Plan, available online, reinforcing our shared responsibility for advancing the Buckeye experience. Organized around four goals (Engage, Learn, Thrive and Operational Excellence) the plan prioritizes investment in Student Life facilities, intentional community building, stronger support of career pathways, preventative mental health care and strong fiscal stewardship of divisional resources. Developed with input from students, staff, families and campus partners, the strategic plan positions Student Life to remain responsive, collaborative and aligned with university-wide priorities as we support student success and institutional impact. 

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