Office of Student Life

In a Nutshell

November 5, 2026

Dear Partners in Student Success,  

Now that it's November, finals and winter break will be here before we know it. Students often need extra support in the last month of the semester, and here are some resources and information that may help them, and you.   

In this issue: 

  • Battle Against Hunger  

  • Buck-I-SERV Advisors 

  • Campus Compass Expansion 

  • Culture of Care 

  • Doc’s Download: The Podcast 

  • Light Up the Lake  

  • Ohio State Story 

 Battle Against Hunger
The Battle Against Hunger, coordinated by Student Life’s service-based cohort, Pay It Forward, is underway, bringing awareness to food insecurity through food drives, service and educational events. You can get involved by donating to the month-long food drive or attending one of the educational sessions. New this year, compete with "That Team Up North" to see who can bring in the most donations in the month of November! Collection boxes for the food drive, benefitting the Monda Student Resource Center, are located at the Ohio Union Info Desk and select Rec Sports facilities through Sat., Nov. 30. Any nonperishable items are accepted. Contact Emma speyer.21@osu.edu with questions.

Buck-I-SERV 
The Office of Student Life’s Buck-I-SERV Alternative Break program is currently seeking trip advisors for spring break trips. Buck-I-SERV provides participants with week-long, substance-free service trips focused on community engagement. Spring trips will travel from March 13-20, 2027, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 15. Advisors can be faculty, staff, graduate students 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 today. Contact Buck-I-Serv@osu.edu for more information.

Campus Compass Expansion 
Buckeye Commons has successfully hired their slate of Peer Navigators and will soon expand their Campus Compass program. As a reminder, this is an appointment-based consultation service designed to support students who are facing uncertainty when seeking help or exploring opportunities and services at Ohio State. If you encounter a student who might benefit from one-on-one support in navigating opportunities at Ohio State, please refer them to Campus Compass. Contact Jayden Messer.113@osu.edu with questions.

Culture of Care 
Faculty and staff play an important role in supporting student well-being. If you're concerned about a student, start by connecting with them about changes in behavior, attendance, academic performance or overall presentation. A simple check-in can help students feel seen and supported. When talking with a student, listen with empathy, ask about their support needs and connect them with appropriate resources. Review guidance for supporting students on the Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) Faculty & Staff and Academic Advisors webpages. You can always consult with CCS about how to support a student. Contact CCS at 614-292-5766 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). 

Doc's Download: The Podcast  
In my latest edition of Doc's Download: The Podcast, student entrepreneurs share the stories of how they have utilized the online campus community to make a positive change in the real world. From a mobile pantry that delivers thousands of meals throughout Columbus, to the first-ever skin care organization that empowers Buckeyes to be their best and most beautiful selves, these go-getters demonstrate new ways the internet can be used for good. Listen at go.osu.edu/docspodcast or watch at go.osu.edu/docsyoutube

Light Up the Lake 
The annual Ohio Staters, Inc. Light up the Lake celebration will take place on Friday, Nov. 20, at Mirror Lake and Browning Amphitheater. Refreshments at 5 p.m. with the ceremony starting at six. The event features illuminating hundreds of lights around the lake. 

Ohio State Story  
What's Your Ohio State Story? We're collecting stories from alumni and students to better understand and communicate the Ohio State experience. What experience, opportunity, relationship or moment has shaped your time at Ohio State? It only takes 2–3 minutes to share. Alumni: Share your story at Ohio State Story Alumni Survey.   
 
As always, thank you for your partnership and support of Ohio State students.  

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD    
Senior Vice President for Student Life     
The Ohio State University