Office of Student Life

In a Nutshell

August 28, 2025

Dear partners in supporting students,   

Happy new academic year! There are some new and exciting changes in the Office of Student Life this year, and I’ll outline some of them in this newsletter. For those of you who are new to the mailing list, I offer periodic updates and information that you may find helpful about resources and services offered by Student Life.  

I value our partnership in supporting students so very much. Please always feel free to reach out to me with questions or if there is any way I can assist you.  

In this issue: 

  • Monda Student Resource Center  

  • The Buckeye Commons  

  • Doc’s Download: The Podcast Edition 

  • Student Org Advisors 

  • University-Wide Career and Internship Fair 

  • National Hazing Prevention Week 

  • BuckeyeThon 5K 

  • Message to Buckeye Families  

 

Monda Student Resource Center 
The Monda Student Resource Center (MSRC) opened in April and has been busy all summer with even more students expected as the semester gets underway. The MSRC provides students with essential needs such as food through the Buckeye Food Pantry and free professional clothing for jobs and interviews though the Reid Family Career Closet, as well as access to other resources and support from the university and Columbus community. Located in the Younkin Success Center on the first floor, the MSRC provides support in a centralized location. Ohio State has many university programs and community partnerships to meet essential needs; the MSRC pulls these resources together in one place so students don’t have to figure out all the places you might need to go for support.   
Open hours and other information are available online at msrc.osu.edu/.  

The Buckeye Commons
Student Life has opened the Buckeye Commons, a central hub where students can connect, network, engage, learn and thrive in a welcoming, dedicated space focused on advancing student success. The Buckeye Commons, on the first floor of the Ohio Union, provides robust educational offerings and opportunities for networking and hosts events, workshops and programming on a number of topics from leadership, career preparation and study skills, to time management and building community.   

Doc’s Download: The Podcast Edition
You may know that I send out a regular newsletter to students called Doc’s Download with news and information to enhance their Ohio State experience. Starting this semester, I’ve added a new component, a podcast available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Early edition topics include advice for new Buckeyes and their families, how students can get involved on campus, and a look at Ohio State traditions and why they matter. I hope you’ll tune in. You can listen at go.osu.edu/docpodcast or watch it at go.osu.edu/docyoutube.    

Student Org Advisors  
The Ohio State University recognizes the significant value that faculty and staff advisors bring to the success, leadership development and operational effectiveness of registered student organizations. To assist faculty, staff and students in navigating the relationship between advisors and student organizations, updated guidance regarding the scope and responsibilities of advisors has been created. To be in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, university rules, policies and guidelines it is important for advisors and student leaders to be aware of and understand these guidelines. Updated advisor guidance and a brief video describing these changes can be found on the Student Activities website.  Please contact the Ohio Union and Student Activities staff with any questions. 

University-Wide Career and Internship Fair 
The University-Wide Career and Internship Fair is coming up, in-person on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 1-5 p.m. at the Ohio Union and virtually on Handshake from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. This career fair is open to students of all ranks and majors, from any college or campus. Reach out to Buckeye Careers at careerfairs@osu.edu with questions. Feel free to share with students tips about being successful at career fairs on the Buckeye Careers website. 

National Hazing Prevention Week 
National Hazing Prevention week is Sept. 22-26. During the week, many universities across the country including Ohio State raise awareness and increase education about hazing. This is an opportunity to educate, empower and stand up against hazing in all forms to promote positive change on our campus community. For more information about programming during National Hazing Prevention week and resources, please visit stophazing.osu.edu.  

BuckeyeThon 5K 
The BuckeyeThon 5K on Sunday, Sept. 7, is a fun, family-friendly and energetic race through Ohio State’s campus benefiting BuckeyeThon and Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s fight against pediatric cancers and blood disorders. Open to all ages and abilities, the event features the race, t-shirts, medals, food, music, games and more, all while you experience firsthand the impact of your support. Visit go.osu.edu/BuckeyeThon5k to learn more and register. 

Message to Buckeye Families 
I recently sent a video message to the parents and loved ones of our students, celebrating their role as part of the Big Buckeye Family. I view them as our partners in their student’s education and assured them the Ohio State is whole-heartedly committed to student well-being, academic and career success, safety and personal growth. I thought you’d might like to see the video.    

 

Once again, thank you so much for the countless ways you contribute to making Ohio State such a phenomenal institution. Have a Scarlet and Great start to the semester. 

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD     

Senior Vice President for Student Life      
The Ohio State University