Today's Update: Thursday, February 19, 2026
February 19, 2026
Dear Student Life team,
There is nothing common about Buckeye Commons. That’s why I was excited to share its evolving story this afternoon with the members of the Academic Affairs and Student Life committee of the university’s Board of Trustees.
As I’m sure you know, Buckeye Commons was developed last spring in response to what student leaders said they valued and needed most at Ohio State: a welcoming, multi-purpose space where they can connect with one another, access meaningful resources and feel a strong sense of community with other students.
This afternoon, Buckeye Commons Managing Director Dr. Scott Brown joined me in a presentation to the Board committee. I was pleased to share the progress that Scott and the entire Buckeye Commons team have made during this academic year.
We shared how Buckeye Commons is serving as a hub where students can connect to campus and access resources that support their success and engagement. This includes career coaching, student employment support, embedded mental health and Disability Services access services, proactive outreach and opportunities for networking and mentoring. A very exciting update is that earlier this week, Buckeye Commons launched its first drop-in Career Studio, providing students with just-in-time support for career exploration and development.
Partners are critical to the success of Buckeye Commons. For example, we host weekly tabling events with the Dennis Learning Center and Global Education, and each Friday students can have coffee with a professor to learn about their career journey and help break down barriers between faculty and students. These are just a few examples of how Buckeye Commons is bringing together campus resources in ways that are accessible and meaningful for students.Student Joshua Davis, double majoring in international studies and public affairs, also spoke to the board members. He helped shape the vision for Buckeye Commons and remains active on the Student Consultation Panel, and said, “I noticed there was a gap that needed to be filled for students to truly feel supported here at Ohio State; a space for students who want to study and connect with other students. Buckeye Commons stands out as a chance to fill that niche.”
The presentation also highlighted early signs of impact, including strong student engagement and positive feedback describing Buckeye Commons as a welcoming space that supports collaboration, peace of mind and meaningful connections with staff and peers. We also shared initial renderings of the Buckeye Commons renovation planned for this summer.
It’s clear that Buckeye Commons is off to a Scarlet and Great start.
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Life
The Ohio State University