Today's Update: Using Data to Inform Action

May 21, 2026

Dear Student Life team,

In our line of work, we’re always interested in finding out what students need and want. One of the ways we get that information is by asking them. Student Life consistently assesses what we are doing, why we are doing it and whether it achieves our goals. 

For nearly 15 years, the Center for the Study of Student Life (CSSL) has conducted the Student Life Survey, a random sample survey of students each January.  

Results for the 2026 Student Life survey are now available, and CSSL has reported on some useful insights as we look to understand and improve the student experience.  

CSSL Director Dr. Erica Regan and I presented these findings, and some from other sources, to the Ohio State Board of Trustees’ Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life Committee earlier this afternoon. We were joined by Student Wellness Center Wellness Coach Julia Darr, a rising fourth-year Psychology major, who offered a student perspective.  

A couple of results we shared with the board that I want to highlight here: student involvement among undergraduates has increased meaningfully since 2023 (from 78.8% to 84%), and student loneliness, while still a concern nationally, has shown a notable decline since 2022, from 53% to 42%.  

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the direct causes of these trends, I believe a major factor is Student Life’s intentional focus on connection, care and re-engaging students following the pandemic.   

We’ve expanded student organization support, success coaching and visibility through tools like the OSU Mobile App. Buckeye Commons will play a central role in supporting student involvement. Grants from the Ohio Department of Higher Education have allowed Student Life to invest more in student well-being and connection. OUAB has made an intentional shift to offer more events with peer interaction, like crafting nights or cooking lessons. And Rec Sports added more connection-focused sports clubs, like Mountain Biking and Pickleball. The list can go on and on.  

There is, of course, more work to be done. Students who enter Ohio State through transfer or campus change pathways report lower involvement rates than continuing students, so we are working on strategies to focus on students coming to Columbus through the Buckeye Bridge and Regional Campus Commitment programs.   

Student Life uses data not just to understand the student experience, but to actively shape decisions and investments. Thank you for being a part of this Scarlet and Great effort!  

 

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