Today's Update: What's New This Autumn

August 18, 2026

Dear Student Life team, 

The new school year is right around the corner, and I want to make sure you know about some Scarlet and Great changes that are here this autumn. 

Buckeye Commons
Exciting changes are coming to the Ohio Union. Buckeye Commons is undergoing a planned renovation and refresh of the space. These updates are designed to enhance the student experience by improving functionality, comfort and programming opportunities within this central campus hub to support connection, engagement and community. Work is focusing on modernizing the facility and ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of students. Although the Buckeye Commons facility is closed during renovations, students can still take advantage of all Buckeye Commons programs and services. Visit buckeyecommons.osu.edu for information about career coaching, Career Studios and other student engagement events. 

New Concept in the Ohio Union’s Sloopy’s Diner
A new and re-imagined Sloopy’s Diner is debuting in the Ohio Union this week. Many of the popular food items that have been offered at Sloopy’s are still on the menu. Additionally, a wider variety of options are being introduced, including Mediterranean-inspired dishes and smoothies, among others. These new additions are designed to enhance the dining experience and meet the evolving preferences of our campus community. The change comes as part of Student Life Dining Services’ ongoing focus on improving the student experience and advancing operational excellence. Blenz Bowls and Athenian Hospitality are the partners in this endeavor.

Meal Plan Swipe Value Adjustment
The value of meal swipes at campus retail dining spots has increased from $8 to $9. This gives students more buying power for their food, which helps with our affordability goals. They can still use those same swipes for all-you-can-eat at Traditions locations as well. Ohio State’s dining plans are some of the most flexible in the country. Dining Dollars roll over every year—even after graduation—and can be used at restaurants across the country through the GrubHub mobile app.

BuckID
BuckID will be available as an option for Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet for Columbus campus students and staff starting on August 25. Eligible users that opt-in will be able to simply tap their iPhone, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Phone, Samsung Watch or other eligible Android phones at readers, just like a physical BuckID card. This is the culmination of a multi-year effort to fully modernize the BuckID user experience across the Columbus campus. This project involved replacing all legacy magnetic stripe readers with more secure tap technology that can support both tap-enabled BuckID cards and the new mobile wallet BuckID. You can find more information at https://buckid.osu.edu/mobile  

COTA
The Ohio State app will now include a QR code for all students and team members who take part in the COTA program. Over the next few months, the new QR code will fully replace the use of the BuckID card to ride COTA. When the transition is complete, anyone that does not have a compatible device will be able to receive a special COTA card to use for access. More information on that will be released later in the autumn semester.

Special thanks to all who helped out with these are Scarlet and Great enhancements to the student experience for all Buckeyes!  

 

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