Ohio State: This is your life(time)

August 29, 2014 at 3:30pmAugust 29, 2014 by Nicole Craven

Beloit College recently released its annual Mindset List for the entering college class of 2018; the list describes pop culture, political and economic influences on the lifetime of a student.

We did some of our own research to discover how Ohio State has evolved since 1996–the year most current first-year students were born–and here are some things we uncovered:

1997 | 1 year old

Students vote to implement the COTA bus fee, which provides unlimited city bus transportation throughout Columbus for a flat fee each term.

The William C. Davis Baseball Stadium is dedicated. In 2011 the field was named for the 2000 Big Ten Freshman Player of the Year (and current Cleveland Indians player) Nick Swisher, who donated $500,000 to renovations.

1998 | 2 years old

Campus expands on the north side with the opening of the Jerome Schottenstein Center and the Fisher College of Business. The Schott sees over 1 million visitors annually and Fisher consistently ranks as one of the top business schools in the country.

1999 | 3 years old

Students leave orientation with their autumn term schedule of classes in hand. Prior to 1999, the schedule was mailed to their home address later in the summer.

2000 | 4 years old

Formal recruitment for Sorority and Fraternity Life moves from early autumn to the beginning of winter term, allowing new students to have the fall to get adjusted to campus life before deciding whether to join a Greek organization.

Our synchronized swimming team earns the first of five consecutive national championships; the team has earned 28 national championships over its 80-year history, more than any other athletic team at Ohio State.

2001 | Kindergarten

First Year Experience is established to help new students get started, make connections, and get answers in their first year (and beyond).

The Ohio Stadium capacity exceeds 100,000. Summer 2014 renovations will bump capacity to more than 104,000, making the ‘Shoe the third largest stadium in the Big Ten (behind Michigan and Penn State).

BuckeyeThon has its first dance marathon; it is now the largest student-run philanthropy at Ohio State, raising money to support kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Football coach Jim Tressel begins the tradition of singing the alma mater, Carmen Ohio, after each football game.

2002 | First grade

Ohio State wins the 2002 football national championship against Miami (FL) in double overtime (technically, the game was played on January 3, 2003).

2003 | Second grade

Commencement is moved from Friday to Sunday as a convenience to graduating students’ families and out-of-town guests.

The first Student Activity Fee is implemented, giving students access to hundreds of events and activities on campus and in the surrounding community.

Wireless technology begins to emerge across campus.

2004 | Third grade

Women’s Pistol earns its second national championship.

Knowlton Hall opens and houses the Knowlton School of Architecture; the building earns numerous architectural awards.

2005 | Fourth grade

Several new buildings open in time for autumn classes, including the RPAC, the ARC, and the Physics Research Building.

2006 | Fifth grade

The College of Education and the College of Human Ecology merge to form the College of Education and Human Ecology.

Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith wins the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in college football.

2007 | Sixth grade

Jessica Hanzlik is Ohio State’s first female Rhodes Scholar.

Ohio State joins Facebook; the page now has more than half a million “likes”.

2008 | Seventh grade

The College of Public Health is created.

Forty Brutus Buckeye statues are displayed around the Schottenstein Center as a fundraiser for the Thompson Library renovation project. Many of them can still be seen around campus today.

2009 | Eighth grade

Thompson Library reopens after major renovations; the Grand Reading Room (overlooking the Oval) and Campus Reading Room (top floor) are beloved study spots on campus.

Ohio State joins Twitter (@OhioState) #Buckeyes #Awesome

The first Pelotonia participants bike to raise money for cancer research.

2010 | High school freshman

The new Ohio Union opens in March. The original Ohio Union was the first student union at a public university.

2011 | High school sophomore

Entrepreneur Leslie Wexner donates $100 million to Ohio State; the Ohio State University Medical Center is renamed Wexner Medical Center in his honor.

2012 | High school junior

Ohio State switches from quarters to semesters, transforming the typical academic year from three 10-week terms to two 15-week terms.

TBDBITL goes viral after one incredible halftime show, with over 1 million YouTube hits in 24 hours.

2013 | High school senior

The North Residential District Transformation project breaks ground; it will yield 11 new buildings and 3,000+ beds upon completion in 2016.

What did we leave out? Let us know!

5 Roles of a Peer Mentor

August 27, 2014 at 5:30pmAugust 27, 2014 by loughry.11

One of the amazing things about Ohio State is the opportunity to meet new people.

Perhaps you’re excited to bond over late-night movies with the people on your residence hall floor, or maybe you’re making plans to hang out with friends you meet in your classes.

Is a peer mentor on your list of people to meet at Ohio State? Peer mentors can be a telephone switchboard, a magnifying glass, a trampoline, a street, and a cheerleader all rolled into one incredible resource and source of support. Crazy, right? Read on to learn why you should find a peer mentor at Ohio State.

A peer mentor is a magnifying glass

Peer mentors who are in their second year (or beyond) can benefit you in many ways. They have been in your shoes not too long ago–they have experienced the excitement of Welcome Week, the thrill of meeting new people, and the pleasure of being a new Buckeye. They have also endured the occasional bad grade, the rough patches of being in a new environment, and the stress of finals week.

The good news is peer mentors want to share their experiences with you, and give you tips and advice to succeed and excel. Maybe you have a chemistry professor with whom you’re just not clicking. How can you get through the semester when you’re really struggling with this class? Peer mentors can share with you a similar experience they navigated and discuss some resources that may help. When you’re struggling with something, or simply seeking another opinion, your peer mentor can offer a helpful perspective because they have already examined the problem thoroughly (using their magnifying glass of experience).

A peer mentor is a switchboard operator

Think back to a time before we were born, and offices had switchboard operators to direct telephone calls to the proper recipient. Your peer mentor can be like a switchboard operator, taking different avenues to make a connection for you. Let’s say you’re interested in getting a part-time job on campus, but aren’t really sure how to go about looking for one. Peer mentors have a variety of tried-and-true resources to connect you to the correct contact on campus.

A peer mentor is a trampoline

No, your peer mentor won’t be doing jumps and flips–though we would jump through hoops for you! We are a sounding board, someone with whom you can “bounce” around ideas. Maybe you have an idea to start a new club on campus. Peer mentors are happy to listen to you and hash out your idea. They’ll also help you set it in motion by connecting you to the right resources on campus.

Much like how you soar on a trampoline, peer mentors also help you soar. Let’s go back to that chemistry class example: we want to see you succeed and will do anything to help you. Your peer mentor might study with you, quiz you, and encourage you on the day of your test. We’ll help you receive a Au (ahem, the chemical symbol for gold) star at the end of the semester.

A peer mentor is a street

Peer mentorship is not just about the mentee (that’s you!); it’s a two-way street. Through peer mentoring, not only are you connected to resources around campus, you also develop a meaningful relationship and resource in each other. Peer mentors learn as much from you as you learn from them. You may come from a different background or hometown, or you could be pursuing a different major; and yet, here you are guiding each other along. Don’t look at this as an upperclass student telling you what to do and what clubs to join. Think of it as a relationship you’re building with someone who has been in your shoes, and you’ll learn and grow from each other.

A peer mentor is a cheerleader

Peer mentorship is not only about providing you with resources and helping you get through tough times. It’s about celebrating all the successes too! A peer mentor is your own personal cheerleader. We’re here to support you and cheer you on, and to make sure that your time at Ohio State is one that lives up to our alma mater:

Time and change will surely show, how firm thy friendship O-HI-O.

So all those people you want to meet while you’re at Ohio State–your hallmates and classmates–make sure to add a peer mentor on the list, because we want you to enjoy every second you spend here, and we come with our own set of pom-poms.

Next step: The First Year Connections Team is a group of dedicated upperclass students who want to ensure that YOU have a memorable first year. Sign up by Monday, September 8 to participate in the Connections Team peer mentoring program this fall: click this link and enter the code fyctmentor.

20 Embarrassing Things You May Do In Your First Year (And Why It’s Okay)

August 25, 2014 at 6:29pm by Alicia Nelson

Being a new student at Ohio State is truly a unique experience. There are dining halls to explore, special lingo to learn, class buildings to memorize and daily routines to configure. It’s inevitable that during this transition into college life you are going to do some things that will make you wish you hadn’t stepped on campus. I’m here to tell you’re not alone, and that every year, first-year students make a few “rookie” mistakes–I was in your shoes a year ago; I sympathize. Next fall, you can laugh about them, learn from them and (hopefully) avoid them in the future. Now, here is a list of some of the classic Ohio State mistakes and (potentially) embarrassing moments you may encounter:

Pull out your map on the way to class the first week….or two.
Wait until winter to learn the bus system (You may regret it come November).
Lock your keys in your room three times in the first month. At least one of these times will be after a shower, and you will have to go to the front desk in a bathrobe.
Refer to the Oval as “the hall.”
Call your professor “teacher.”
Forget your bath towel in your room (HINT: toilet paper will not work).
Try to sneakily watch a video in lecture, failing to realize your computer volume is still on high.
Run out of ways to use your name and graduation year to make new passwords for your Buckeye Link account, and resort to pet names and silly childhood nicknames.
Convince yourself you have found “The One” in September. Break up in October.
Burn half of your phone’s memory recording every single TBDBITL ramp entrance and Script Ohio performance.
Everything on your holiday wish list WILL have the Ohio State logo on it.
Walk away from a cardio machine because you secretly couldn’t figure out how to use it.
Forget to press your floor in the elevator and/or walk the stairs to the wrong floor.
Drop your “unmentionables” on the floor while doing laundry.
Think it’s necessarily to pull the cord on the CABS bus (HINT: it’s not).
Walk into the completely wrong building for class. Bonus points if you actually sit in the completely wrong lecture.
Get General Tso’s chicken from Marketplace…twice in one day.
Sprint across campus once you realize that your classes in Hagerty Hall and Hitchcock Hall aren’t conducive to a leisurely campus stroll within the 15 minute class change period.
Tackle a stack of three food containers, a soft drink, and your room key on your way home from the Union Market. Spoiler alert: You’ll likely spill something at least once.
Wear your lanyard around campus 24/7. Don’t worry: this stage will pass.

We have all been new to Ohio State at some point in time, so know (and believe) that we’ve all experienced our fair share of growing pains as we make this new environment our home. We’re eager to help guide you along the way!

Try Something Different: Welcome Week 2014

August 23, 2014 at 2:42pm by Regina Bonfiglio

We’ve come to one of the most exciting weeks of the year–Welcome Week! The week when new friendships are born, giveaways are endless, and free and exciting events take place every day.

You may be familiar with some of the big events: the Student Involvement Fair, the President’s Convocation, Community Commitment, Buck-I-Frenzy and the Welcome Week Concert.

However, I’d just like to share a few awesome #welcomeOSU opportunities that you may not know about.

Click the links for event details and get excited for this year’s wildly wonderful Welcome Week!

Day 1–Sunday, August 24

The President’s Picnic. The involvement fair is sure to gather many people on The Oval in the afternoon. While you’re there, be sure to sample some of the best locally-produced barbecue options!

f_img_blank_120130723193147Student Involvement Fair 10

source: www.welcomeweek.osu.edu

8th Floor Improv Presents: The Secret FREE Show! Begin your week with a laugh; stop by the Union at 8 p.m. to watch one of Ohio State’s best comedy groups!

Day 2–Monday, August 25

Ohio State Ice Bucket Challenge: Soak Michigan. After the Columbus Welcome event, Undergraduate Student Government hopes to make history by creating the largest “Ice Bucket demonstration known to man.” Bring your own bucket (and perhaps a towel) and help raise awareness for ALS!

Wipeout. Want a challenge? Try your luck with an inflatable obstacle course that stretches the length of an Olympic-sized pool! Participate or come watch the show at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion at 6 p.m.

source: www.osu.edu

Tired from a long day? Sit back and watch the show! Fishbowl Improv will give you a good laugh or if you want to be amazed, come to the RHAC Magic Show!

RHAC Late Night Breakfast. Come to Kennedy Commons and with only 2 meal blocks, enjoy some late-night breakfast food!

Day 3–Tuesday, August 26

The Instant Nows – Art Exhibition. Come check out some of the artwork created by your fellow Buckeyes!

Like sports? Want a chance to win a coveted intramural champion t-shirt? Head toward south campus for the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament or north campus for the Sand Volleyball Tournament, no preregistration required!

Fighting Cancer Fitness Challenge. Come to The Shoe to speak with survivors and participate in physical challenges to support the cure for cancer.

Trivia Night. Play some trivia and learn more about Ohio State’s foreign languages!

Day 4–Wednesday, August 27

LGBTQ Welcome (Back) Mix & Mingle. Come discover our diverse and vibrant LGBTQ community!

BBQ Block Party. Hang out with and learn about two of the largest student organizations on campus: Block “O” and Buckeye Barbeque Club! There will be giveaways, games, and free food!

Boats and Battleship. Experience what it’s like to “kayak over a waterfall,” play “battleship,” and participate in various other water games!

Drums and Dough. Experience Ohio State’s diversity through a variety of live performances, free food from around the world and lots of fun activities!

Movie on The Oval featuring Captain America. Come out with your new friends to enjoy yummy snacks, cool drinks and a movie!

source: www.osu.edu

Day 5–Thursday, August 28

Looking to the future? Check out the 2014 Buckeye Careers Campus Job Fair or the Career Fair Crash Course.

OSU Is Sweeter with You. Come grab a cupcake with the Ohio State University Alumni Association and learn what they can do for you!

PULL LEFT reception with artists and curators. Enjoy art exhibits? This reception features a contemporary Chinese art exhibition.

Buckeye Kick-Off. Can’t wait for the spirit of football Saturdays? Come check out the interactive games at the fan fest and tailgate outside Ohio Stadium at 6 p.m. Gates to the Stadium open at 6:30 p.m., with more exciting performances at 7 p.m. (Want to be a part of the historic group photo? Wear red!)

f_img_blank_120130723192742Buckeye Kick-Off 3

source: www.welcomeweek.osu.edu

Day 6 — Friday, August 29

Dump & Run. Come to the JO North to shop at Ohio State’s very own yard sale! Check out some some of the fantastic deals!

source: recycling.org.ohio-state.edu

This is Your World: Serve, Learn and Lead in it! Listen to Caribbean rhythms, watch Latino and African inspired dances and have some dessert with MUNDO! See what a global experience has to offer!

OUAB Presents – Welcome Week Concert — Come to the South Oval and watch the performances of Capital Cities, GRiZ and Captain Kidd!

Day 7–Saturday, August 30

Dancing With the Stars. Participate in a free ballroom dancing class for beginners, no experience required!

Welcome BBQ Night. Learn more about healthy eating and dining options around campus!

(For a complete list of Welcome Week events, check out this link.)

I look forward to seeing you at some of these awesome events and I hope you have an amazing time with your first taste of the Buckeye Spirit and the incredible Ohio State community.

–Regina

The Reality of Residence Life

August 21, 2014 at 10:15amAugust 21, 2014 by Christy Wildermuth

Ready or not, it’s time to start packing (if you haven’t already)! Move-in day is just around the corner, and as the collection of soon-to-be-transported items turns into a mountain in the corner of your house, you may begin to wonder just what it will be like.

Will I like my roommate? I hope my RA isn’t super weird. How do the laundry machines work again?

As a third-year Resident Advisor (RA) I understand your apprehension, but have no fear! Stay calm and read on as I reveal the real story behind the Residence Life rumors you may have heard.

My roommate and I were BEST friends.

While your older sibling or friend may tell you this, that doesn’t guarantee that your experience will be the same. You might hit it off with your roomies, but in most cases they may not become your new BFF. That is more than okay! You don’t have to hang out every minute and share all of your thoughts and feelings in order to be good roommates. At the end of the day, having a successful relationship with your roommate(s) is all about communication and compromise.

Sharing bathrooms is a nightmare.

I’ll admit, sharing a bathroom is not an ideal situation, but you would be surprised how it helps you to build community and feel connected to others on your floor! Community bathrooms are cleaned every weekday by the housekeeping staff, and nothing bonds you with another like brushing your teeth together in the morning!

It was so loud whenever I tried to nap or study.

Every residence hall on campus has standard quiet hours from 9 p.m .to 7 a.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. on weekends. That means that during this time, you must be quiet and respect others in your community or the RAs may document you for a noise violation. In addition, there are 24-hour courtesy hours, which means at any point in time you can ask a fellow resident to quiet down and they should be respectful of your request.

The RAs love to get residents in trouble.

While documentation is an important part of every RAs job, I can say from experience that very few of us enjoy finding our residents in violation of the residence hall policies. It is a common misconception that RAs are the police of the building. The real story is quite the opposite. Most RAs take their job very seriously because they care about students and their success. Your RA is likely a wonderful resource who can connect you to faculty, events and organizations on campus that will you help you grow academically and as an individual.

As you can tell, residence life is full of opportunities that will help you to enhance your Ohio State experience! While the list above highlights some of the myths you may have heard, it doesn’t scratch the surface on all of the amazing aspects of living on campus! I encourage you to take advantage of the people, programming, support and free food (yes!) offered to you throughout this year, and to approach move-in day with excitement as you begin your journey at Ohio State.

5 Quotes from The Glass Castle and Why They Matter

August 18, 2014 at 5:42pm by Jenna Dicicco

By now you’re familiar with your summer reading assignment for the Buckeye Book Community (BBC). At orientation you heard how The Glass Castle gives you a unique connection to all first-year students. Ohio State might seem humongous, but you’ll have at least one thing in common with your 6,999 peers: you all have (presumably) read this book and therefore have something to chat about.

And, while the BBC is getting you connected to your peers, it also about getting you engaged with ideas, issues, faculty, staff, opportunities, and resources.

When you return to campus, you will use the book in University Survey. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend campus events that are focused on the themes of the book. Today, I want to highlight some of the events you can look forward to via some noteworthy quotes from The Glass Castle.

Maybe I should have cut him some slack. With his broken wing and lifetime of eating roadkill, he probably had a lot to be ungrateful about. Too much hard luck can create a permanent meanness of spirit in any creature. (p. 120)

In this scene, Jeannette takes the perspective of the buzzard and attempts to understand the struggles he’s faced to influence his outlook and demeanor. This fall, the Multicultural Center will show scenes from “Stranger with a Camera,” and then attendees will discuss how bias and assumptions can affect our understanding others. Co-hosted by the Appalachian Project, this interactive event will give students a chance to interact in small groups and hear from student and faculty facilitators!

After dinner, the whole family stretched out on the benches and the floor of the depot and read, with the dictionary in the middle of the room so we kids could look up words we didn’t know. Sometimes I discussed the definitions with Dad, and if we didn’t agree with what the dictionary writers said, we sat down and wrote a letter to the publishers. (p. 56)

Rex and Rose Mary had great intellectual influence on their children. The Walls grew up in an environment where learning was encouraged and Rex loved sharing his expertise on astronomy, physics, geology, and more with his children. In college you might not have your very own Rex Walls to help you do homework, but the University Libraries can assist! Attend a workshop to learn how to conduct research–you’ll even begin researching a topic related to concepts in The Glass Castle.

She’d been reading books on how to cope with an alcoholic, and they said that drunks didn’t remember their rampages, so if you cleaned up after them, they’d think nothing had happened. ‘Your father needs to see the mess he’s making of our lives,’ Mom said. But when Dad got up, he’d act as if all the wreckage didn’t exist, and no one discussed it with him. The rest of us had to get used to stepping over broken furniture and shattered glass. (p. 112-113)

Many of the troubling scenes in The Glass Castle relate to Rex’s episodes of alcoholism and gambling. Come to the Wellness Center‘s workshop about the truth of addiction. You’ll learn about the science behind addiction, in addition to understanding the stigma of alcoholism and how we can fight to destigmatize it.

No child is born a delinquent. They only became that way if nobody loved them when they were kids. Unloved children grow up to be serial murderers or alcoholics. (p. 83)

Jeannette and her siblings had each other to lean on for support, and they eventually became each other’s safety net for thriving as young adults. What about children who do not have a support system at home? How do children in our community survive when they are in situations similar to Jeannette’s? Dr. Natasha Slesnick, a professor in Human Sciences Administration, will lead a discussion on the experiences of homeless and struggling youth.

At times I felt like I was failing Maureen, like I wasn’t keeping my promise that I’d protect her–the promise I’d made to her when I held her on the way home from the hospital after she’d been born. I couldn’t get her what she needed most–hot baths, a warm bed, steaming bowls of Cream of Wheat before school in the morning–but I tried to do little things. (p. 206)

Did reading Jeannette’s story motivate you to help others? Do you wish you could help the hungry by providing food and resources? Look out for service opportunities in November during the Battle Against Hunger.

Stay tuned for event dates and times!

The Four Things I Didn’t See Coming During My First Year

August 14, 2014 at 5:30pmAugust 14, 2014 by Regina Bonfiglio

Before beginning my first year at Ohio State, I was aware of many new changes: more responsibilities, a new city, a whole new living environment, larger classes and, of course, independence. However, there were many things that I did not anticipate.

Now a ripened old senior, I hope to share a few tidbits of advice with the newest Buckeyes. I have included four problems you may not expect to run into your first year and my tips for finding a solution.

Problem: Transportation without your own car

Perhaps Stow, Ohio isn’t bursting with things to do but my chipped and dented Honda Accord got me where I was going. For those of you who used to drive around town, dancing from your seat and blasting music from your beloved high school vehicle, be ready to say goodbye to your wheels (unless you are a lucky commuter) and say hello to the three Cs of college transportation.

Solution:

COTA: Bus transportation to the Columbus area–take the #2 to travel down High Street!

CABS: Your bus system to get you around campus–use the mobile app, OSU BUS, to find nearby routes

CARPOOLING: Need to go home for a long weekend? At such a large school chances are someone in your residence hall is from the same area or state as you, so make friends and save your parents some driving!

Problem: Balancing the little things

Often the simple things–the ones you overlook–are the most difficult to balance. Get ready for the BIG DADDY of the little things: TIME MANAGEMENT.

With new opportunities every day, so many fun things to do, and great people to meet, you may find that it is hard to follow a regular schedule. My recommendation? Take time to make trips to your favorite dining hall with friends, go for walks on the Oval, join a club or attend your campus events; however, find balance between studying, socializing and SLEEPING (in class is not the solution).

True story: By not taking time for our health, my roommates became susceptible to illnesses and my brief bout with mono from high school came back full force to strike even harder in college! Taking time to rest could have saved me from falling asleep on my calculus final!

Solution:

Create a healthy schedule and set aside a reasonable amount of time every night to sleep. Make this a priority! If you risk starting your homework at midnight, be prepared for the exhaustion to take a toll on your body, immune system and your effectiveness in school.

Problem: Living with roommates “in sickness and in health”

One of the biggest adjustments I had to make in college was when I became ill and had to make an appointment to the doctor for the first time by myself. I was sick, lonely and absolutely TERRIFIED.

Preventative Solutions:

Be prepared for small living quarters! The common cold can spread very quickly if you aren’t diligently washing your hands and avoiding shared drinks and food.
Exercise, get plenty of sleep, and eat balanced and nutritious meals.
Hand sanitizer.

Proactive Solution:

Don’t be afraid to make an appointment!

When I called ahead and made an appointment at the Wilce Student Health Center, I was warmly welcomed by the ladies at the front desk; they called me “baby” and I never wanted to leave (I may form attachments easily). I met with a wonderful doctor, received my diagnosis and was soon on my way. If you need a prescription, you can even pay at the full-service pharmacy using your BuckID cash!

Problem: Schoolwork overload

One thing that I was totally unprepared for was the amount of work I would be faced with in college.

In college, your schoolwork becomes your full-time job. Although you may only be in class for about 15 hours per week, the amount of material and homework you are expected to cover tends to amount to at least 40 hours per week. That means an average amount of 5-8 hours of additional studying every night.

How can you succeed?

Solution:

1. BE PREPARED, BUDGET YOUR TIME: Know what is expected of you and keep up with your assignments! Make schoolwork a priority during the day and between classes so that you have more time to relax during the weekend.

2. FOLLOW THE SYLLABUS: Unlike high school where you might have had a rough outline for what you will learn during the year, college professors tend to follow the assignments and readings on the syllabus PRECISELY. You will not be reminded of the work you are expected to be completing; instead, you’ll use your syllabus to track those deadlines. You will be expected to come to lectures prepared, meaning half of the learning process is expected to take place during your own time.

3. SEEK OUT RESOURCES: Struggle with learning things from simply reading or by yourself? Do not fear! At a large school, there are ENDLESS opportunities for you to get help. However, it falls on your shoulders to seek them out and actually show up.

Group study sessions: learn from your peers!
Office hours: weekly meeting times set aside by your professors to speak directly with them!
Free tutoring: in mathematics, chemistry, writing, etc. and in your own residence halls!

I hope you are as eager to begin your journey as I was and that these solutions lead to a successful first year!

With Buckeye Love,

Regina

5 #new2osu FAQs (and answers!)

August 12, 2014 at 4:30pmAugust 12, 2014 by Nicole Craven

New students and families email First Year Experience (askFYE@osu.edu) on a daily basis with various questions and concerns, and we are happy to help people navigate the resources available to them on this campus.

Here are our five most frequently asked questions (and our answers) we have received in the last month, in no particular order:

I’m moving into my room in XYZ Hall on August 23rd (and I’m very excited!). What can I expect with the move-in process?

University Housing sent move-in instructions in late July to all students living in the residence halls this fall–the email was sent to your university email account. Contact University Housing at housing@osu.edu or (614) 292-8266 if you did not receive this email.

Also helpful in preparing you for the move-in process: this move-in brochure and this informative video:

What immunizations are required for incoming new students?

Although Ohio State does not require any specific immunizations, Student Health Services has several recommendations for incoming new students. Check out these recommendations online, where you can also view the cost list for immunizations that are administered at our Wilce Student Health Center on campus.

Help! There’s a non-resident fee on my Statement of Account and I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life! How can I make this fee go away?

If you are a male student (at least 18 years old) and an Ohio resident, you need to provide your Selective Service number to Ohio State to avoid the non-resident fee charge on your Statement of Account.

Visit the Selective Service website to register for your number.

Provide your number to the university through the Personal Information section of your Student Center homepage, accessible via Buckeye Link.

Contact the Student Service Center if the non-resident fee does not disappear in 1-2 business days.

So, I know I need textbooks for my classes–how do I get them?

You have a variety of options when it comes to textbooks, and we don’t necessarily endorse one option over the other; however, a good place to start when you are determining which textbooks you’ll need for the semester is by visiting University Bookstore website. You can enter in the courses for which you are registered and you’ll be able to see the textbooks that are required (or suggested) for each course.

If you prefer to rent your textbooks, check the Campus Book Rental website for information about vendors and best practices. Also, discounted books may be available through used book sources such as Amazon.com or Half.com. All of these options include textbooks in hard copy and electronic format (when available).

I got an email about the pre-Convocation survey class on Monday, August 25th. How do I know where to go?

All incoming new students (and some transfer students) who are enrolled in a University Survey course for autumn are required to attend the pre-Convocation survey class on Monday, August 25th. The day, time, and location for this particular class is different from what is listed on your autumn semester schedule. To determine your Survey class time/location for August 25:

Log into your Student Center, accessible via Buckeye Link. Click on “My Class Schedule” to view the full listing of all your courses for autumn semester.

Find your Survey course and the name of your course instructor–most Survey courses are listed with the name of your college of enrollment (e.g. ARTSSCI is Arts & Sciences) followed by 1100 (the course number).

Find the time and location of your pre-Convocation survey class through the FYE website.

Do you have a question that we didn’t answer? Let us know: askfye@osu.edu.

I Wrote This With My Tears

August 7, 2014 at 4:30pmAugust 7, 2014 by Michelle Meek

Hello readers, just an emotional senior over here writing a blog post for first-year students with my tears. Casual.

When I think back on the summer before my freshman year, I had a lot of emotions going on. I was beyond excited to finally go to college at The Ohio State University, nervous about leaving my friends and family at home and absolutely terrified because I didn’t know what to expect as a student at Ohio State. My life was going to completely change and I had no idea how I would handle the transition. For you first-year students who are moving to campus in, oh, approximately SIXTEEN DAYS, I imagine you’re feeling similar emotions, experiencing similar fears, and fluctuating between this…

…or this…

…or maybe this…

…all while attempting to prepare yourself to start at The Ohio State University.

My situation now isn’t too different. I’m approaching my last semester at The Ohio State University (I’m graduating early in December. Totally not freaking out or anything. Like, it’s fine. BRB, CRYING IN THE FETAL POSITION).

And guess what? I’m still scared of the unknown. For the first time, my path isn’t directly laid out at my feet. After high school, I had to make the choice of where to go to college, but there wasn’t a question of going. Now, I could look for a job, apply to graduate schools or enroll in a service program. I could also move back home (hi, Mom and Dad!) but we’ll say that’s not an option right now. Three years ago as I was coming to The Ohio State University, I also didn’t know where my path would lead me over the next four years. I could switch my major (and I did); I could join any student organization (or none at all); I could decide who I wanted to be at this huge university where nobody knew me. Though this idea is terrifying, it’s one that first-year students should appreciate because of the opportunities that await you.

Really! One of my favorite things about Ohio State is the limitless choices that students here have. No Buckeye will follow the exact same path as anyone before or after them; the combination of academics, involvement, interests and activities that mark their time as an Ohio State student is completely unique. To my incoming Buckeye friends – take advantage of this. Pursue what interests you, whether that is your passion for history that results in a Folklore minor or your love of The Best Damn Band In The Land that sees you at the Lincoln Tower fields on Friday nights to watch their final pre-show practice. It is these things that make Buckeyes love Ohio State in their own unique ways.

You can do what you want to do and be who you want to be here at the greatest university, and I am so jealous and so excited that you have the next four whole years to do just that. You may ask yourself this question like little David after the dentist,

But the sad news is, your time at Ohio State will eventually end. As Carmen Ohio states,

The seasons pass, the years will roll…

It’s incredibly true that all of a sudden you’ll be scheduling your last semester of classes and wondering where the years went. Cherish your time on campus, find the friends who will become your family and treasure your memories. I’m taking inspiration from Bilbo Baggins in how I’m looking at the next phase of my life:

You’re doing just the same by coming to The Ohio State University. And hey, if you need to write a reminder to yourself on move-in day or President’s Convocation or the first day of classes, I’ll have the same thing on my hand during Commencement on December 21st:

11 Ohio State words and phrases you may be using incorrectly

August 5, 2014 at 4:18pm by Nicole Craven

Ohio State is a big place with complex ideas, people and places, so it’s natural to be confused every once in a while with our university-specific terminology. Here are some words and phrases that we often hear misused by campus community members (new and old):

CAMPUS BUILDINGS

INCORRECT More-EL Tower (Morrill Tower, emphasizing the second syllable).

CORRECT MORE-al Tower (Morrill Tower, emphasizing the first syllable). Morrill Tower was named for Senator Justin Morrill of Vermont, the individual responsible for the Morrill Act of 1862 which provided federal funding for land-grant institutions, including The Ohio State University.

INCORRECT East 18th Avenue Building (EA Building).

CORRECT West 18th Avenue Building (EA Building). EA stands for EIGHTEENTH AVENUE, not East 18th Avenue. The building has not been name after anyone (yet!), so its formal name is the address: 209 W. 18th Avenue.

INCORRECT St. John’s Arena.

CORRECT St. John Arena (no apostrophe and not plural). The arena was named for Lynn St. John, who served as Ohio State’s men’s basketball coach and longtime athletic director…but he doesn’t own the arena (so it’s not a possessive apostrophe). This historic arena is the site of the President’s Convocation on Monday, August 25th.

INCORRECT SEL (Science & Engineering Library).

CORRECT 18th Avenue Library. You may hear upperclass students use SEL (the former name) for this 24-hour university library on 18th Avenue. Feel free to correct them; the library contains many more resources than those just for science or engineering.

INCORRECT Central Classroom Building and Enarson Hall.

CORRECT Enarson Classroom Building and Hale Hall. Central Classroom Building on Millikin Avenue was renamed Enarson Classroom Building in 2013 after Enarson Hall on 12th Avenue was renamed Hale Hall (the Hale Black Cultural Center was torn down and relocated here). Crazy confusing, right?

COLLEGE VERNACULAR

INCORRECT Resuscitation: to bring (someone who is unconscious, not breathing, or close to death) back to conscious or active state again.

CORRECT Recitation: small class section where quizzes are taken, homework is reviewed, and questions from the lectures and readings can be addressed.

INCORRECT Foreign students, foreign professors.

CORRECT International students, international professors. Anything that belongs to a country other than your own is foreign, but anything that involves more than one country is international.

INCORRECT Teacher, counselor, school nurse.

CORRECT Professor/instructor, advisor, health center. Be sure to shed the high school lingo for the preferred words in higher education.

INCORRECT Buckeye ID.

CORRECT BuckID. Ohio State’s student identification card is used for a variety of purposes including the campus meal plan, access to secure buildings, and admission to athletic and other campus events. (See, the I in ID replaces the eye in Buckeye…get it? It’s clever.)

INCORRECT Meals blocks = BuckID cash

CORRECT Meals blocks are used for food/meals in on-campus, university-owned dining facilities only (and expire at the end of each term). BuckID cash may be used on-campus or off-campus, at restaurants (McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chipotle, etc.), bookstores, convenience stores, and for things like laundry or printing; BuckID cash stays on your card from one term to the next.

INCORRECT OSU

CORRECT Ohio State. Otherwise, we don’t know if you’re talking about Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, or the Office of Sustainable Utopias.

That’s our list…did we leave anything out? Let us know!