Image reference: https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.05.007?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter_post&utm_campaign=twitter_post
Social wellness is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. In 2019, almost 70% of graduate and professional students surveyed for the Wellness Assessment felt a sense of belonging at Ohio State. About 65% felt like a member of the Ohio State community (Center for the Study of Student Life, 2019). If you are a graduate and professional student looking for ways to get involved and find your community on campus or in Columbus, check out these resources and opportunities:
Graduate and Professional Guide to Getting Involved (2020)
This guide provided by the Office of Student Life offers a comprehensive, detailed description of different involvement opportunities available to graduate and professional students.
Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) Grad/Prof Committee
OUAB offers the following workshops, programs, and events specifically for graduate and professional students:
- Technical Tuesdays
- Wellness Wednesdays
- Academic & Non-Academic Job Search Series
- Quiz Nights
- Cupcakes and Canvases
- Monthly Family Program
Ohio State offers over 1,400 registered student organizations which range from professional associations to interest and activity-based groups – and more! Visit the student activities website and filter by graduate and professional organizations through the advanced search tab.
Both the Council of Graduate Students and Inter-Professional Council offer opportunities for to get involved, attend events, and participate in student government.
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides a variety of programs, events and resources for graduate and professional students such as:
- Bells Fellow Program
- Preparing for the Academy Retreat
- Dissertation Boot Camp
The MCC is another great resource for involvement on campus. Check out their website for more detailed information about their programs and events. The MCC even offers student cohorts, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that can help you build community on campus!
Spotlight: MCC’s Student Identity Groups
- African and African American
- Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi-American
- Latinx
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer
- Native American/Indigenous
- Women
- DACA
- First Generation Students
The LGBTQ at Ohio State website is Ohio State’s one-stop resource for LGBTQ students and allies. Visit the LGBTQ at Ohio State website to check out upcoming events, resources, and everything they have to offer related to community, support, academics, and training.
One way to enhance your social wellness is to explore the Columbus community and all that it has to offer! Ohio State has partnered with Lyft to offer discounted rides within a designated service area from 7:00pm-7:00am. All you have to do to get started is download the Lyft app and link your account with your Ohio State email address!
Students also have free access to the COTA Bus line with a valid BuckID. COTA has over 40 available routes that you can use to explore Central Ohio. Just hop on and swipe your BuckID to ride for free!
Discount Tickets (D-Tix) at the Ohio Union
D-Tix offers discounted tickets for sporting events, arts and culture attractions, concerts, and more. Examples include discounted gift cards to the North Market, discounted tickets for attractions like Otherworld, and discounted tickets for a variety of performances, community events, and festivals.
Kindness at Ohio State coordinates several projects and resources to create a positive, connected, and kinder campus community. Their initiatives include events, service opportunities, student organizations, and virtual resources including a loving kindness meditation. You can also use their online “Send a Kudos” feature to express your gratitude to people who have shown you kindness.
Buck-I-Serv offers opportunities to lead or participate in service-learning trips with other Ohio State students and staff. Buck-I-Serv coordinates 80+ trips each year and creates meaningful opportunities for students to travel, learn, and serve in more than 16 states and 5 countries.
Experience Columbus offers a variety of resources, tips, and up-to-date information about what is happening in the community. Their website includes recommendations of things to do and places to visit in Columbus, including attractions, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, museums and history, arts and entertainment, sports and recreation, holiday celebrations, and things to do with kids.
Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC)
If you are a student in or seeking recovery, the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) offers peer support and a variety of resources. CRC has a student lounge in 097 Baker Hall and hosts open recovery meetings on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm. For more information, visit the CRC website, email recovery@osu.edu, or call 614-292-2094.
Whether you’re #New2OSU or preparing to graduate, there is a place and community for you here. If you are struggling to form connections or find your place, the Student Life Student Wellness Center has several resources available for peer support. You can reach the Buckeye Peer Access Line (PAL) by calling 614-514-3333 on weekdays from 8:00pm-12:00am. When you call Buckeye PAL, you’ll be connected with a peer who can provide you immediate support and help connect you with resources. The Student Wellness Center’s Individual and Group Wellness Coaching services are another great way to connect, set goals, and receive support. Please visit the Student Wellness Center website to schedule an appointment.
References
Center for the Study of Student Life. (2019). Wellness assessment 2018-2019: Graduate and professional students. The Ohio State University Office of Student Life. https://cssl.osu.edu/posts/632320bc-704d-4eef-8bcb-87c83019f2e9/documents/wellness-assessment-grad-vs-prof-report-final-1.pdf
-Lucy Hennon, Graduate Student Assistant