Author: Ryan Provost

So, you’re trying to select an elective…

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For many students, choosing elective classes may be an afterthought. However, as I look back on my own student experience, the choices I made for my elective courses led me to take the most interesting, memorable, and useful courses during my time in college. Whether it was learning about global affairs through graphic novels, discussing horror literature, or gaining perspectives on cultures different from my own, I still refer to those classes and the great experiences I had in those electives. I recently asked current students to reflect on their favorite electives they have taken so far. Here are some themes I noticed from our shared experiences which may help you pick the best elective for you!

Educate yourself about important issues unrelated to your major

Ohio State’s motto is “Education for Citizenship” and being an educated citizen is essential for every Buckeye. Electives can provide you the opportunity to learn about important social issues so that you can be more informed about the world around you. Donisha Austin, a second year student, described her experience taking SOCIOL 2367.02–Urban Social Problems. Donisha notes that students should consider this class because it was “intellectually stimulating.” Another elective, SOCIOL 3302–Technology and Global Society, helped second-year student Raphael Melke “think critically in a fun way” through engaging discussions about an important topic. Find those classes that will make you think about new ideas that are completely unrelated to your major so that you can be an informed citizen.

Gain important skills that will help you in life

Your major courses will help you master a particular discipline; however, your elective courses can equip you with other essential skills. Many students choose to take classes such as COMM 2110–Principles of Effective Public Speaking. Justine Moran took this class and said that it was a “great way to learn how to effectively speak in front of a group of people.” Whether you are looking to gain skills regarding public speaking, leadership, or even learning CPR, there are electives which can prepare you to be successful in all aspects of your life.

Learn about history and culture through different lenses

Many of us learn about history and cultures through textbooks in high school. While textbooks are certainly not foreign to college classrooms, many professors look to use unique mediums to teach students about complex topics. Lexi Hites took GERMAN 3252–The Holocaust in German Literature and Film. She enjoyed learning about an important historical event through movies and books. Jessica Gregory took SLAVIC 2230–Vampires, Monstrosity, and Evil: From Slavic Myth to Twilight, and loved learning about a different culture through the lens of films like “Dracula.” Find classes like these where you get the chance to look at important topics in unconventional ways.

Take a class just for fun!

Believe it or not, there are courses which will seem so fun you will look forward to going to class. Third-year student Jenna Murray is taking DANCE 2181–Social Dance this semester because she wants to learn ballroom dance. She enjoys that she gets to earn elective credit while exercising and having fun. For many of you, your class schedule may seem daunting. Taking a class just because you think it will be fun is a great way to get some elective credit, learn about something you love, and enjoy your time in class.

Of course, there are too many great electives to talk about in one post. Comment with some of your favorite electives below and let us know about your most memorable classes!

Your (Last) Week in First Year Success: November 17-21

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Don’t let the title confuse you. This isn’t the last week you will be a successful first-year student, but it is the last week you can attend a First Year Success Series session this fall! Whether you still need to attend a program for your survey class or you just want to go to one last awesome Success Series session this fall, there are still some great options for you available during this final week!

Your first semester: What will you remember?
November 17, 12:45-2 p.m.

Has this first semester of college been one to remember? This fun session will help you record all of your favorite memories in creative ways. You will leave with your great memories and some tips for getting your second semester off to a great start!

Stress Less: Tips for Building Academic Confidence and Resilience
November 17, 1-1:50 p.m.
November 20, 3-3:50 p.m.

The end of the semester can be filled with stress. While many first-year students are concerned about missing new friends when they go home for break or trying to decide between staying home Thanksgiving weekend or coming back to campus for the football game against TSUN, almost all students feel some stress leading up to finals. Don’t let your first round of finals or your spring course schedule get the best of you! This session will help you manage those academic stress points.

“Returning Home for the Holidays”
November 19, 3-4 p.m.

Speaking of stress, many students find the thought of going home for breaks stressful. It is common to find that you have changed a lot in college or have a hard time explaining college life to your family. Attend this session to learn how to handle your trip home.

Provost’s Discovery Themes Lecturer Program Sherry Turkle: The Flight from Conversation
November 20, 6-7:15 p.m.

Would you rather text someone or talk to them on the phone? The answer to this question has tilted in favor of texting for many college students. Come here about the positives and negatives of this shift away from personal conversation.

Book Discussion: The Glass Castle
Various Times

This is your last chance to have a conversation about The Glass Castle! That’s not true, but it is your last chance to have that conversation during the Success Series, so join First Year Experience staff to talk about Jeannette Walls’ amazing journey.

It has been a great semester and I hope you are wrapping it up feeling successful! Remember that there are several other terrific sessions for you to consider for your last week of the Success Series. Be sure to register at go.osu.edu/FYSS. Send us any questions at FYSS@osu.edu.

Your Week in First Year Success: November 10-15

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With just two weeks left in the First Year Success Series, now is the time for you to explore sessions which will challenge you. You have been here for almost an entire semester, and one of the most rewarding parts of the Ohio State experience is the opportunity to have deep conversations. This week, we feature sessions which will encourage you to have challenging conversations. These conversations will expand your horizons, provide you with new perspectives, and give you skills to succeed in our diverse college environment.

“March:” An Evening with Congressman John Lewis, Nate Powell, and Andrew Aydin
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
November 15, 7-8 p.m.

It isn’t every day that Ohio State students get the chance to hear from a congressperson or an historic figure in the civil rights movement. You will get the chance to hear from a man who is both of those things at this event, featuring artists who helped to tell Congressman Lewis’ story in a graphic novel. The event will also include a special appearance by African-American female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock.

Stand with Each Other: Using Your Skills to Intervene
Theme: Health and Wellness
November 10, 2-3 p.m.

Many of us have witnessed or experienced some form of injustice. It may have been an act of bullying, shouting something offensive, or other forms of violence. Often, people are shocked in the face of these acts and don’t know how to react. This session will provide you with tools to effectively intervene in a way which will make our campus more inclusive and welcoming.

“What Are You?” Exploring Biracial and Multiracial Identity
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
November 10, 4-5 p.m.

Biracial and multiracial people are a growing group in the United States. Come learn about issues faced by this population and discuss how being biracial or multiracial can impact the student experience.

Tabloids vs. Tough Truths: Stories of Addiction and Recovery
Theme: Buckeye Book Community
November 11, 6-8 p.m.

This session will look at how coverage of celebrity stories of addiction compare to the reality of this issue. Using examples from The Glass Castle, you will explore what addiction and recovery really look like for those struggling with these problems.

That’s so retarded! A conversation about disability portrayal in media
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
November 12, 3-4 p.m.

Examine biases, misconceptions, and myths surrounding what you think you know about disabilities in this session. What is often shown on TV and in movies is misleading about the reality of people with disabilities. This session will give you the chance to explore these portrayals and discuss how to interact with real people.

Are You Man Enough? A Dialogue on Manhood in College
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
November 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

What does masculinity mean to you? How does that compare with your own identity? Many men in college carry unhealthy concepts of what it means to be a man, which cause them to struggle to fit in during college. Come learn about how your perception of manhood can impact you during your first year at Ohio State.

If you haven’t taken advantage of asking tough questions which challenge you, then now is the time to do so. We are all Buckeyes and have the amazing opportunity to learn about new things from each other every day!

Remember, the last day of the First Year Success Series is November 21! Make sure to attend any sessions you want to go to before then! Register today before seats fill up by going to www.go.osu.edu/FYSS.

Questions? Email FYSS@osu.edu.

Your Week in First Year Success: October 27-31

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For many kids, Halloween means one thing: Trick or Treat! In honor of this tradition, let’s take a look at some First Year Success Series sessions that will provide you some “tricks” and “treats” to be successful during your first year.

TRICK:
Party Smart
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 30, 11 a.m.-12 noon

You may be thinking about dressing up and going to a great Halloween party, but are you also thinking about making good decisions when you party? This session will help you create a strategy to have a great time at a party while also keeping yourself safe.

This isn’t the only way to look smart this Halloween.

TREAT:
Remembering the Act: Archival Reflections on Civil Rights Exhibit Gallery Talk
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
October 27, 10-11 a.m.

It has been 50 years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. To celebrate, the Ohio State Libraries is featuring an exhibit to reflect on the political, historical, and cultural aspects of the struggle that led to the passing of this significant law. Join the exhibit curator for a talk on the exhibit.

There are many ways to celebrate the 60’s this Halloween!

TRICK:
Academic Success 101: Practical Guides for International Students
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 27, 3-4 p.m.

Making OSU your home away from home: Practical Guides for International Students
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 28, 1-2 p.m.

International Students and U.S. Laws
Theme: Finances
October 30, 3-4 p.m.

There are many things for international students to think about as they transition not just to Ohio State, but to a new culture, new laws, and new academic settings. These sessions in the First Year Success Series will assist international students in all of these transitions so that students from all over the world will know the tricks to being successful Buckeyes!

You don’t need to dress like this to be a great Buckeye.

TREAT:
Find Your Career Path: Career and Major Exploration and Decision Making
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
October 30, 9-10 a.m.

Are you still not sure what you want your career to be? Are you reconsidering the major you originally chose? These are very common concerns for the first year of college. Come to this session to learn about myths surrounding making decisions about your career and do an activity to see what kinds of careers may be best for you.

Find the career that looks best for you!

TRICK:
Getting over the hump: Navigating the rest of your first semester
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
Various dates and times

Of course, there are many common issues first-year students are facing at this point in the semester (and we are not talking about figuring out what you are going to dress up as for Halloween). What are some tips and tricks to help you be successful? How can you help your friends who are struggling? This session will help you learn where you can go when you find yourself not feeling at your best.

Of course, you can always get over the hump by being a camel for Halloween!

Be sure to register for your First Year Success Series sessions now at www.go.osu.edu/FYSS! As any experienced trick-or-treater knows, waiting may leave you with fewer treats to choose from. If you continue to be successful, you may get to wear the best costume ever in a few years…

 

Your Week in First Year Success: October 20-24

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This week marks the halfway point of your first semester of college, and one way to approach the second half of your semester is to think about it the same way a football or basketball coach approaches halftime adjustments during a game. Effective coaches will use this limited amount of time to consider what their players are doing well, what parts of the game their players are struggling with, and what they should continue to do or change to finish strong.

Similarly, you have likely done some things well up to this point, but may have struggled in other areas. Now is the time for you to make your own halftime adjustments so that you will finish the semester with great results! These First Year Success Series sessions will help you do just that!

Getting over the hump: Navigating the rest of your first semester
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
Various dates throughout October

This workshop is facilitated by members of the First Year Experience staff specifically to help you make the halftime adjustments I referenced earlier. We are the experts, or coaches, who can help you reflect on how this semester has gone and what you can do to finish strong. This session is interactive and engaging in order to get you thinking critically about your success.

Developing a Mindset for Success
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 22, 1-2 p.m.

Sure, you have the ability to do well at Ohio State, but do you have the mindset to be successful? Do you want to learn how to adapt your mindset to persevere for the rest of this semester and beyond? This session can help you think about how your brain functions in a way that can help you thrive!

Creating your own Path: Living and Leading with your Values
Theme: Leadership and Civic Engagement
October 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Honesty.
Education.
Spirituality.
Friendship.
Everyone has values which they hold dear. What are the values which are most important to you? More importantly, how do you make decisions which are in alignment with your values? This session will challenge you to think about your values and how they play a role in your daily life.

FYSS Guide for First Generation College Students
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 23, 7-8 p.m.

Students who are the first in their families to attend college can face unique challenges during their time in college. Don’t let these roadblocks stop you from having a terrific first semester. This session will help first-generation college students navigate some of the structural complexities of university life.

Creating Quality Relationships: Practical Guides for Cross-Cultural Communication and Relationship Building
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 24, 3-4 p.m.

In your time at Ohio State, you are going to meet people from many cultural backgrounds. To be successful, you will need to be able to build relationships across cultural barriers. Doing so will allow you to make more friends, learn about new experiences, and see the world from different perspectives. Attend this session to learn skills for creating these great relationships.

With these and other FYSS sessions, you will be able to develop the right game plan for success! Sign up now for your First Year Success Series sessions at www.go.osu.edu/FYSS before they fill up!

Your Week in First Year Success: October 6-10

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While each Ohio State student has his or her own unique experience, there are aspects of that experience which are very common for many students at this point in the semester. This week, I will highlight some First Year Success Series sessions which may be applicable to many first-year students at this point in the semester.

Situation #1: “Oh no! I forgot to sign up to go to the Jeannette Walls talk for the Buckeye Book Community!”

No worries! There are several Buckeye Book Community sessions still available. A fun option is the “Buckeye Book Club Express at CCS Recess!” Counseling and Consultation Service is hosting Recess to help you reconnect with your childhood and explore the positive impact play can have on your life. Part of this event will include a chance for you to creatively reflect on the themes of The Glass Castle.

Buckeye Book Club Express at CCS Recess!
Theme: Buckeye Book Community
October 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Situation #2: “I’m really missing home and the friends and family I left behind.”

You are not the only one. Homesickness is an extremely common issue for college students which many people have written about. To successfully handle the stress of homesickness, you should address it so that you can stay connected to your home while enjoying your new surroundings at Ohio State. There is a First Year Success Series session for you to do just that!

Homesickness
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 10, 3-4 p.m.

Situation #3: “I took my first test and it was horrible! I couldn’t focus/breathe/remember what I studied.”

You may have test anxiety. Many students who are incredibly intelligent struggle when put in a testing situation. The “Test Anxiety” session can help you identify what stresses you out about test-taking and help you create strategies to help you succeed on exam day!

Test Anxiety
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
October 8, 3-3:50 p.m.

Situation #4: “I want to learn about the technologies that will make me stand out and be a digital learner.”

In college, learning is not confined to the classroom. More often, learning is happening online through multiple platforms. By teaching yourself to be a digital learner, you will gain an additional advantage in the classroom.

Being a Digital First Buckeye
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
October 7, 8-9 a.m.

Scenario #5: “I am an international student and I’m trying to become more aware of U.S. laws and policies.”

Coming to study in the U.S. contains additional challenges for many first-year international students. In addition to adjusting to life in college, you must adjust to a whole new culture with its own laws and rules. Come learn what laws and policies that international students should know to be successful.

International Students & U.S. Laws
Theme: Finances
October 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

It is common for first-year students to continue to experience new issues throughout the first semester of college. Don’t be afraid to seek help whenever you realize you need it. Sign up now for your First Year Success Series sessions at www.go.osu.edu/FYSS before they fill up!

Your Week in First Year Success: September 29-October 3

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By now you probably recognize that the First Year Success Series features many sessions which address common first-year student issues. The First Year Success Series also offers many opportunities to learn about and explore topics you may never have thought about before. These sessions may touch on ways to get involved in the community, new ways of thinking about things, or common issues that aren’t often discussed. College is a time when we hope you take advantage of branching out to learn something new, so one of these sessions may be a great way for you to do that!

The Events and Violence Prevention at OSU
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
October 1, 7:30-10 p.m.

What is unique about this session? One of the highlights of the Wexner Center for the Arts’ 25th anniversary celebration, The Events is an award-winning play that addresses the effects of mass shootings and the impact they have on communities. Students attending the performance as part of the First Year Success Series will have a discussion after the play about how art is used to address important issues and what students can do to prevent violence on campus.

Droppin’ Science: Introduction to Hip Hop Research
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
September 29, 1-2 p.m.

What is unique about this session? At Ohio State, you have access to research just about anything in which you may be interested or for which you have a passion. This interactive session will demonstrate how you can use the resources available to you to research hip hop culture. No matter what your interests are, this session will show you how easy it is to connect to the library resources that will help you learn more about the things you care about!

Not So Tech Savvy? Basic Tips for Academic Success
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
September 29, 6-7:30 p.m.
October 1, 1:30-3 p.m.

What is unique about this session? You have probably noticed that the ability to use things like Google or MS Office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) are treated as basic skills. If you don’t feel confident in your computer literacy or want to take your skills to the next level, this session can teach you some tips and tricks to be successful!

Lived Experiences: A Day in the Life of Columbus City School Students
Theme: Leadership and Civic Engagement
September 30, 6-7:30 p.m.

What is unique about this session? As a student at Ohio State, you are also a citizen of the city of Columbus. Ohio State students have had a tremendous impact on the local community through their dedication to service.  This session allows you the chance to learn about what it is like to be a a high school or middle school student in the Columbus inner-city. Learn about the struggles and strengths from the students themselves and hear how students like you can leave a positive legacy on your new home.

Generation Rx: Every 15 Minutes
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 30, 5-6 p.m.

The Adderall Dilemma: The Truth About Prescription Stimulant Abuse
Theme: Health and Wellness
October 1, 5-6 p.m.

What is unique about these sessions? Many college students find themselves with so much to do, and so little time. In the face of this dilemma, many students chose to use and abuse prescription drugs to study and focus. This problem is prevalent, but isn’t often on the top of the list of concerns among college students. Come to these sessions to hear about the potential negative effects that this very common issue can have on your health.

There are so many different and unique session topics within the First Year Success Series. Use this opportunity to learn about something new and unique that you may have never thought about before. Whether it is something you find interesting or concerning, now is your chance to explore! Register for your sessions today at www.go.osu.edu/FYSS.

Your Week in First Year Success: September 22-26

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You’ve made it through the first few weeks on campus!  At this point, you have found out where your classes are, made a few friends, and have hopefully done that first load of laundry. While those are all great things, you may now be finding yourself thinking about some new challenges. Let’s examine a few examples of challenges you–and many first-year students–may be facing and how the First Year Success Series can help you!

Scenario #1: “Classes are so hard! I have all the stress!”

You are not alone! You may have been told that college would challenge you, but it’s hard to understand that challenge until you are living it. The important thing is to not give up. You still have time to adjust and figure out how to manage your time in order to stress less. These First Year Success Series workshops will help you do just that:

Stress Less: Tips for Building Academic Confidence and Resilience
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 23, 5-5:50 p.m.

Stress and Time Management
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 26, 1-1:45 p.m.

Scenario #2: “My first project is due soon. My first project is due soon??? MY FIRST PROJECT IS DUE SOON!!!”

In all the excitement of your first few weeks as a Buckeye, you may not have noticed that projects and papers may be due sooner than you think. Don’t let your first assignments catch you unprepared. These First Year Success Series workshops will connect you with some resources which will make your life easier as you complete those first assignments:

A+ Research: How Do You Find Resources?
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
September 22, 6-7 p.m.

So much more than books! University Libraries can make your life easier.
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
September 24, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

A+ Research: Selecting the Right Resources without Having to Read All of Everything First
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration
September 24, 6-7 p.m.

Scenario #3: “I have made some unhealthy choices with alcohol” or “I have been in situations where I have been tempted to make unhealthy choices with alcohol.”

The negative effects of making unhealthy choices related to alcohol in college are often minimized or even glorified. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes experiencing these negative consequences before students understand and make better choices. These First Year Success Series workshops will expose you to the best choices related to alcohol use.

Party Smart
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 23, 7-8 p.m.

Choices About Alcohol
Theme: Health and Wellness
September 24, 1-2 p.m.

Scenario #4: “I have met so many people who are different from me. How can I be an ally to those whose identities are different from my own?”

For many students, Ohio State is the most diverse of any diverse environment in which they have lived. Buckeyes seek not only to notice the diversity around them, but also create an environment in which everyone feels welcome. These First Year Success Series workshops will shed light on what being an ally for others looks like:

How to be an Ally
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
September 24, 6-7 p.m.

Ally Week Speaker: Maysoon Zayid
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness
September 25, 7-8 p.m.

Scenario #5: “I love The Glass Castle! Is there a way that I can meet the author of the book?”

You’re in luck! Jeannette Walls, the author of The Glass Castle, will visit campus to speak about the book, her life, and how the experiences you read about have impacted her life. Come hear her speak and have the opportunity to get your copy of the book signed!

An Evening with Jeannette Walls, author of The Glass Castle
Theme: Buckeye Book Community
September 23, 7:30-8:45 p.m.

These are just a few of the hundreds of sessions and workshops featured in the First Year Success Series. See all of the options online by visiting go.osu.edu/FYSS and make sure to register for your favorite sessions before they fill up! Don’t see anything that interests you? Email FYSS@osu.edu to let us know what workshops we should offer!

Your Week in First Year Success: September 15-19

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Congratulations! You have made it through your first few days of classes!  Now that you are ready to explore what the First Year Success Series has to offer, here are some sessions to consider for the first week of sessions (which begin one week from today!):

Comfort Zone
September 16, 4-5 p.m.
Theme: Health and Wellness

Are you already feeling stressed about college? You’re not the only one! This interactive session will provide an overview of stress, how to prioritize things in your life, and manage your time wisely. Join your friends from the Student Wellness Center to identify ways to relax and overcome your stress.

Book Discussion: The Glass Castle
September 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Theme: Buckeye Book Community

You’ve read the book. Now let’s talk about it! Join fellow first-year students to discuss the themes of The Glass Castle.  A staff member from First Year Experience will help guide your discussion while exploring the themes of the book. Attend this session before you come to see Jeannette Walls on September 23!

A+ Research: How to Structure a Term Paper
September 18, 6-7 p.m.
Theme: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration

You’ve heard that college writing will challenge you to be a better writer, but what does that mean? Come to this session and hear from an experienced Ohio State senior student about what it takes to craft a great paper in college! You will leave with tools and resources to help you get your writing to “A+” status.

Study Abroad Expo
September 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Theme: Diversity and Global Awareness

Sure, you may be interested in studying abroad while at Ohio State. But have you thought about which of the over 100 countries you will travel to for your study abroad experience? Do you know what things you should be considering now to make your study abroad dreams become a reality? Stop by this expo facilitated by the Office of International Affairs to hear from experts about what options are available to you.

Extreme Couponing
September 19, 2-3 p.m.
Theme: Finances

College can be stressful enough without worrying about finances. Come hear from two-time star of TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” and Ohio State student Cole Ledford about how you can start couponing and save your money. Save your money now to save yourself from headaches later!

Of course, these are just five of the dozens of sessions offered in any given week! See all of the options online by visiting go.osu.edu/FYSS and make sure to register for your favorite sessions before they fill up! Let us know which sessions have you most excited!

6 Themes Not to Miss This Semester

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If you’re like us in First Year Experience, you love a good theme. Themes can take an experience from basic to amazing, and that’s why the First Year Success Series has six themes to help you have the best first semester ever. Here’s some insight into each of these themes; hopefully you will see some experiences not to be missed!

Theme #1: Academic Engagement and Career Exploration

To stay at Ohio State, you will need to be successful inside the classroom. College requires you to study smarter, learn faster, and think more critically. Once you have gotten the hang of that, you may also want to think about requirements for graduate school, internships in your field of study, or research with a faculty member. Mastering the content in this theme area grants you the opportunity to continue to explore the rest of the collegiate experience–like Welcome Week.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • A+ Research: Where Do You Start?
  • Is Your Major ‘The One’
  • Where’s Woody? Find Woody Hayes in Thompson Library
  • Study Smarter! Memory Tools for Effective Studying

Theme #2: Diversity and Global Awareness

Ohio State is pretty big–over 7,000 new students started here this fall, contributing to a total population of more than 50,000 students. With a community this size, we have people representing many cultures, genders, races, languages, sexual orientations, religions, nationalities, and experiences. Appreciating diversity means more than trying different foods or taking O-H-I-O pictures on a study abroad trip (although those are cool things that you definitely should do). Being a a member of the Buckeye family means learning about different people so that we can all advocate for each other and celebrate our differences. Sessions in this theme will help you begin to explore new cultures and issues, think about studying abroad, and connecting with others who share your identity.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • Take a Stand: A Guide to Learning about Yourself & Peers
  • Study Abroad Expo
  • How to be an Ally
  • International Coffee Hour

Theme #3: Finances

Few things are worse than getting to the end of your college experience and realizing you made poor financial decisions which will follow you long after your time at Ohio State is over. What can you do to stretch your dollar and be smart about how you plan your budget for the next fours years? Go to sessions in this theme to make smart decisions about financing your time at Ohio State.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • LANDLORDS, LEASING & LOTS MORE: Get the 43201 about Moving Off-Campus!
  • Personal Finance 101
  • Budgeting Workshop
  • Extreme Couponing

Theme #4: Health and Wellness

With all of the work you’ll do to succeed in the classroom and all of the energy you’ll put into making friends and getting involved, it’s important for you to find ways to take care of yourself; that may include eating healthy, making smart social choices, or hitting the gym. There are actually nine dimensions of wellness for you to think about as a student. Sessions in this theme will help you consider how you are taking care of yourself in each dimension to live a healthy lifestyle during your time at Ohio State.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • Party Smart
  • Counting Sheep: How Sleep Impacts Your Success
  • The Right Bite on a College Campus
  • Double Dare

Theme #5: Leadership and Civic Engagement

Were you overwhelmed by all of the opportunities you saw at the Involvement Fair or during Community Commitment? Everyone has told you to get involved, but what will that look like for you? You may want to go to sessions in this theme to think about what your leadership skills and styles look like. Then, you can think about what kinds of issues on campus or in the community matter to you, and commit yourself to those opportunities.

2014 sessions to consider:

  • Your Buckeye Leadership Plan
  • Service in Your First Year Experience
  • Becoming a Nut
  • How to Avoid Poverty Tourism

Theme #6: Buckeye Book Community

All members of the class of 2018 read The Glass Castle this summer…what a great conversation starter at a table in Kennedy Commons! Maybe you and your newfound friend will decide to attend one of the many Success Series sessions where you will have the chance to talk about the themes of the book. The book’s author, Jeannette Walls, comes to campus on September 23!

2014 sessions to consider:

  • An Evening with Jeannette Walls
  • A Different Look at The Glass Castle
  • Pastries and Perspective: The Glass Castle
  • What’s in a question? Research questions and The Glass Castle

Are you ready to check out these themes? Visit go.osu.edu/FYSS and register for your Peer Leader workshop before September 12 to learn more about the First Year Success Series from upperclass students!