Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement
This University has compiled a list of resources below that will help guide you through all the opportunities available to connect with your peers, professors, staff members at Ohio State, and other students from around the world who share similar interests as yourself. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can do for you during your time here on campus—or if there’s something we missed!
Welcome to the off-campus student engagement website. Here, you will find information about many ways to get involved on campus and in your community as an OSU student.
University encourage all students to become engaged in their university life by joining a club or organization, attending events, volunteering, and getting involved with their peers!
What is Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement?
Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCSE) is a program that aims to enhance the experience of students who live off campus or commute to campus. This includes providing them with opportunities to participate in student organizations, events, and activities on campus, connecting them with other off-campus students through social media, helping them find resources on campus, and supporting their efforts to be involved in their community.
OCSE was created by the Office of Student Life in 2013 to make Ohio State more inclusive for all students–including those who don’t live on-campus but still want access to enriching experiences while they’re here. It currently has around 1,000 members from all over Columbus, other parts of Ohio, and beyond!
Why Engage with Off-Campus and Commuter Students?
You may be wondering why engaging with off-campus and commuter students is so important. The answer is simple: they’re vital to the university community and bring a unique perspective to campus.
Off-campus students have an experience different from those who live on campus but no less meaningful. They may be older or younger; some may be married with children, while others are single; some might be returning after taking time off from school due to work or military service; others may have come from another state entirely–the list goes on! Regardless of their background, each brings their passions, interests and perspectives into our classrooms and other Ohio State University (OU) programs. This want all community members–including off-campus/commuter learners–to feel welcome here at OU!
How do I get involved?
The best way to get involved is to contact your college or department. If you’re not sure where to look, check out these resources:
- The Ohio State University Directory of Student Organizations
- The Office of Student Life website lists all student organizations on campus (including those open to commuter students). You can also search for specific groups by name or category (for example, if you want to join an organization focused on sustainability issues).
- Volunteer at local charities! It’s easy as pie! Just go online and search for opportunities near campus. Or go into any grocery store in Columbus and ask someone there; they’ll probably point you toward something nearby within five minutes flat–I promise!
Resources for Graduate Students
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the official voice of graduate students at Ohio State. The GSA advocates for graduate student interests, provides opportunities for social interaction, and helps connect you with resources on campus.
The GSA offers several annual events open to all graduate students and their guests (including family members). These include:
- GSA Awards Ceremony – An awards ceremony honouring outstanding contributions by faculty, staff and students at Ohio State each spring
- GSA Reception – A reception in conjunction with each fall semester’s orientation week where incoming first-year students can meet current graduate students in their programs
- Graduate Mentor Program – This program matches new incoming graduate students with a veteran mentor from their department or school who can help them navigate life as an off-campus student
Resources for Undergraduate Students
- Student Life: The Office of Student Life (OSL) is your one-stop shop for anything related to student life. From health services, counselling and academic support to leadership opportunities and student organizations, OSL offers a wide range of programs and services designed to help you succeed at Ohio State.
- Student Center: Located on High Street between 14th Avenue and John Herrick Drive NE, this hub houses multiple dining options, including The Market at 11th Avenue; Burger U; Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room; Chipotle Mexican Grill; Cibo Espresso Bar & Bistro – serving breakfast sandwiches all day long! There’s also a branch location inside Westgate Hall where students can study in style with laptop stations or relax in the lounge area with comfy chairs and TVs broadcasting news channels around the clock! Plus, there are plenty of places nearby where you can grab lunch or dinner before heading back home through campus traffic jams…or staying out late partying at various bars near campus if it’s Friday night
- Student Union: Located directly across High Street from Morrill Tower on College Road NW (on the top floor), this building houses offices related specifically towards advising students interested specifically within disciplines related towards STEM fields such as Engineering Sciences & Technology Management Center (ESTC), Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC), Pre-Health Advising Program Office (PHAPO) etcetera…as well as other departments like Legal Studies Office (LSO).
Ohio State provides various opportunities for off-campus students to engage in the community
There are several ways for off-campus students to be engaged in the community. OSU supports them by providing various resources and events and a way to get involved on campus. The Office of Student Life has programs connecting students with other off-campus communities, helping them make friends and build connections outside their classwork. The Office also hosts many clubs and organizations that offer opportunities for involvement on or off-campus, such as the Ohio State University Alumni Association (OSUAA), which helps alums stay connected through networking events and service projects.
If you are interested in getting involved but don’t know where to start, then take advantage of these resources