Undergraduate Student News


College of Arts and Sciences

Volume 12 - February 2023


Advising & Academics

Scheduling Courses

Scholarships & Grants

Quick Links

Get Involved

Career Success

Counseling Services


Student Resources

Writing Help

Math & Statistics Help

We hope that your semester has gotten off to a great start! As you settle in, we encourage you to explore something new. Are you interested in connecting with other students? With over 1,400 student organizations to choose from, you're certain to find several that will be just what you're looking for. Are you ready to dive into research or consider a global education program? There are people to help you get started and funding opportunities to support you. Are you seeking an internship? The Summer Internship and Opportunity Fair has you covered and Career Accelerator Grants support unpaid or minimally paid internships. Do you just need some time to relax? Head to the Ohio Union for a free movie. Learn about all of these opportunities and more below.

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Joel Wainwright

Department of Geography


Dr. Joel Wainwright is a professor of geography whose areas of expertise include political economy of development, environmental and agrarian change, and social theory. His courses blend multiple disciplines, spanning philosophy and history to the natural sciences and political economy. Dr. Wainwright teaches several courses in the Department of Geography including Environmental Citizenship (GEOG 3597.03), a course on the politics of climate change and the theory of climate justice. Read more about the courses he teaches, his research, and books he would recommend.

Program Spotlight

Creative Writing Minor

The creative writing minor is part of the Department of English's creative writing program and is designed to engage undergraduates in an in-depth study of the craft of creative writing. In addition to sharpening their critical reading abilities, students in this program will develop the skills needed to create original poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The minor consists of 12 credit hours. Program requirements. For more information, contact Rachael Speck at speck.61@osu.edu.

Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project (OPEEP)

The Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project offers multiple courses each semester that bring campus students and incarcerated students together in Ohio prison facilities for unique, collaborative, and transformational learning experiences. Courses span a variety of academic disciplines and many count towards GE credits. Autumn semester classes will meet once a week at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, the Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, and Richland Correctional Institution in Mansfield. Have a look at prior and upcoming courses and frequently asked questions. For more information, contact OPEEP program coordinators Nicole Edgerton at edgerton.31@osu.edu or Babette Cieskowski at cieskowski.1@osu.edu.

Resources to Help You Succeed

Procrastinate No More!

If procrastination is a challenge for you, then consider enrolling in ESEPSY 5194: Group Studies: Educational Psychology. This 1-credit, 7-week course is open to any Ohio State student seeking to better understand and address procrastination. Weekly meetings will cover research-based methods for overcoming procrastination and provide opportunities to set goals, practice applying strategies, and report back on challenges and accomplishments in a supportive setting. Graded S/U. Read about topics covered and enroll.

Textbook Exchange Network

Are you searching for a cheap source to buy textbooks or wish to sell your old textbooks at a student-negotiated price? Ohio State’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is initiating the Textbook Exchange Network to make required course materials more affordable and accessible to students. Upon registration with the Network, students can buy and sell textbooks based on their semester needs with full profits going towards the students themselves! Contact: USG representative Tiffany Hisch at Hsich.1@osu.edu for more information or to register with the Network.

Prepare for Career Success

2023 Summer Internship and Opportunity Fair 

February 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ohio Union Grand Ballroom


This event targets undergraduate students interested in obtaining a resume-building opportunity for Summer 2023. Local, regional, and national employers, who embrace and value diversity, will be in attendance and looking for talented students. Learn more and register.

Graduate and Professional School Fair

February 28 from 1 - 4 p.m.

Ohio Union


This Fair allows students interested in pursuing their education further to connect with various schools and programs and to learn more about the application and admissions process. Representatives from various schools will be in attendance to answer your questions. Read more.

Professional Headshot Program  

Career Success is offering free headshots to both undergraduate and graduate College of Arts and Sciences students. Headshots are offered in Denney Hall suite 100 on Tuesdays from 12 noon - 1:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Students should enter the 100 suite by the west entrance of Denney Hall where they will be greeted by a member of the marketing team. Headshots will be sent to student’s Ohio State email account within one week. For questions contact asccareer@osu.edu.  

Get Involved and Make Connections

Dean's Student Advisory Board

Apply for a Position

The College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Student Advisory Board is seeking three students to serve a two-year term as undergraduate student representatives beginning Autumn 2023. To be eligible, students must be pursuing a degree in the arts and sciences on the Columbus campus and not plan to graduate before Spring 2025. Meetings are held once a month during the academic year from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on a weekday with the days of the week varying. To apply, please submit the application form and a copy of your resume to ascstudents@osu.edu. Application form and more information.

February 12 - Application Deadline

Get Involved

Are you interested in getting involved, making new friends, or developing leadership skills? Find a student organization that's just right for you. Check out the opportunities linked below to connect with students who have similar interests.

Arts and sciences student organizations

All Ohio State student organizations

United Black World Month

Each year, the Student Life Center for Belonging and Social Change (formerly known as the Multicultural Center) publishes a university calendar of events to commemorate Black History Month, known to the Ohio State community as United Black World Month. This celebration reflects on the experiences and acknowledges the contributions of persons of African descent. Calendar of events.

Participate in the STEP Program

Interested in participating in the Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) for the 2023-2024 academic year? First-year students may indicate their interest in STEP during the February housing reselection process. STEP is a great opportunity to build community with a faculty mentor and a small group of peers. In addition, students will spend time developing goals, exploring their values, and creating network connections. Students who complete the program requirements are eligible to receive funding toward a STEP Signature Project. Information session dates

Scholarship Opportunities

Undergraduate Research Scholarships (URS)

Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. (Arts majors working on a creative or research project should apply for the Arts Undergraduate Research Scholarship rather than the general URS). Preference will be given to projects that will result in an undergraduate thesis. All projects should represent a significant research project. Students must have attained junior standing at the time of the award. Awards may apply toward Summer 2023, Autumn 2023, or Spring 2024. Students who will receive their bachelor's degrees at the conclusion of SP 2023 are not eligible for the URS. Read more and apply.

February 13 (before 5:00 p.m.) - Spring 2023 Application Deadline

International Research Grants (IRG)

Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. Students must be traveling internationally to complete research. Preference will be given to projects that will result in an undergraduate thesis. All projects should represent a significant research project. Awards will be applied toward Spring 2023. Read more and apply.

February 13 (before 5:00 p.m.) - Spring Application Deadline

Arts and Humanities Undergraduate Research Grants

Arts and Humanities Undergraduate Research Small Grants are reserved for currently enrolled undergraduate students majoring in the arts and humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences. Eligible students may apply for a grant to fund travel and expenses related to the purchase of materials for research and creative activities. Financial support of up to $500 is awarded on a competitive basis. Apply here. Contact: Ed Quin at quinn.142@osu.edu.

March 10 - Spring Application Deadline

Undergraduate Fellowship Office

Scholarships Information Session

March 1 from 2 - 3 p.m. over Zoom


United Kingdom ScholarshipsRhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell scholarships provide an opportunity for funded graduate study in the UK based on superior academic achievement, leadership, community service, character, and potential to significantly contribute to society. Juniors, seniors, and recent alumni can apply. Read more. Register here. Contact: fellowships@osu.edu.

Career Accelerator Fund

The Career Accelerator Fund (CAF) provides financial support for College of Arts and Sciences students who have obtained an unpaid or minimally paid internship, research project, or other career building experience. To be considered for a CAF award, you need to have obtained an unpaid or minimally paid internship, research role, or other career building experience. Fund application.

February 28 - Summer Semester 2023 Application Deadline

Sustainability Institute Student Grant Funding

Do you have a great idea that is in need of funding support? Are you working on research or a project related to sustainability? The Sustainability Institute at Ohio State offers a student grant funding opportunity for spring semester 2023. This award is open to all degree-seeking full-time students from any academic discipline or unit, in good academic standing, and with a graduation date of spring semester 2024 or after. Read more and application form. Contact: Gina Jaquet (jaquet.6@osu.edu), SI director of education and learning.

March 10 - Application Deadline

Academic Enrichment Grants (AEG)

Undergraduate Student Government offers Academic Enrichment Grants to support educational opportunities outside of the classroom. These grants help to make academically enriching experiences that are related to a student's field of study more accessible and affordable. The application opens on February 1, 2023. Read more.

February 28 at 11:59 p.m. - Application Deadline

Global Engagement

Genocide and Its Aftermath in Rwanda

This course explores the 1994 Rwandan genocide and its aftermath through active learning experiences in Rwanda. Students will study the origins of the genocide and what causes genocide globally, the forms of violence, including who participated and who was victimized, the aftermath, and the legal response. This will involve examining the local "gacaca" courts, the collective memories of the genocide, the current state of human rights in Rwanda, regional effects of the violence, and development and aid in Rwanda today. The program includes classroom instruction and experiential learning through visits to various locations in Kigali. Read more. Contact: Kyle Sturges at sturges.31@osu.edu.

Summer Program Deadlines.

Office of International Affairs Global Education Scholarships

The spring competition for OIA scholarships fund summer 2023, autumn semester 2023, and academic year 2023-24 programs with scholarships ranging from approximately $175 to $3,000. Students may apply for OIA global education scholarships through ScholarshipUniverse. For more information, visit oia.osu.edu, email globaledspecialist@osu.edu, or schedule an appointment with a global education specialist. Application queries contact: Laurie Ogburn.at ogburn.4@osu.edu.

February 17 - Spring 2023 Application Deadline

Research and Creative Inquiry

2023 Spring Undergraduate Research Festival

The annual Spring Undergraduate Research Festival is a research poster and presentation forum for students to share their mentored research projects with the broader academic community. The Spring Festival is open to all undergraduate students at Ohio State who are participating in faculty-mentored research, and students can present on projects that are still ongoing - final results are not necessary for participation. Read more.

Applications will be open February 28 - March 21.

EmPOWERment Research In Sustainable Energy (RISE) Summer Program

The EmPOWERment National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program at Ohio State is accepting applications from current undergraduate and master’s students with an interest in sustainable energy to participate in a 10-week summer research experience. Accepted students will receive a $5,000 stipend. RISE is designed to help historically underrepresented students explore graduate level research and academic careers. Read more. Contact: Katie Zimmerman.865@osu.edu.

March 24 - Application Deadline

Stone Lab Seeks Science Majors for 2023 Research Experience

Stone Laboratory, an outreach facility on Lake Erie, welcomes undergraduates to apply for its 2023 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Fellowship Program. Undergraduates from any U.S. college may apply for this competitive, comprehensive research opportunity. The students chosen will learn how to conduct scientific research in the field alongside top scientists. The program runs from June 5 through July 28, 2023. Read more.

February 25 - Application Deadline

Stone Lab Brings Science to Life in Summer 2023 College Courses

Stone Lab, Ohio State's island campus on Lake Erie, is accepting applications for 2023 summer courses. Located on Gibraltar Island near Put-in-Bay, the lab offers introductory and upper-level college classes on topics ranging from algae identification to zoology. Apply for a scholarship by March 15, but applications will be accepted until May 19.

Read more.

Call for Undergraduate Presenters: Cognitive and Brain Sciences

Undergraduate researchers are invited to present at the annual Cognitive & Brain Sciences Undergraduate Research Poster Session on March 24, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the Ohio Union, Student-Alumni Council Room. This poster session provides a valuable opportunity to gather expert feedback, practice presenting, and share ongoing research with the cognitive science community at OSU. Read more.

March 10 - Application Deadline

Funding Research and Creative Activity

Are you interested in research or creative activity but concerned about the cost? There are a number of resources to help you. Check out the funding available from the College of Arts and Sciences (more information above) and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry. You may also check with your major department to see if they offer funding.

Health, Wellness and Safety

Love Your Body Week

Love Your Body Week is a university-wide collaboration to promote body acceptance and positivity through various programs and events that take place all over campus. This year’s events will take place February 20 - 24 and cover topics like self-expression, fitness, body dysmorphia and eating disorders, media representation and influence, embracing your body, and creating a culture of positivity. Event information will be posted in February.

Body Project

The Body Project is a body-acceptance program to address unrealistic appearance ideals and develop healthy body image and self-esteem through small group discussions and activities. It has repeatedly been shown to effectively reduce body dissatisfaction, negative mood, unhealthy dieting, and disordered eating. Learn more and register.

Success for Male Students of African Descent

Male students of African descent may be hesitant to reach out for help in times of mental health struggle due to cultural norms and stigma. Counseling and Consultation (CCS) has a number of Black and/or male-identifying clinicians to help ease the discomfort of initiating services. Read more.

Campus Life

Upcoming OUAB Events

Making time to relax and share a fun activity is a crucial part of overall wellness. The Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) offers a number of programs and events that are free to current students. Find out more about these and other events on the OUAB calendar.


Flicks for Free:

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent - February 8 from 6 - 8 p.m.

X - February 22 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Pearl - February 22 from 8:30 - 10 p.m.


OUAB in the Kitchen:

Valentines Date Night Dinner - February 9 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Coastal Italian Cuisine - February 23 from 6 - 8 p.m.


Other February Programs:

Cupcakes and Canvases - February 8 and March 8 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Exploring Spiritual Wellness Through Personal Reflection - February 8 from noon - 1 p.m.

Art Therapy for Self Care - March 8 anytime from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

College of Arts and Sciences Events

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Leadership After OSU

February 9 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Zoom Link


Join us for a lively exchange with undergraduate alums from French and Italian, who will share formative experiences they have had, while at OSU and after, dealing with questions pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. They will also discuss how foreign language study and intercultural competency impacted their formation as DEIA leaders in a range of professional fields. The presentation and smaller break-out sessions will reflect on these timely issues in university life and the workplace. Presented by the Department of French and Italian. More information and list of featured speakers.

Symphony Orchestra

February 22 from 8 – 9:30 p.m.

Weigel Auditorium


Come hear the Ohio State symphony orchestra under the direction of Miriam Burns, conductor. This event is free and open to the public. No ticket required. Read more.


Gospel Choir

February 28 from 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Weigel Auditorium


The Gospel Choir presents music by traditional and contemporary gospel artists featuring student vocalists and an instrumental combo. Milton V. Ruffin, director. This event is free and open to the public. No ticket required. Read more.

Explore more College of Arts and Sciences events here.

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Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep yourself, your family, and your friends healthy and safe.



Safe and Health Buckeyes

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