Undergraduate Student News

College of Arts and Sciences

Volume 14 - March 2025

Advising & Academics

Scheduling Courses

Scholarships & Grants

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Career Success

Counseling Services

Student Resources

Writing Help

Math & Statistics Help

Dr. Amanda Bird

Department of Molecular Genetics

Dr. Amanda Bird teaches several undergraduate classes including a service-learning course on DNA fingerprinting (MOLGEN4591S/MICRBIO4591S) that connects students with Columbus City Schools' high school students to solve a mock crime scene using DNA evidence. She also teaches Biological Roots in England (BIO4798), a course open to all majors, which includes a spring break study abroad component. Through her joint appointment with Human Nutrition in the Department of Human Sciences, she teaches two undergraduate courses related to nutrition, nutrients, and the functions of essential vitamins and minerals. Dr. Bird's primary research focuses on how cells maintain the right balance of essential metals. Her recent work has focused on imbalances in zinc levels which are linked to numerous diseases including immune dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and cancer. She encourages students to take advantage of faculty office hours and to get involved in activities that excite them, whether it is research, internships, student organizations, or service-learning. Learn more about her research, classes in molecular genetics and human nutrition, and travel to Ecuador. Read Dr. Bird's responses to a Q&A. Visit Dr. Bird's department web page. Read about other featured arts and sciences faculty.

Ethnic Studies Minors

Looking for a minor? Consider American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, or Latinx Studies. These three programs are housed under the Center for Ethnic Studies (CES), an interdisciplinary hub that includes faculty and students from many fields and colleges at Ohio State. Interdisciplinary by nature, the minors draw upon history, literary studies, sociology, political science, anthropology, and the arts. By minoring in Ethnic Studies, you'll have the unique opportunity to explore a range of questions and issues—such as immigration and racialization, ethnic and cultural identity formation, gender and sexuality, war and imperialism, transnational movements, cross-cultural expressive practices, and more. For more information, visit the CES website or email Sampada Aranke, Associate Director of the Center for Ethnic Studies, at aranke.2@osu.edu.  

Take Your Professor to Lunch - On Us!

Compliments of the College of Arts and Sciences

Sharing lunch and an informal conversation with an arts and sciences teacher is a great way to explore educational and research opportunities, to identify or confirm your career direction, as well as to build an educational relationship - an important factor when requesting a future letter of reference. Just confirm a lunch date with an arts and sciences teacher, then submit an online request for your two free meal cards to be used at one of three Traditions dining locations. As an arts and sciences major, you're eligible to participate once each semester. Read more.

Off-Campus Living Expo

Tuesday, March 25

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ohio Union Performance Hall

Are you looking for off-campus housing and resources? Do you like prizes and free food? If you said yes, then the Spring 2025 Off-Campus Living Expo is for you! This interactive expo brings together Ohio State students, parents, faculty, and staff to explore off-campus living and safety. Attendees can connect with members of Ohio State's Off-Campus Housing Network—property owners and managers committed to additional safety and community standards. At the event, you’ll also discover fire and home safety tips, university opportunities, resources to help shape your off-campus experiences, and live demos, such as food preparation and fire extinguisher safety. Did we mention the FREE food, prizes, and vendor giveaways?! For more info, visit go.osu.edu/offcampuslivingexpo.

Apply for the Career Accelerator Fund

March 17 - Application Deadline

Time is running out! If you’re considering an unpaid or low-paid internship this summer, don’t let financial barriers hold you back. The Career Accelerator Fund (CAF) offers up to $5,000 to help students in the College of Arts and Sciences gain valuable career experience. Start your application process by stopping by the Career Studio today! This step is required to ensure you’re prepared with a polished resume and a strong application. Invest in your future, gain hands-on experience, and take the next step toward your dream career. Learn more and apply today.

Drop In at the Career Studio Today! 

Not sure where to start with your job search? Need a quick resume review? The Career Studio is your go-to resource for all things career prep—no appointment needed! Stop by during walk-in hours to get expert advice on resumes, cover letters, interview strategies, and more. Whether you're prepping for an internship, job, or grad school, we’ve got you covered. Come as you are and leave more confident. Check hours and location here.

Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center

The Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center (MSLC) provides free tutoring to students in many math and statistics courses. Even if you’re not sure if tutoring is for you, students often use the Center as a place to work on their math and statistics homework with the added benefit of having a tutor around in case a question comes up. They offer drop-in tutoring and one-on-one 30-minute weekly recurring appointments. Read more.

Academic Coaching Services

The Dennis Learning Center offers free one-on-one in-person and online appointments for Ohio State students. Trained in learning and motivation strategies, Academic Coaches can help you develop strategies that lead to success. This may include reducing procrastination, improving test-taking strategies and time management skills, overcoming test anxiety, and building effective study methods. Read more and schedule an appointment.

Current Event Support

Current events at the local, regional, national, and global level have an undeniable impact on mental health. Through social media, news outlets, and being a human in today’s world, we are constantly being exposed to events that are happening around us and directly impacting us. Counseling and Consultation Service, in collaboration with partners from across the university, has created a website to share resources for students to assist in navigating our complex world. The Coping with Current Events page provides programming and other resources that support students both individually and with their student groups. The page will be updated with other resources throughout the year. Please visit ccs.osu.edu/urgent-assistance/coping-with-current-events for resources and information. 

College of Arts and Sciences Offers Embedded Clinicians

Did you know there are counselors embedded in the College of Arts and Sciences? These Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service professionals are focused on the specific needs of students within the College of Arts and Sciences. To be connected with mental health services, simply reach out! https://go.osu.edu/talktoacounselor. Students can schedule a screening to initiate ongoing counseling, or a brief “Let’s Talk” consultation to get help with a specific problem. Students may express a preference to work with one of the embedded counselors in the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information about programs facilitated by the College of Arts and Sciences counselors, visit our website https://go.osu.edu/ASCounselors.

Are You Graduating This Semester?

First of all, congratulations! The deadline to apply for Spring 2025 graduation is Friday, March 21. If you are planning to graduate spring semester, but have not yet completed your graduation application, please make an appointment with your academic advisor. If applicable, meet with your minor advisor ahead of time to complete a minor program form. Information about how to make an appointment with your major advisor may be found here.

Register for Ohio State Summer Term

Register now for summer term. Summer classes are offered May through July and range from 4 to 12 weeks, offering you the flexibility to decide what best fits in your schedule. Courses are offered in GEN Bookends and Foundations, most GEL categories, and most GEN Themes. In addition, a number of courses are offered that will fulfill major requirements in some departments/programs. Summer enrollment appointments are now available to view in Buckeye Link. 

Schedule for Autumn Semester

University priority registration for fall starts March 17. Find your scheduling window in the “Enrollment Information” box on the right side of your Buckeye Link account. While you’re there, take the time to check for any holds at the top of the column. We want you to find the best classes for Autumn! Remember to run your Degree Audit to help determine your remaining GE, major, and degree requirements. If you are unsure whether you are under the New GE program or the Legacy GE, please reach out to your academic advisor. It is best to contact your advisor to set a time to review your planned course of study before your enrollment appointment opens. Advisors’ calendars fill quickly, so plan ahead and schedule an appointment early.

Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project (OPEEP)

OPEEP is excited to offer seven courses in the upcoming Autumn 2025 semester. OPEEP courses meet once weekly inside Ohio prison facilities, bringing campus students and incarcerated students together for transformational learning experiences like none other offered at OSU. OPEEP courses span a wide variety of subjects with many fulfilling GE credits and/or specific major requirements. Lack of personal transportation is NOT a barrier to enrollment. To enroll, students must complete this online application and receive instructor permission. AU 2025 Courses. Contact: OPEEP@osu.edu.

Are You Interested in Studying Abroad?

Education abroad can expand your worldview, enhance your career prospects, and ultimately change your life. With more than 350 programs in 70 different countries to choose from, there’s one specially designed with you in mind. The Office of International Affairs can provide guidance every step of the way, whether you’re weighing your education abroad options, selecting the program that’s right for you, navigating the application process, or exploring funding options. Make this opportunity a reality! Begin to plan next year's study abroad by attending a Getting Started session now. Check out live information sessions or on-demand virtual sessions. Read more.

Global May Spain

Examine the history of Madrid, Spain in person. Madrid is a city shaped by empires, global crossings, immigration, migration, and international commerce throughout history, long predating Madrid's designation as the capital. While applications for 2025 are closed, this is an annual program, typically 4 weeks long and held during May. Students interested in summer 2026 can contact Annie Jones at jones.8319@osu.edu. Read more.

Spring Undergraduate Research Festival

The annual Spring Undergraduate Research Festival is a research poster forum for students to share their mentored research projects with the broader academic community. Presentations are offered during 60-minute sessions, where students convey their research with the aid of a poster. Undergraduate students from all disciplines who are participating in faculty-mentored research are invited to apply, and students can present on projects that are still ongoing. The Festival will be held April 8. Applications for participation are now open and will close March 23. Read more.

3-Minute Thesis Competition Present your research in just three minutes using everyday language. Applications for participation are now open and will close March 23. Read more.

Food Trucks

Want to try something new for lunch? Did you know that Ohio State's meal plan is accepted at all food trucks on campus? Food truck vendors currently partnering with Dining Services and parked on campus include Dos Hermanos, Paddy Wagon, Iron Grill, Yats Cajun Creole, MediterraneYUM, Donna's Delicious Dozen, and Pitabilities. Check out their locations, dates, and times, as well as information on Dining Service’s own Thyme and Change trucks, on GrubHub or the Dining Services website. 

Flicks for Free

Flicks for Free is presented by the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) and brought to you by your student activity fee. They are open to OSU Columbus campus students with a valid BuckID. Movies are shown in the U.S. Bank Conference Theater, first floor of the Ohio Union.

Sing Sing - March 5 from 7 - 10 p.m.

Gladiator II - March 19 from 7 - 10 p.m.

Saturday Night - March 26 from 7 - 10 p.m.

Clueless - April 2 from 7 - 10 p.m.

Symphony Orchestra

Tuesday, March 4

7:30 - 9 p.m.

Weigel Auditorium, 1866 College Rd.

The Ohio State Symphony Orchestra will present works by Weber, Haydn, and Dvorak. This event is free. No ticket required. Read more.

Dance BFA Student Concert

March 27 - 29

Barnett Theatre, Sullivant Hall

BFA students present their capstone projects, which paint an engaging and captivating picture of their experiences and time at Ohio State. Read more.

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