Across the first several weeks of the semester, Honors and Scholars students have had the opportunity to make news friends, connect with campus resources and explore campus life beyond academics through various events and programs.
The University Honors Program organized six weeks of events for the new first year. Honors focused on community-building and helping students build strong academic habits.
“My favorite part of these first six weeks is seeing students go from nervous to comfortable and confident,” said Honors Community Leadership Council Advisor, Jim Ryan. “We hope our activities provide students with a space to meet outside of the classroom and grow within the community. At the end of the day, everyone is here to get a degree, but we want to make the next four years at Ohio State more than just academics.”
Student leaders in the Honors Community Advocates and Honors Community Leadership Council led the planning of community-building events from potting plants to making friendship bracelets and exploring the North Market in Downtown Columbus. The events intended for the students to walk away with an improved skillset, a new friend, or memorabilia giving them a good start to the academic school year.
The Honors Program also launched its “So, You’re in Honors” events, a part of the First Year Success Series, which breaks down opportunities and resources available to them and links the students to others who will reflect on their experience in the program.
“By conducting programming events consistently during this time allows students to participate when they have time, sending the message that the Honors Program is a supportive resource,” said Honors Program Director, Dr. Julie Humbel-Courtney. “’So, You’re in Honors’ is set up to help students transition from an Honors high school program, or for students who did not do Honors in high school, to a collegiate Honors program.”
Within Honors, Stamps Eminence Scholars welcomed their Class of 2028 with its Early Arrival Program. The week of events gave students a chance to get to know their classmates, Ohio State and Columbus by visiting places like Chadwick Arboretum and the Ohio Theatre.
Welcoming students to campus were the 16 Ohio State Scholars Programs. During the first several weeks, students committed to giving back and exploring areas outside of the university related to their program’s unique theme.
Some Scholars programs have strong traditions for welcoming new students to their program. Those included Mount Leadership Society Scholars continuing its tradition of Launch Week and, Environmental and Natural Resources Scholars learning the proper ways to start and maintain a fire as they continued their camping tradition by visiting Hocking Hills.
Six programs within the College of Arts and Sciences: Arts, Biological Sciences, Humanities, International Affairs, Law and Society, and STEM Exploration and Engagement teamed up to welcome the students at the Kuhn Honors and Scholars House with a short activity, bracelet-making, and treats.
Service is also integral to the Scholars experience. Health Sciences Scholars volunteered at the Steps for Sarcoma 5k by helping at check in and showed support along the course. Meanwhile, International Affairs Scholars participated in Pay It Forward’s 27th Annual Community Commitment by working with the Harrison West Society to pick up trash along the Olentangy Trail riverside.
“Engaging with diverse groups within the community exposes students to different cultures, ideas, and viewpoints, enhancing their understanding of the world and fostering empathy,” said Karrie Mills, Scholars Program Director. “Additionally, participating in community service and local initiatives helps students develop a sense of responsibility and connection to the community, instilling values of service and leadership.”
Mills went on to add that all of these efforts help students form lasting relationships along with a sense of camaraderie with their Honors or Scholars peers.
Iva Horman, a first-year Honors student majoring in Criminology, has attended several of these events to help meet other students in Honors.
“I feel like it gives me more of a sense of belonging since I had been struggling with finding peers in the program. The events put me at ease knowing there are so many other students here in honors and loving it,” she said.
Through the efforts of the University Honors and Scholars Center staff and student leaders, the bright start at Ohio State is sure to help new Honors and Scholars students expand their network and create connections that can be beneficial for their futures as Buckeyes and beyond.