COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
VOLUME 9 - APRIL 2020
QUICK LINKS
Message From Dr. Gretchen Ritter, Executive Dean and Vice Provost of Arts and Sciences
Dear students,

It would be hard to imagine a more challenging end to any academic year. I want first to acknowledge the dislocation and disappointment that the pandemic has meant for you. The suspension of face-to-face classes and the closing of campus have been difficult enough to manage. But many of you have also lost chances to perform live in music, dance, and theatre productions; to complete laboratory experiments, service-learning projects, and internships; to compete in athletic events; and to share your art and poetry in end-of-year exhibitions. For seniors, the cost has been particularly high: the disruption of the rituals, formal and informal, that mark the end of your time at Ohio State and the beginning of new chapters in your lives.

But you have managed all of this with remarkable grace, patience, and good humor. You have adapted quickly to your new circumstances, learned how to learn differently, invented new forms of scholarly and artistic expression, and mobilized virtual networks of friends and family. Most important, you have taken care of yourselves, called on others when you have needed their support, and been present when others have needed yours.

These are signs not only of your individual and collective resilience, but also, I would like to suggest, of the value of a liberal arts education. Whether you have been with us for one year or four (or even more), you have learned to think critically and creatively about local and global problems, about relations of individual and social well-being, about the role of science and technology in the contemporary world, and about the possibilities and limits of different forms of expression. You have learned to be intellectually and practically flexible, even to make disruption productive.

Please know that we are here for you now. The faculty and staff of the college have been working tirelessly to teach, advise, and support you during these difficult times, and that work will continue into the summer term. And please know that we will also be here for you in the future. The bonds forged in college have always been strong, but perhaps never stronger than in times of crisis. We look forward to celebrating the successes of those of you who are graduating, and to welcoming the rest of you back to campus in the fall.

Gretchen Ritter, Executive Dean of Arts and Sciences
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
Counseling and Consultation Service
With the move to remote learning, the university knows that it is still important to have access to resources that support your mental health and wellness. Resources will be available remotely for students to use as they work through this challenging time of transition. Read more. Resources for students.
Emotional Wellness
The suspension of face-to-face teaching and other campus activities will also disrupt the experience of community that is a vital part of any university. If you find yourself feeling isolated, anxious or overwhelmed, please know that there are resources to help. Nothing is more important than taking care of yourselves and each other.
Find a Mindful Moment 
Mindfulness is paying attention in three particular ways: on purpose, in the moment, and without judgment. Slow down to fully appreciate and be present in the moment. Choose an activity and completely focus on this activity as slowly as you can while being aware of all your senses. You may wish to practice a mindful moment by savoring food, taking a walk, looking at nature, or listening to soothing music. Relaxation Response Guided Meditation.
Taking Care During COVID-19
Counseling and Consultation Service staff present effective strategies for managing mental health. In this video, staff from Counseling and Consultation Service discuss important ways to take care of yourself and others during the current health crisis. Watch video. CCS also offers a Mental Health Strategies Video Series including mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, food strategies for anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and more. Watch the entire series, or find a video specific to your needs. Video series.
Mental Health Tips During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We acknowledge that different people react differently to this type of stress. Here are some ways you can support yourself. Read more.
Ohio State: Wellness - Get the App
The “Ohio State: Wellness” app for students is available for download on iOS devices. It provides a streamlined way to navigate the range of resources available across the university and in the community and is organized into four sections:
• Explore — articles and scholarship focused on student wellness
• Support — resources for recovery and proactive wellness
• My Wellness — tracking to support wellness goals
• Crisis — directions for quickly accessing support; this feature is also currently available as “I’m Experiencing an Emergency or Crisis” in the About You tab in the Ohio State app
Thank an Arts and Sciences Buckeye
While our current change of pace due to COVID-19 may be daunting, this is a time for our community to come together and a time when our community members can showcase what it means to be a Buckeye. We want to hear about it. Additionally, expressions of gratitude are strongly correlated to wellbeing. You may tell us stories of your fellow Arts and Sciences Buckeyes rising above these challenging times here. We’ll share them on our recognition webpage.
Information about Coronavirus and the University's Response
Learn more about symptoms, risks, and how to protect yourself. Read more. University guidance and updates.
TRANSITIONING TO ONLINE LEARNING
Tips and Resources for Online Learning
As you make the shift to a new learning environment, there are tips and resources to help you with this transition. Three key areas to focus on include prioritizing your health, staying engaged with your courses, and familiarizing yourself with key tools such as Carmen and Zoom. Read more.
Help with Digital Flagship Technology
As you adjust to learning remotely, you can use Digital Flagship's virtual drop-in hours on CarmenZoom for one-on-one help using your technology. Student Mentors can answer questions on how to use your iPad's features and work in university-supported apps such as Canvas and the Adobe Spark apps, or give advice on how to get started on a digital project.  Read more.
CarmenZoom
CarmenZoom is the academic audio and web conferencing solution for Ohio State.
Information on getting started with CarmenZoom here. Information on getting help with CarmenZoom here.
SUMMER AND AUTUMN COURSE OFFERINGS
Featured Summer 2020 Courses
The College of Arts and Sciences is committed to providing you with a rich and varied academic
experience this summer, regardless of your physical location. You can satisfy GE requirements, take electives, and in many cases make progress toward a major, minor or certificate — often at a significant discount compared to autumn and spring semesters.
Read more and check back for course updates.
Looking for an Autumn 2020 GE Course? We've Got You Covered!
General Education (GE) courses are an integral part of an arts and sciences education. They help us understand our relation to the world around us, and they foster a desire to continuously learn and collaborate for the future realization of human potential. We know there are a lot of GE courses to choose from at Ohio State, so we’ve selected a sampling that will broaden your horizons and allow you to explore your passions.
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Career Success Is Here For You!
Use the next few weeks to prepare for your lifetime of opportunity! The College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success is still serving students through virtual Career Coaching (sign up on Handshake!), on-line resume checks using VMock, and we provide great resources on our Guides and Tip Sheets page to help you prepare for the next steps in your professional journey. Explore the ways we’re still serving you in the midst of these temporary changes. Read more.
Be Prepared for What's Next!
You may be stuck at home, but your career preparation and job search doesn’t have to come to a grinding halt. Virtual Week is an exciting week of employer engagements and career preparation sessions, all from the comfort of your couch. No need to iron your shirt or put on pants… Spend the week of April 13-17 virtually connecting with recruiters and learning job search best practices from Career Coaches who are available to help you! And don’t miss the HireBig10 Virtual Career Fair on Tuesday, April 14! Read more.
Get Help with a Paper, Report or Other Project
Writing Center Services Continue Remotely
The Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing (CSTW) continues to serve all writers throughout the university. Their services through the Writing Center have moved online for the rest of the semester. Writers looking for consultations can either schedule a drop-off session or schedule an online live chat session. If you have any difficulty, please contact ohiostatewritingcenter@gmail.com for support.
We Are Here for You
 As the university transitions to distance learning, Student Life services will also be offered virtually. This web page provides information on how to access services. The Peer Access Line will continue operating during normal hours when classes are in session, Monday-Friday 8 p.m. - midnight. Please call 614-514-3333 during these hours to speak to a PAL.  The Office of Student Life provides answers to common questions related to student support, buildings and operations, and more here.
Buckeye Food Alliance
Struggling to afford enough nutritious food? Buckeye Food Alliance, Ohio State's on-campus student-run food pantry, offers non-perishables, fresh produce, frozen foods, personal care items, and referrals to other student support services. Just bring your BuckID. Located at Lincoln Tower, Suite 150. For hours and more info visit buckeyefoodalliance.org.
Student Emergency Fund
A student emergency fund helps eligible students pay for unforeseen emergency expenses. Students may apply for up to $1,000 in assistance through the Student Advocacy Center's online application. Read more.
How To Report a Bias-Related Incident
If you believe you have experienced bias, in violation of the University's Equal Employment and Educational Opportunity policy or have been the target of activity that constitutes a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, please visit the BART website. 
Undergraduate Research Festival Now Virtual
Check out the latest research from undergraduate students across Ohio State at the virtual 2020 Spring Undergraduate Research Festival. The festival will take place April 14-21 and will feature presentations on topics ranging from public confidence in elections to the effects of chemotherapy on inflammation.  Read more.
Scholarships for Majors in Math, Chemistry, and Physics
The II-VI Foundation Scholarship opportunity is designed to support students entering the fields of science, engineering and mathematics at the undergraduate level. Freshmen applicants are eligible for up to a $5,000 scholarship while upper class candidates are eligible for up to a $10,000 scholarship.  Read more.
June 1, 2020: Application Deadline
July 1, 2020: Documentation Deadline
Moving Out of Rental Housing
Moving out of your rental property can be a very hectic time, but there are a number of essential steps you need to take prior to and during the move-out process including the following: provide prior notice to your property manager, provide your property manager with a forwarding address, clean your apartment/house thoroughly, fill out a move-out checklist documenting the condition of the property, take pictures and video of the unit, return the keys to the property manager, and always dispose of your trash properly. More details on each of these steps, how to dispose of bulk items, and return of your security deposit found here or visit the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services.  Move-In/Move-Out Checklist.
ACADEMIC CHANGES
Grading Policy Changes for Spring 2020 - Pass/Non-Pass
The University Senate has approved a change to allow students to take elective and General Education courses with Pass/Non-Pass grading for the spring 2020 semester only. The College of Arts and Sciences is extending this policy to also include courses taken to fulfill requirements of arts and sciences majors and minors. Students interested in pursuing the Pass/Non-Pass grading option for one or more courses should contact their academic advisor. Your advisor can talk with you about the implications this choice may have for your plans during and after college. This option is available to all students, regardless of GPA. Read more.
April 17, 2020 - Deadline to declare change to Pass/Non-Pass (PA/NP) 
Requesting an Incomplete for Spring 2020
Students requesting an Incomplete for a spring 2020 course will now have 10 weeks from the start of the next term to complete their work. Read more. 
Withdrawing From a Class for Spring 2020
The option to withdraw from a class has been extended and can be enacted by your academic advisor. Withdrawing from a class leaves this class on your transcript, marking it with a W. Courses marked as W do not count toward your GPA. Please consult with your advisor to discuss how this option might impact your academic progress, and talk with Student Financial Aid to understand your aid eligibility. Read more.
April 17, 2020 - Deadline to withdraw from a class. 
Continuation of Virtual Teaching and Learning - Summer 2020 Calendar Changes
In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Ohio State will deliver all courses through virtual modes of teaching and learning for the summer 2020 term. The summer term will start and end one week later than originally published. Classes will start on May 13 and end on July 31. Finals will take place August 3 - 5 and summer commencement will be August 9. Summer Term instructional fees for undergraduates are discounted 25 percent. Read more. Message from the College of Arts and Sciences.
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