First Year Success Series for Students
Everything you need to find the right sessions, register with confidence, and make the most of your first year.
What sessions are available?
FYSS sessions are tagged around seven transition tags, so you can find a session based on what matters most to you right now, not just what fits your schedule.
Discover Yourself and Others: Reflect on your own identity and values while learning how to connect with the broader Buckeye community
Get Healthy: Learn to prioritize your physical and mental health, from stress management and mindfulness to nutrition and fitness
Plan Your Future: Start exploring potential majors, career paths, and long-term opportunities
Thrive Academically: Learn how to handle college coursework, improve your study habits, and confidently talk to professors
Thrive Emotionally: Discover tools to navigate the first-year ups and downs, including homesickness, setbacks, and stress
Thrive in the Real World: Master everyday life skills like budgeting, time management, and using campus resources confidently
Thrive Socially: Find out how to get involved, make friends, and build a community at Ohio State
How sessions are offered
Sessions are 45–75 minutes and available in three formats – choose what works best for your schedule and learning style:
In-person: Attend a live session on the Columbus campus - great for interactive discussions and building connections with other students
Zoom: Join a live virtual session from anywhere - same interactive experience, no commute
Carmen: Complete an asynchronous module on your own time - best if your schedule is unpredictable or you prefer to go at your own pace
Not sure which format to choose? Start with in-person or Zoom if you want a more social experience. Go with Carmen if flexibility is your priority.
Navigating the Success Series
Browse available sessions and filter by transition tag, format, date or time to find what fits your interests and schedule.
A few tips:
Register early – popular sessions fill up quickly, especially in autumn.
You can register for multiple sessions at once.
Save your confirmation email – it's your go-to reference for session details like date, time, and location.
Show up ready to participate. FYSS sessions are designed to be interactive, and you'll get more out of them if you come in curious and engaged, not just present.
What to expect:
Your presenter will outline any specific expectations at the start of the session.
In-person and Zoom sessions are live and interactive.
Carmen modules include activities you'll complete at your own pace.
Arrive or log in a few minutes early so you're settled before it begins.
After your session, you'll complete a short reflection and provide feedback about your experience. Here's how it works:
Reflections are available on the FYSS application and take 5–10 minutes to complete.
You have seven days from the date of the session to submit your reflection. You can begin once the “Start” button appears next to the session in the FYSS system.
A written response of at least 200 characters is required, and there is no spell-check feature.
After submitting, you'll receive an email confirming your reflection submission. Keep this email through the end of the semester – it's your record that you completed the reflection. You can also return at any time to view a copy of your reflection.
View a copy of your reflection
Browse available sessions and filter by transition tag, format, date or time to find what fits your interests and schedule.
A few tips:
Register early – popular sessions fill up quickly, especially in autumn.
You can register for multiple sessions at once.
Save your confirmation email – it's your go-to reference for session details like date, time, and location.
Show up ready to participate. FYSS sessions are designed to be interactive, and you'll get more out of them if you come in curious and engaged, not just present.
What to expect:
Your presenter will outline any specific expectations at the start of the session.
In-person and Zoom sessions are live and interactive.
Carmen modules include activities you'll complete at your own pace.
Arrive or log in a few minutes early so you're settled before it begins.
After your session, you'll complete a short reflection and provide feedback about your experience. Here's how it works:
Reflections are available on the FYSS application and take 5–10 minutes to complete.
You have seven days from the date of the session to submit your reflection. You can begin once the “Start” button appears next to the session in the FYSS system.
A written response of at least 200 characters is required, and there is no spell-check feature.
After submitting, you'll receive an email confirming your reflection submission. Keep this email through the end of the semester – it's your record that you completed the reflection. You can also return at any time to view a copy of your reflection.
View a copy of your reflection
After your session, you'll complete a short reflection and provide feedback about your experience. Here's how it works:
Reflections are available on the FYSS application and take 5–10 minutes to complete.
You have seven days from the date of the session to submit your reflection. You can begin once the “Start” button appears next to the session in the FYSS system.
A written response of at least 200 characters is required, and there is no spell-check feature.
After submitting, you'll receive an email confirming your reflection submission. Keep this email through the end of the semester – it's your record that you completed the reflection. You can also return at any time to view a copy of your reflection.
View a copy of your reflection
FAQs and troubleshooting
Before you register
Start by thinking about what would be most helpful to you right now, whether that’s managing stress, improving your study habits, getting involved, or exploring your future goals. Then browse sessions by transition tag, format, or time to find a good fit. You can always try different types of sessions to see what works best for you or email an FYE Peer Leader to see what they would recommend.
It depends on your survey course. Many first-year students are required to attend a set number of sessions, but requirements vary by instructor and section. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor.
Credit may not be awarded for attendance alone. Typically, you must both attend the session and complete the reflection within the 7-day window to receive credit.
Check back regularly as new sessions are added throughout the semester, and availability can change as students adjust their registrations. You can also explore different formats, like Zoom or Carmen, which often offer more flexibility. If you're still having trouble finding an option, reach out to the FYSS team for help.
All FYSS sessions count unless your survey instructor has specified otherwise. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor if you're unsure.
Yes! You can register for as many as you'd like. We recommend registering for a few at a time, so you have options if your schedule changes.
Start by thinking about what would be most helpful to you right now, whether that’s managing stress, improving your study habits, getting involved, or exploring your future goals. Then browse sessions by transition tag, format, or time to find a good fit. You can always try different types of sessions to see what works best for you or email an FYE Peer Leader to see what they would recommend.
It depends on your survey course. Many first-year students are required to attend a set number of sessions, but requirements vary by instructor and section. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor.
Credit may not be awarded for attendance alone. Typically, you must both attend the session and complete the reflection within the 7-day window to receive credit.
Check back regularly as new sessions are added throughout the semester, and availability can change as students adjust their registrations. You can also explore different formats, like Zoom or Carmen, which often offer more flexibility. If you're still having trouble finding an option, reach out to the FYSS team for help.
All FYSS sessions count unless your survey instructor has specified otherwise. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor if you're unsure.
Yes! You can register for as many as you'd like. We recommend registering for a few at a time, so you have options if your schedule changes.
Credit may not be awarded for attendance alone. Typically, you must both attend the session and complete the reflection within the 7-day window to receive credit.
Check back regularly as new sessions are added throughout the semester, and availability can change as students adjust their registrations. You can also explore different formats, like Zoom or Carmen, which often offer more flexibility. If you're still having trouble finding an option, reach out to the FYSS team for help.
All FYSS sessions count unless your survey instructor has specified otherwise. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor if you're unsure.
Yes! You can register for as many as you'd like. We recommend registering for a few at a time, so you have options if your schedule changes.
All FYSS sessions count unless your survey instructor has specified otherwise. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor if you're unsure.
Yes! You can register for as many as you'd like. We recommend registering for a few at a time, so you have options if your schedule changes.
After You Register
You'll receive a confirmation email after registering. You can also view your session registrations on the FYSS application.
You can manage your registrations on the FYSS application. If you can no longer attend, cancel as soon as possible so the spot opens up for someone else, then register for a different session that fits your schedule.
You'll receive a confirmation email after registering. You can also view your session registrations on the FYSS application.
You can manage your registrations on the FYSS application. If you can no longer attend, cancel as soon as possible so the spot opens up for someone else, then register for a different session that fits your schedule.
Day of your session
For in-person sessions, bring your BuckID to verify attendance.
For Zoom sessions, have your login link handy. You can find this in your confirmation email or on the FYSS application. Select "Update/Cancel" to view your list of sessions.
For Carmen, log in and look for the course name that matches what is listed in your confirmation email.
Yes, if you're only a few minutes late. If you're going to miss a significant portion of the session, it's better to attend a different one so you get the full experience and credit.
Use the link listed in your confirmation email and log in with your Ohio State username and password. Some session presenters may require additional/separate registration through Zoom, and the URL link will direct you to the registration page and from there you'll receive the link for the Zoom meeting. When registering through Zoom, be sure to use your name.#@osu.edu email address when prompted. If you are still having trouble, email fyss@osu.edu with details so the team can help.
For in-person sessions, bring your BuckID to verify attendance.
For Zoom sessions, have your login link handy. You can find this in your confirmation email or on the FYSS application. Select "Update/Cancel" to view your list of sessions.
For Carmen, log in and look for the course name that matches what is listed in your confirmation email.
Yes, if you're only a few minutes late. If you're going to miss a significant portion of the session, it's better to attend a different one so you get the full experience and credit.
Use the link listed in your confirmation email and log in with your Ohio State username and password. Some session presenters may require additional/separate registration through Zoom, and the URL link will direct you to the registration page and from there you'll receive the link for the Zoom meeting. When registering through Zoom, be sure to use your name.#@osu.edu email address when prompted. If you are still having trouble, email fyss@osu.edu with details so the team can help.
Use the link listed in your confirmation email and log in with your Ohio State username and password. Some session presenters may require additional/separate registration through Zoom, and the URL link will direct you to the registration page and from there you'll receive the link for the Zoom meeting. When registering through Zoom, be sure to use your name.#@osu.edu email address when prompted. If you are still having trouble, email fyss@osu.edu with details so the team can help.
After your session
In many cases, this happens if you’re outside the 7-day submission window or trying to submit your reflection before the session has officially ended. Double-check your timing first. If you’re still having trouble, contact fyss@osu.edu with details so the FYSS team can help you.
Reach out to your survey course instructor to discuss your options. Reflection deadlines are typically required for earning credit, but your instructor can guide you on next steps.
If you believe your attendance was recorded incorrectly, respond to the email to let us know so we can review your participation and help resolve the issue.
In many cases, this happens if you’re outside the 7-day submission window or trying to submit your reflection before the session has officially ended. Double-check your timing first. If you’re still having trouble, contact fyss@osu.edu with details so the FYSS team can help you.
Reach out to your survey course instructor to discuss your options. Reflection deadlines are typically required for earning credit, but your instructor can guide you on next steps.
If you believe your attendance was recorded incorrectly, respond to the email to let us know so we can review your participation and help resolve the issue.
If you believe your attendance was recorded incorrectly, respond to the email to let us know so we can review your participation and help resolve the issue.
Need help?
Most questions can be answered by checking your syllabus, reviewing the FAQs above, or watching the FYSS Registration Guide video.
If you've done that and still need support, reach out to the Success Series team at fyss@osu.edu.
When you email, include your name, student ID, and a brief description of your issue including the session title and date, if applicable. It helps the team get back to you faster.