Preparing for spring!

Your student's next steps

Autumn semester is only halfway over, but now is the time to start thinking about spring! In this edition of FYE News for Families, we'll highlight some things your student should keep in mind as they prepare.

Encourage your student to meet with their advisor

As your student gets ready to schedule spring semester classes, encourage a meeting with their academic advisor. Your first-year student may have already mapped out courses for the next year during their survey course, but academic advisors can review projected courses and make suggestions.

Students should continue to meet with their advisors beyond the requirements of the survey course. This valuable relationship can help them find internships, co-ops, study abroad experiences and even research positions.

Not sure who their adviser is? Students can find their assigned advisor by logging in to My Buckeye Link and selecting Details within the Advisor box.

Scheduling for spring semester 2027

Course registration appointments open the week of October 19 for all students with university priority scheduling. Other students will see their appointments open in the weeks to come, and the last sets of appointments open November 17. Students can view their enrollment appointment date under "Enrollment Information" on the right side of their My Buckeye Link page.

Encourage your student to follow this advice:

• Meet with advisors: Review next semester's planned courses, including any appropriate alternate courses just in case the first choice is not available.
• Prepare course selections for the following semester: Check email notifications and have a plan in place when your course registration appointment opens.
• Check for holds: Take steps to clear any holds on your account before your enrollment appointment opens.

Checking in with your Buckeye

As the semester gets into full swing, a quick call or text is a great way to stay connected and hear how your student is adjusting to college. Beyond the standard "How's school?", try asking about how they’re liking their hardest class or who they’ve been grabbing meals with lately.

You can also check in on their campus life by asking how they like their meal plan, or, if they commute, how much time they need to park and get to class. These casual touchpoints are a perfect, low-pressure way to support your Buckeye as they navigate their first year.

Consult resources at the Younkin Success Center

The Younkin Success Center brings together the following campus offices that facilitate student success: 

• The Dennis Learning Center helps students improve notetaking and study skills, time management and test-taking strategies.
• Counseling and Consultation Service provides a full range of counseling and mental health services. 
• Career Center of Excellence offers individualized attention in assessing interests, values and personality traits as students explore majors and careers. The office also assists with resume writing, interviewing skills and job searches.

Helpful course: Learning and Motivation Strategies for College Success

For additional academic help, your student can enroll in ESEPSY 1259: Learning and Motivation Strategies for College Success, a three-credit class that introduces strategies to improve skills such as:

• Overcoming procrastination
• Managing time
• Taking, editing and reviewing lecture notes
• Using effective study strategies
• Preparing for and taking tests

Generally, students who complete the course have higher GPAs and have more effective study strategies. If you think your student would benefit from this class, encourage them to search the university course catalog for available spring semester sections.

TOPP payment reminder

The next payment deadline for students enrolled in the Tuition Option Payment Plan is Sunday, October 18.

Got questions? Ask us!

As your student learns to navigate Ohio State, you may find that you have questions but don't know where to turn for the answer. Don't worry — we're here to help! Email us anytime at askfye@osu.edu.