First Year Success Series | First Year Experience

Update

Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

We know that navigating college life can be tricky. There's a lot to figure out, and sometimes, you might not know where to turn for help. And that's OK! It's normal to struggle sometimes. That's why we created the First Year Success Series.

What is the First Year Success Series?

The First Year Success Series offers workshops facilitated by university professionals, student leaders, and community partners who are all dedicated to supporting your success. Sessions are available in-person or online through CarmenCanvas and CarmenZoom, and each one lasts about 45–75 minutes. They’re designed to help you make the most of your Buckeye experience by connecting you to campus resources and answering common questions during your transition to college life.

First Year Success Series Expectations

As a first-year student, you're expected to attend a minimum number of Success Series sessions during autumn semester.

How many? It depends. As part of your survey course, you'll be required to attend and reflect on sessions for credit — but the number is set by your survey course instructor. That means expectations vary from course to course; you probably won't have the same requirements as your roommate or your friends in other majors. Check your survey course syllabus and talk to your instructor if you have questions.

Beyond the required sessions, we encourage you to attend any others that catch your interest. These workshops are a great way to learn something new, get your questions answered, connect with campus resources, and meet other new Buckeyes.

Session types

Success Series sessions are offered in a variety of ways to help you access the content you want in a format that is comfortable for you and fits your busy schedule.

CarmenZoom sessions are offered as Zoom meetings online, so you can easily join from anywhere!

CarmenCanvas sessions are offered monthly and are meant to be completed at your own pace during the month for which you signed up. Your presenter will communicate specific dates, deadlines and expectations with you.

In-person sessions are held on campus in classrooms or meeting spaces, offering a great opportunity to connect face-to-face with presenters and fellow Buckeyes.

Registering for a session

Ready to get started? We offer hundreds sessions every term — there are more than 300 planned just for autumn semester! To help you find those that interest you, we've tagged every session according to its topic.

Need help? Watch this step-by-step guide to registering for a session.

FIND A SESSION