New and returning students are invited to celebrate the start of another year by attending events our campus’ Office of Student Life have organized. Let’s have a great beginning to this year! Contact David Miller miller.12261@osu.edu with questions.
Welcome to the 2026 Academic Year!
Actually, it is “Welcome Weeks”. Break the ice, meet new people, and get to know the campus with all these fun, exciting events.
Convocation and Dean’s Picnic | August 24, 12-2 PM
Convocation is the official start of every new school year. You will hear from our Dean and faculty. Afterwards, join staff and students for a picnic outside (weather permitting)! We will have free food, games with prizes and free Kona Ice Snow Cones!
Monday, August 24
Q & A Info Session - First Year Experience, 2:00-3:00 p.m. -Eisenhower Marketplace
Advisor Drop-in Hours, 2:00-4:00 p.m. -Reidl Hall 104
Tuesday, August 25
Game Night, 5:30-9 p.m. - Student Union
Mario Kart Tournament - Free food!
Wednesday, August 26
Involvement Fair, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. -On Mansfield Oval
91 Block Party - 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. -Columbus Campus
-Look for an email in early August to register for this fun, free event
Thursday, August 27
Bucket Golf, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
-Bring a Team or join one
-Outside the CRC
-Free Drinks and prizes
Friday, August 28
Campus Rec Open House, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
-Games, prizes, free ice cream
-Sign up for intramural sports and campus clubs
Sunday, August 18
Mixer with 3rd Cup Tea | Molyet Community Center, 4-6 p.m.
Monday, August 19
How-To Sessions | Ovalwood Hall, starting at 2:30 p.m.
- Sessions will rotate every 30 minutes
- How to use Carmen
- How to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor in OnCourse
- How to use your dining plan
- How to get involved on campus
- Meet with Financial Aid
Acoustic Karaoke w/John Rush | Eisenhower Marketplace, 5-7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 20
Intramural Registration Opens
- Sign up at the Campus Rec Center
Cards Against Hypnosis w/David Hall | Founders Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Major Mixer Mash-Up | Eisenhower Marketplace, note sessions
- Humanities Majors, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Non-Humanities, 2-3 p.m.
- Hang out with your friends and enjoy social time. Come to the Marketplace and meet other students that share your interests. All Majors are welcome with sessions focused on humanities and non-humanities majors. There will be ice breaker games and pizza for the first session and an ice cream sundae bar at the second.
Wednesday, August 21
Community & Involvement Fair | Mansfield Oval (outside of Conard Hall and Eisenhower), 11:30 AM-1:30 p.m.
- Meet with departments, student organizations and community resources
- Therapy dogs are present
- Pickleball on Lot 1
Blood Drive with Versiti | Eisenhower Student Union, 10 AM-4 p.m.
- Free t-shirt for donors
Thursday, August 22
Club 419 Open House/Music Club Sign Up | Student Union, 12-2 p.m.
Meet and Greet w/Student Organizations | Eisenhower Marketplace, 12-2 p.m.
Buckeye Tie-Dye | Outside of Eisenhower, 12-2 p.m.
- Bring your own shirt or grab one while supplies last
Outdoor Field Day | Parking Lot 5, 6-9 p.m.
- Bumper cars, giant cornhole, surfboard riding, slip and slide — plus other fun activities
Friday, August 23
CRC Showcase | Campus Rec Center, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Yoga on the lawn w/Amy Kuscik
- Volleyball and dodgeball
- Guided meditation with Megan Bailey (12-1 p.m.)
- NAMI and Campus Sexual Assault share wellness and mental health resources
- Mark’s Homemade Ice Cream on Campus — Stop by and grab a scoop!
Monday, August 26
Donuts with the Deans | Scarlet and Gray Café, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 27
Drinks with Don (Sgt. Wallis) | Outside of Ovalwood Hall, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Theatre Auditions | Founders Auditorium, 6-9 p.m.
Wednesday, August 28
Pancakes and Pollinators | Pollinator Plot in front of Ovalwood, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Drinks with Don (Sgt. Wallis) | Outside of Ovalwood Hall, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Game of Life Night | Eisenhower Student Union, 5-7 p.m.
- Don’t you wish choosing a career was as easy as it is in The Game of Life? I mean, what can you do with your major? Whether you are a just beginning to chart your academic path or a seasoned upper-class student this event will offer you a chance to explore your options. Join Veronna Drane from Career Services.
- Free food and a chance to win a gift card to Taco Bell!
Thursday, August 29
Buckeyes Rise Luncheon | Student Union, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Invitees include Say Yes students and faculty/staff
Singing Bowl Meditation w/Deb McDaniel | Student Union, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
| The Rennaissance, August 29 at 5:30 PM
Final Friday in Downtown Mansfield | The Brickyard, August 23 at 5:30 PM
- Explore Downtown Mansfield and check out a Final Friday Concert (admission is free). Travel with friends, carpool or use the on-demand RCT bus service. Call RCT at 419-522-4504 to schedule a free ride.