COLUMBUS – For more than 7,000 new Ohio State University students from Ohio, 46 other states, and 20 foreign countries, college life has begun.
The incoming freshmen begin their college careers on the Columbus campus with the start of autumn semester classes on Tuesday, though many will take part in introductory events during the week:
Monday – Convocation at the Schottenstein Center is the official welcome event at Ohio State for first-year students. Students hear from university president Michael Drake, faculty, administrators and special guests, and are introduced to OSU traditions. Following the convocation, the first-year students are taken to Nationwide Arena for a multimedia production featuring key community leaders, alumni and current students.
Thursday – At Ohio Stadium, students learn about school spirit in a program that features the OSU Marching Band, celebrities, and a Block O card stunt.
Friday – Dump & Run at the Jesse Owens north basketball courts is a huge yard sale of gently used TVs, furniture, clothing, dorm supplies and more items. The event is intended to reduce waste that goes into landfills and provide students with some bargains college essentials. Collection of items began during spring move-out. Proceeds and leftovers will go to participating student organizations and charities such as the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and Salvation Army.
There was an unprecedented clamor to become a Buckeye this year. The number of applications to join the Class of 2019 was 45,921, up from more than 42,000 last year and more than 26,000 in 2010.
University officials are calling attention to the academic prowess and diversity of the incoming group of students.
A record 62 percent graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class. The class also includes a record number of minority students.