Whether you're looking for one-on-one, individualized help or workshops to learn more about the different aspects of studying at Ohio State, the university offers a variety of academic support resources to help you reach your goals.
Resources around campus
ESEPSY 2060: Academic Success Strategies for International Students
A seven-week, two-credit hour course open to international undergraduates, ESPESY 2060 helps students adapt to U.S. academic culture and practice skills needed for success in Ohio State classrooms.
Writing Center
The Writing Center offers in-person and online appointments for guidance on writing at any project stage.
Dennis Learning Center
The Dennis Learning Center offers courses, one-on-one academic coaching and workshops to help students succeed academically.
Intercultural English Language Programs (IELP) e-books
IELP developed two free e-books for international students: "Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking" and "Empowering International Graduate Students through Writing."
Disability Services
Disability Services is committed to creating an accessible educational experience for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with the office to be considered for accommodations.
Tutoring Services
A wide variety of units on campus offer tutoring, including individual academic departments, the Younkin Success Center and Housing and Residence Education.
Distance learning tools
CarmenCanvas
CarmenCanvas is where you will see class syllabi, a list of assignments, required readings, students taking the course and course announcements.
Tips:
- Add a profile picture. This helps people get to know you virtually and is a great way to begin to connect with others.
- Set notification preferences. Let CarmenCanvas know how you want to receive notifications about things like due dates, emails through Carmen, grade postings, announcements, etc.
- Add or alter existing email preferences. This will allow you to add additional emails.
- Download your CarmenCanvas Calendar to your mobile or desktop calendar app. This will help you aggregate class times, deadlines, and assignments based on your preferred method of staying organized.
CarmenZoom
The video, audio and chat collaboration tool for Ohio State and how online synchronous classes occur.
Tips:
- Check out the Ohio State CarmenZoom backgrounds. This is a helpful feature if you'd like to block your actual background or just to be creative! Explore the backgrounds help article for assistance with setting a virtual background.
- Make sure you are familiar with all of the tool's functions.
Office 365
Office 365 learning and collaboration tools are free for students through Office 365 at Ohio State. This includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote and more.
Ohio State App
The official university app offers personalized features, including grades and account balances, personalized news, wellness resources and more.
Tips to help you succeed
Prepare for academic success
- Familiarize yourself with CarmenZoom controls
- Muting and unmuting, using reactions, writing in the chat and sharing your screen
- Record the pronunciation of your name and select your preferred pronouns in NameCoach so that your instructors know how to address you
- Visit CarmenCanvas regularly to stay up on assignments and due dates
- Collaborate with classmates digitally through Office 365's tools
- By using the Office 365 tools, you can share files and work together in real-time and be able to track progress and edits
- Schedule study sessions with others in your class to both learn your course material and connect with your classmates
Advocate for your needs
- Ask professors their preference for class discussions and speaking up with a question
- Reach out to the Student Advocacy Center if you need further assistance
Stay in contact with your academic advisor to ensure progression toward your degree
- All students can contact their advising units to schedule an advising appointment
- Students whose advising units use OnCourse for scheduling may log into OnCourse to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor
Consider speaking with an academic coach
- Online appointments for academic coaching from the Dennis Learning Center are available
- The coaches will not provide tutoring for specific courses but can help you strengthen specific skills such as taking notes, preparing for exams, organization and time management
Ask for accommodations if needed
- If you need accommodations for a disability, such as mental health conditions, chronic health conditions, temporary injuries, physical/learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), contact Student Life Disability Services
Follow Ohio State's Code of Student Conduct
- Review the Code of Student Conduct, which outlines behavior that is allowed and not allowed (in and outside the classroom) at the university
- Learn about academic conduct expectations
Participate in academic workshops geared to international students
- The Office of International Affairs hosts academic workshops at the beginning of autumn and spring semesters. They are announced via the International Student Newsletter and will be included in the office's calendar of events.
- Watch previous workshops