Office of Student Life

Affinity Groups

Buckeye Brothers – Undergraduate and Graduate

Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 PM

Buckeye Brothers is a place for men to come together and discuss their problems in a casual and genuine way. The purpose of the group is to help members develop tools to better manage their mental health and relationships with others. We do this through creating a relaxed and supportive environment for members to give and receive feedback from one another and reflect on how their identities as men influence how they approach the challenges. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Jake Friedman or Connor Hicks.

Connections

Fridays, 12:30-2:00 PM

This group is for autistic or neurodivergent undergraduate students who may find social connection/academic relationships challenging as they also navigate their experience at OSU.  It is an opportunity to connect with each other, share and grow.  A primary focus will be on interpersonal experiences and communication/emotional expression to support students in connecting to their own values, emotions and beliefs as well as connecting with others in a supportive and effective manner.   For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Shivani Edwards or Ali Al Khalaf.

Graduate International Student Group

Thursdays, 3:00-4:30 PM

This group provides a space for international graduate students to form community and build support as students navigate their unique experiences on campus. Any and all topics related to being an international student and a graduate student are welcome to be discussed including cultural adaption, transitioning on campus as a graduate student, academics and visa implications, and navigating the career market post-graduation. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to I-Shan Yang.

LatinX- Healing, Encouraging, and Rising Together (HEART)

Tuesdays, 2:00-3:30 PM

This group is for all LatinX- graduate students regardless of identities, nationality, or immigration status. The group provides a safe and supportive atmosphere where participants can engage in inviting and authentic discussions about students' experiences as Latinx students on campus. Any topics relevant to students' experiences can be discussed, such as sociopolitical issues, immigration status or conditions, intersecting identities, academics, and more. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Marcy Lusk.

Queer Grad Group

Tuesdays, 3:15-4:45 PM

This group will focus on the social and emotional needs of graduate students of any gender expression, identity, or cultural background who identify as queer and/or LGBTQ+. This is a co-created space where members are invited to come as who they are while focusing on issues of personal relevance. Consequently, topics in this group will be member generated and likely to capture interpersonal effectiveness, identity development and integration, resilience and cognitive dissonance. Within this process, cis and heteronormative narratives will be deconstructed while stories are told and re-written for the purpose of individual and collective enrichment. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Mark Sampson.

Queer Undergraduate Group

Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30 PM

This group focuses on supporting positive mental health and social connectedness among undergraduate students who identify as queer. We understand the term "queer" to be inclusive of any sexual minority (i.e., not heterosexual) and/or gender minority (i.e., not cisgender) student. Members are invited to check in weekly about their progress toward wellness goals, generate topics for group discussion, and support one another as we learn together about each member’s unique experiences as a queer Buckeye. Topics are likely to include (but not limited to) discussion of cultural identities and social experiences, intersectionality, wellness, and gender identity and expression. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Sarah Peters or Palmer Rovins.

Reclaiming Self 

Fridays, 1:00-2:30 PM

This is a group for female-identifying students who have experienced a form of sexual trauma or violence (sexual violence can include harassment, assault, toxic relationship dynamics, non-consensual sexual contact, stalking, childhood abuse, and more). Members of this group can expect some initial discussions on trauma-informed coping and understanding of trauma responses before transitioning into a process-oriented space in which members will be encouraged to support one another as concerns and narratives are shared within the group. Some topics of discussion will likely include (but are flexible and dependent on member's needs): boundary-setting, healthy relationship dynamics, red/orange/green flags, self-compassion, shame, and vulnerability. Our goal is to work together to take back our power and reclaim the best versions of ourselves that is often stifled after experiencing a trauma. Ask for a referral from your triage clinician or individual therapist if you are interested. Please note that a brief (15-20 minute), virtual meeting 1:1 with the group facilitator(s) is required prior to the group start date to assess group goals.  

Transgender and Non-Binary Group

Fridays, 2:30-4:00 PM

This group is for undergraduate and graduate students who are exploring their gender identity or who identify as transgender or gender diverse.  Common themes include, but are not limited to interpersonal effectiveness, identity development and integration, resilience and cognitive dissonance.  Together, group members navigate common family, cultural, and community issues.  In this safe and supportive environment, group members develop a sense of solidarity. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Ven Palmieri.

Understanding Self and Others BIPOC Group

Fridays, 2:00-3:30 PM

This is an undergraduate student group specifically for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who seek a safe space to explore their own identities and shared experiences as it relates to their own culturally diverse backgrounds as well as gain a better understanding of how to relate to others in new and healthy ways. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Justin Turner or Jazmin Lara.

Women's Group

Wednesdays, 2:30-4:00 PM

Women's Group is a weekly space for female-identified students to explore shared experiences, connect with others, and both give and receive support. Members are encouraged to share feedback and practice new ways of connecting with others. The group will discuss themes including assertiveness, self-esteem, vulnerability, gender-based violence, relationships, anxiety, depression and other concerns that impact our overall wellbeing. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Chavonne Gaines.

You Good Man?

*This group has spots for Spring Semester, 2025

You Good Man?, named after a popular 2016 Twitter hashtag centering the mental health of Black men, is a support/process group for Black people (inclusive of the African diaspora) who are male identified to discuss topics and issues of masculinity and how assumptions and expectations impact Black lived experiences. Topics will include, but are not limited to racism/discrimination/bias, assumptions of Black male anger and aggression by society, generational trauma, survivor’s guilt, toxic masculinity, intimacy and healthy attachment, self-advocacy and more. For more information please schedule a Phone Screening or reach out to Peter Oduwole