Buckeye terminology

BuckeyeMail is your official university email account. Ohio State sends most communications to your BuckeyeMail account, so be sure to check it regularly. 

Visit my.osu.edu to activate your BuckeyeMail. Once activated, log in at buckeyemail.osu.edu.

The Buckeye Alert System is a multimodal, emergency notification system that includes nearly two dozen communication methods. Buckeye Alerts, often sent via text message, are issued when it is determined that the campus community needs to take immediate action to remain safe or if the closure of campus is necessary due to weather or other emergencies. If your cell phone number is in our Student Information System (BuckeyeLink), then you are automatically registered for the Buckeye Alert text messaging system.

This is a one-stop online destination for essential Ohio State resources and services. Students can visit Buckeye Link to take care of academic business online, which provides links to information, instructions, and deep links into their secure and personalized My Buckeye Link.

Buckeye Pass is a multifactor authentication service that is required to access most online services. It protects your account even if your password is stolen. All Ohio State users must register for Buckeye Pass at buckeyepass.osu.edu.

BuckID is your official Ohio State university ID and can be used at Table of Contents dining center, Barnes & Noble bookstore, print labs, copiers and vending machines, as well as to access campus facilities and Columbus campus resources. Make sure you carry your card with you at all times. Your BuckID can be obtained at the Department of Public Safety.

Ohio State student who move their academic program from one of Ohio State's campuses to another. They are a distinct group from transfer students joining Ohio State from a non-Ohio State campus.

CarmenCanvas is the Ohio State course management system. A few days before classes begin, log in to CarmenCanvas at carmen.osu.edu with your username and password to view your syllabi and course requirements.

The code of student conduct is established to foster and protect the core missions of the university; to foster the scholarly and civic development of the university's students in a safe and secure learning environment, and to protect the people, properties and processes that support the university and its missions. The code applies to the on-campus conduct of all students and registered student organizations, including conduct using university computing or network resources. The code also applies to the off-campus conduct of students and registered student organizations in situations which meet certain criteria. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the code of student conduct.

Convocation is the official welcome to Ohio State for new students on the Monday of Welcome Week. Students hear from the president and top administrators, experience their first academic procession, and learn some of the history and traditions of Ohio State.

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the almost universal application for financial aid, including loans, grants, college work-study and other federal and state programs. It is often required before a student can be considered for scholarships.

Every student is highly encouraged to file the FAFSA. File by Ohio State's priority deadline to be considered for the most financial aid.

FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This act sets forth requirements designed to protect the privacy of student educational records. The law governs access to records maintained by educational institutions and the release of information from those records. This is a federal law that Ohio State employees are required to abide by. Students can specify individuals allowed to access their information by updating their FERPA release in BuckeyeLink.

My OSU lets you manage your Ohio State digital identity, including your username, password and email delivery. You can do things like activite your Ohio State username, change your password or set up BuckeyePass.

OnCourse is the authorized student academic success platform used by students, faculty and staff. Through this platform, students can communicate and schedule appointments with their academic advisor and academic success coach, as well as review their advising notes and class information.

You can choose to be put on a waitlist if a class is full when you enroll for the term. Students on a class waitlist are enrolled in “first-on, first-off” order as space becomes available. You are not guaranteed a seat in the class. Tuition and fees associated with a waitlisted class are not assessed unless you are officially enrolled in the class.

A financial aid program funded by the U.S. federal government that allows students to work part time on campus or with approved off-campus employers. Learn about student employment at Ohio State Newark.