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Answers to 10 most-asked questions

Admitted students want to know:, 1. can i change my major.

That's one of the advantages of attending Ohio State: Over 200+ majors to choose from. If you're rethinking the major you applied to, reach out now to talk with us. We'll review a couple of things, including if the new major has additional requirements. You want to get it changed before scheduling for orientation because the orientation program you're invited to is based on major. However, if you discover you want to change your major at orientation or later, or you want to do more exploration , don't worry — we can accommodate you.   

2. How should I prepare for orientation, and will it be online or in person?

The orientation program for freshmen starting on the Columbus campus in autumn will be in person . Orientation will be online for all others. You are required to attend (we hope your family will join in, too), and we hope you'll find it fun, supportive and highly informative. Here's how to prepare .

3. When should I expect my housing contract?

We email housing materials to students' BuckeyeMail accounts in the order acceptance fees are paid. This process begins in mid-March. Here's how to activate your Ohio State username (if you haven't already) and check BuckeyeMail.

4. I have questions about my financial aid offer or scholarships. Who can I reach out to?

For questions about your financial aid offer, look to two great resources:  Accepting Aid and our helpful Buckeye Link staff (contact them at [email protected] or 614-292-0300).

5. How do I know which dining plan to select?

We offer lots of options to suit lots of preferences, but it can make deciding more difficult. To make the best decision for you, follow the steps outlined by  University Dining .

6. How do I learn about on-campus jobs?

Want to earn some extra cash while in school (and make friends and get some experience, too)? Search the job board .

7. Am I allowed to have a car on campus?

First-year students living in a residence hall are not permitted to purchase a parking permit or bring a vehicle to campus. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances; t alk to staff during orientation.

8. Where do I send my AP or IB scores? If I completed college courses in high school, can I get credit?

If you completed AP or IB exams or earned credit through a dual enrollment program like CCP, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit at Ohio State. Get details , including the credit you may be eligible for.

9. If I’m in Honors or Scholars, can I live in a living-learning community?

Good news: If you're in one of these programs, you're already in a residential community! Honors students live in one of three Honors designated residence halls or another university-approved living-learning community , and Scholars students live with their designated Scholars community.

10. When can I order football tickets?

Ticket information will be emailed to your BuckeyeMail account from the Athletics Ticket Office in mid May. The ordering period opens in mid to late May, and ticket availability is limited. Learn more.

Register for live events and dig into resources for future Buckeyes .

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Admitted Students

Congratulations on your admission to the College of Arts and Sciences!

We're so excited to show you and your family everything ohio state can offer — as well as make sure you get answers to your questions and know your next steps., first-year students.

• Pay your acceptance fee  by May 15 (and sign up for summer orientation!).
• Set up your Ohio State email  using your Ohio State name.# and password.
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• Are you a first-generation college student? Check out resources here .
• Follow the Arts and Sciences social media accounts.

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Discover your path in the Arts and Sciences

Choose your own adventure using our customized search tool to match your interests with our major, minor, graduate and certificate programs.

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With 80+ majors, 100+ minors and instruction in 30+ languages, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university, giving our students the opportunity to explore any interest.

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You’ll go on your own unique journey in the College of Arts and Sciences — discovering new passions, gaining new experiences, and growing inside and outside of the classroom.

But you won’t have to figure it all out alone! There are many resources in the college to help you with the transition to Ohio State. We’ll help you find your way around campus, show you how to get involved with student groups, provide academic support to help you succeed in your classes, guide you to learn more about and participate in opportunities outside of the classroom and aid you in addressing personal concerns so you can stay healthy while doing so.

Meet Arts and Sciences students

“I feel as though I have a lasting legacy in the State of Ohio, which is really exciting.”

Senior Ella Roxey, a political science and criminology and criminal justice student, and medical student Anusha Singh played a significant role in successfully advocating for $5 million in state funding to put period products in public schools across the Buckeye state. 

“The way we navigate the college experience, starting with just the application process, is completely different. We are not just changing the trajectory of our own lives, but changing the trajectory of our families as well."

Emily Johnson, a sociology major, helped recruit fellow first-generation students to create the first honor society at Ohio State specifically designed for first-generation college students.

“The sense of community I found was an immediate feeling of belonging. While everyone in the program might not necessarily look like me, we’re all first-years who come from different backgrounds that might have been historically and intentionally excluded. By being in that background, we’re able to relate and empathize with each other.”

Emmanuel Long is majoring in medical anthropology and took part in the first-year PASS program.

“Ohio State had a very good way of not making you feel like one of 60,000. There are more opportunities than you could even read about. I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but I definitely wanted to explore a lot and wanted inspiration from other people and other sources.”

Alyssa Walsh finds joys in her French major and a career in prosthetics.

“Knowing Spanish is very important, especially in the U.S. right now, since we’re such a diverse country. The pipeline from Spanish major to music industry, it was shocking. But it's definitely helped me grow as a person for sure.”

Raylee Smith is Spanish and international studies double major.

Meet Arts and Sciences alumni

“The advantage of studying music at a place like Ohio State is that you’re not just learning your instrument, but you’re also learning everything that goes around it. It’s more interconnected and you end up working with more people. It gives you that well-roundedness that you didn’t know you needed.” 

- Orlay Alonso '15

“I feel like the skills that I learned from earning my anthropology degree have given me an advantage when it comes to doing this kind of advocacy work."

-Gretchen Klingler ’19

“If you can see yourself on a canvas in a gallery, in a museum, it changes your perspective. I think that is why art matters, in particular, for Black people. To see different types of art by Black artists, it opens you up in regard to being human — and to being treated like a human. Wanting to be more than your environment."

- Tiffany Lawson ’05

"Ohio State was such a pivotal influence in my life. Between athletics, working for the Office of Student Life, academics, the community and the people, my passions were sparked and fueled there.”

- Claudius Mbemba ’15

This is an exciting time and we are here for you every step of the way.

If you have a question about the College of Arts and Sciences or any part of the admissions process, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Recruitment.

Ask us a question

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Discover your future at Moritz!

A virtual or in-person visit to the Moritz College of Law on The Ohio State University’s campus is the best way to find out what we have to offer. The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid is located just off of the first floor lobby of  Drinko Hall . The Office is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We are closed on University holidays.

Michael E. Moritz College of Law The Ohio State University Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 104 Drinko Hall 55 West 12th, Avenue Columbus, OH 43210-1391 (614) 292-8810

Prospective students who join us for an information session, law fair, open house or building tour will be given an application fee waiver. 

Join us for a virtual information session to hear about our JD program and admissions process. Registrants will participate in an interactive webinar and have the opportunity to ask questions of admissions staff and current students. Registration is required. All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone.

Virtual Information Sessions will resume in Fall 2024. 

These sessions will be presented with automated closed captions. If you require additional accommodation to participate, please contact  [email protected] . Requests made 10 days prior to the event will help us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.

You may also wish to take a  virtual tour of Drinko Hall  or a  virtual tour of The Ohio State University's campus .

The Office of Admissions welcomes prospective students to tour the building during the Summer Semester. Tours are led by Admissions staff and are offered Monday through Friday.

Register for a Tour  here . 

While we cannot guarantee availability for visits on other days and times, we welcome you to inquire about alternatives if needed. Please email  [email protected]  at least one week in advance with your requested date and time of visit or call (614) 292-8810 and we will try to accommodate your request.

The Open House is an informational session designed to provide you with the opportunity to visit the Moritz College of Law and meet with members of the college’s Admissions and Financial Aid Office. The session will cover the application process, financial aid, career services, and more – so it’s one of the best ways to find out why there’s more at Moritz.

Our Fall 2024 Open House date will be announced in late summer. 

In-person and virtual visitation programs are scheduled during the spring semester for candidates who have been offered admission. Applicants who are admitted to the Moritz College of Law should plan to attend one of the College’s special visitation programs for admitted applicants. These events are hosted during the months of January through April in-person or via Zoom and provide the opportunity to meet members of the faculty, staff, alumni and student body.  

Registration information will be sent via e-mail to all admitted students and posted on the Admitted Student Website. 

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Thank you for your interest in visiting the College of Engineering! We look forward to hosting your visit. Please contact the College of Engineering Recruitment Coordinator at [email protected]  if you have questions or need assistance in scheduling your visit.

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For more information about planning a visit to campus, including information about the Engineering Overview Tour schedule and upcoming recruitment events, check out our Visit Campus homepage .

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Hundreds of Ohio college students protest Israel-Hamas war

Ohio state university, case western reserve university, oberlin college, ohio university, miami university and denison university have all had campus protests the past couple of weeks., by: megan henry - may 3, 2024 5:00 am.

Hundreds of Ohio State University students, faculty and community members protested the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on May 1, 2024. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.)

Ohio colleges and universities have been the site of recent protests over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. 

Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, Oberlin College, Ohio University, Miami University and Denison University have all had campus protests the past couple of weeks as the semester winds downs. 

Kent State University has a protest planned for Saturday — which also happens to be the 54th anniversary of when the Ohio National Guard shot and killed four students on campus who were protesting the Vietnam War. 

Protesters are calling for universities to divest their finances from companies and institutions with connections to Israel, transparency over their financial investments and an immediate ceasefire in Palestine. 

However, Ohio law stands in the way of some of their demands. Ohio Revised Code Section 9.76 prohibits state agencies like universities from contracting with companies that are boycotting or disinvesting from Israel. 

Former Ohio lawmaker Kirk Schuring introduced the bill in 2016 and then-Gov. John Kasich signed it into law later that year. The law was then amended in 2022. 

Protests at colleges and universities have ramped up across the nation after more than a hundred protesters at Columbia University were arrested after setting up an encampment on April 18.  The University of Southern California canceled its commencement ceremony over safety concerns due to recent protests. 

More than 34,000 people have been killed and more than 77,000 have been injured in Gaza since the Israeli invasion after a Hamas-led attack in October that killed nearly 1,200 people in Israel, according to Al Jazeera.  Women and children make up nearly three-fourths of those who have been killed in Gaza, according to an update by Gaza’s Government Media Office.

President Joe Biden said he respects the rights of people to express their opinions during the campus protests, but said it must be done without violence or destruction. 

“Violent protest is not protected,” he said in a speech Thursday morning. “Peaceful protest is. It’s against the law when violence occurs. Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. It’s against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campus, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduation. None of this is a peaceful protest. … To dissent is essential to democracy. But dissent must never lead to disorder, or to denying the rights of others so students can finish a semester and their college education.”

Ohio State University 

Hundreds of Ohio State students and faculty as well as community members peacefully protested Wednesday night on the South Oval. 

A chorus of chants rang out throughout the protest: 

“From the river, to the sea, Palestine will be free.” 

“From the river, to the sea, Palestine will live forever.” 

“Ohio wants divestment now.” 

“Divestment is our demand. No more bloodshed on our hands.” 

“Disclose. Divest. We will not stop, we will not rest.”

There were no encampments erected on the South Oval. Ohio State University Police were present as well as Ohio State Highway Patrol cars. An electronic sign near the South Oval read “no overnight events permitted … to include encampments.”

Protesters voluntarily dispersed after a few hours and no arrests were made — a stark contrast to last week when  41 people were arrested at various campus protests . Nineteen of those arrested were Ohio State students, one was an Ohio State staff member and the rest were not affiliated with the university.

Tent camping is not permitted on the lawn of the Oval without prior approval, according to Ohio State’s space rules.

“Encampments are not allowed on campus regardless of the reason for them,” Ohio State University President Ted Carter wrote in a campus-wide letter after last week’s protests. “ They create the need for around-the-clock safety and security resources, which takes these resources away from the rest of our community.”

“As a public university, demonstrations, protests and disagreement regularly occur on our campus — so much so that we have trained staff and public safety professionals on-site for student demonstrations for safety and to support everyone’s right to engage in these activities,” Carter went on to write in his letter. “Sadly, in recent days, I have watched significant safety issues be created by encampments on other campuses across our nation. These situations have caused in-person learning and commencement ceremonies to be canceled. Ohio State’s campus will not be overtaken in this manner.”

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, said he supports Carter’s actions. 

“There’s always a challenge whenever you have protests and whatnot,” Stephens   said when asked about last week’s arrests at Ohio State . “But, again, I think it’s important for the safety of everyone at a campus that the rules be followed.”

Case Western Reserve University 

There have been no arrests so far at any protests at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, but about 20 protesters were detained and released from police custody Monday morning, a university spokesperson said. 

The private university originally put a 8 p.m. curfew in place, but has allowed students to camp on the university’s Kelvin Smith Library Oval Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, a university spokesperson said. 

Oberlin College 

More than 100 students at Oberlin College in Lorain County protested Monday night and no arrests were made. 

“Oberlin supports the right of our students to gather and demonstrate peacefully,” the university said in a statement. “Oberlin expects all who participate to conduct themselves in ways that are respectful of others, that do not disrupt the day-to-day activities of the school and that uphold our shared values: respect for each other and our community.”

Miami University 

Miami University Students for Justice in Palestine organized a walkout on April 19 to support the protesters who were arrested at Columbia University and  a march is planned for Thursday night . 

Denison University 

No arrests were made when about 100 students and faculty members protested Tuesday at Denison University in Granville.

Ohio University

About 100-125 people attended a protest at Ohio University Wednesday night where people chanted up and down the escalators at Baker Center. No one was arrested.

Ohio State University protest photo gallery

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Twitter.

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Megan Henry

Megan Henry is a reporter for the Ohio Capital Journal and has spent the past five years reporting in Ohio on various topics including education, healthcare, business and crime. She previously worked at The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA Today Network.

Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom , the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

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University Exploration provides primary academic advising and support for new first-year students admitted to Ohio State's Columbus campus who are still deciding on a major or gaining entry to their college.

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Once you are admitted to Ohio State and have paid your acceptance fee, you should register for orientation . We will schedule an academic advising appointment during your orientation session in which you and an Exploration advisor will create your first-term academic schedule. Note: All first-term class schedule changes need to be made through an advisor.

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The Exploration Living-Learning Community is a community for exploring academic major possibilities, Ohio State, Columbus and more. Interested? We encourage you to apply and take advantage of the early arrival experience, extra advising opportunities and a variety of fun and educational programming throughout the academic year. To learn more, visit Exploration Living-Learning Community . ( Applications for new first-year students starting at Ohio State in Autumn 2024 are due April 15, 2024.)

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All Ohio State students take a survey course in their first term as a Buckeye. EXP 1100.01 is interchangeable with the survey courses required in other majors, so you'll have this requirement met when you declare your major. In addition to providing an overview of the university, EXP 1100.01 helps you begin exploring potential majors at Ohio State.

EXP 1100.01 is a 1 credit hour class taught by your assigned Exploration advisor. It is graded A-E. It's a great opportunity for you to earn a strong grade simply by doing what would want to do anyway: become a well-informed Ohio State student who is confident navigating the university and all it has to offer.

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In your EXP 1100.01 class, you will have the opportunity to hear from and be paired with an EXP peer mentor. Mentors are students who started with University Exploration and are now in their second, third or fourth year at Ohio State. Our peer mentors aim to provide you with valuable advice, encouragement and connection.

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Whether you are just starting your college search or hoping to learn more about final admissions steps for the upcoming semester, know that all prospective students are welcome to attend an information session. The information session will be two hours in length and includes an admissions overview and a guided tour of campus with an admissions professional or a student, with time for questions at the end.

There are no information sessions available at this time. Please consider scheduling a personal appointment to meet with our admissions team.

Transfer Information Session

Students who wish to transfer to Ohio State Newark, who have attended a different college or university after high school, are encouraged to attend a virtual Transfer Information Session. The transfer admissions counselor will highlight the application process, financial aid and important deadlines with time for questions after the presentation.

There are no information sessions available at this time. Please schedule a personal appointment to meet with our admissions team.

Virtual campus partner events

Virtual campus partner events will provide students with an in-depth look at departments that play a key role in the admissions process. Students may sign up for several events if they want to hear from multiple departments. Campus partner events will be an hour in length and will be held online utilizing the Zoom platform. 

• Parent Information Session: Focus on Financial Aid Watch recording (43 minutes)
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Watch recording (23 minutes)
• Financial Aid Watch recording (43 minutes)
• Learning Communities Watch recording (24 minutes)
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• Housing Watch recording (25 minutes)
• Disability Services Watch recording (28 minutes)
• Parent Information Session: Next Steps Watch recording (43 minutes)

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If you require an accommodation to participate fully, please contact Ohio State Newark admissions before your scheduled visit at [email protected] or 740-366-9344 . Requests should be made as soon as possible but no later than two weeks prior to the event. Requests will be accepted beyond that date and every effort to provide a needed accommodation will be made.

Everything you need to know about Ohio State spring commencement ceremony

School districts across Ohio canceled graduation ceremonies in the spring of 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19. Four years later, some of those students will finally get the chance to have their academic progress publicly recognized when they receive their college diplomas at Ohio State University's spring commencement this weekend .

More than 12,000 graduates are set to receive their diplomas on Sunday during the ceremony at Ohio Stadium.

Here's everything you need to know about commencement:

What time is Ohio State's graduation?

The ceremony officially begins at noon, but Ohio Stadium will open to guests at 10 a.m.

Commencement typically lasts between two-and-a-half to three hours.

How many guests are graduates allowed to have?

There are no restrictions on the number of guests graduates are allowed to have inside Ohio Stadium. Tickets are not required for guests.

Will there be security?

Ohio State said "heightened security measures will be in effect throughout commencement ceremonies and events" to ensure guest and graduates' safety.

Guests are asked to enter through specific gates at Ohio Stadium to get into the ceremony. They are:

• Gates 7, 9, 11, 13, 23 and 25 on the West side;
• Gates 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 on the East side.

Security measures are similar to attending an Ohio State football game. All items and persons entering the stadium are subject to security screening and inspection via a walk through metal detector and/or a hand wand metal detector.

Prohibited items include:

• Bags of any type larger than 5-by-8-by-1 inches
• Noisemaking devices
• Mace, pepper spray, aerosol cans or similar substances
• Banners or signs
• Sticks or poles
• Weapons or items that mimic weapons including, but not limited to: lighters, matches, firearms (including Concealed Carry Weapon permit holders), fireworks, pocket knives, knives, spiked bracelets, brass knuckles, martial arts weapons, stun guns, squirt guns, super soakers, rope and chains

Guests who need to bring a medical bag should enter through the Press Entrance on the west side of the stadium or the Band Entrance on the east side of the stadium.

Where should I park?

With an estimated 60,000 people attending commencement on Sunday, mixed with construction on Cannon Drive , folks should expect heavy traffic around Ohio Stadium and on campus.

Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Sisson Hall lots and any of the permit zones around Ag Campus, the Schottenstein Center, or the student residence halls. No permit is required. The Arps, Ohio Union, Neil Avenue and Lane Avenue garages will be available at no charge.

Disability parking  is located in the East Stadium lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking garages are likely to fill up fast, so its encouraged that guests use the West Campus parking lots and take a complimentary shuttle bus to the stadium.

Shuttle buses  will run from West Campus parking lots to the Coffey Road fields beginning at 9:00 a.m. until one hour after the ceremony. The Coffey Road fields are approximately a half-mile or a 10-minute walk, from Ohio Stadium.

Planning to Uber? Guests arriving by a ride-share service  should be dropped off at the Schottenstein Center.  Pickup after the ceremony will be at Neil Avenue and 19th Avenue.

What will Ohio State do if it rains during graduation?

Weather is looking a bit spotty for commencement on Sunday.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington is forecasting a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. with partly sunny skies a high near 79 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Commencement will only be canceled if the ceremony cannot be held in Ohio Stadium due to inclement weather. That's because no indoor facility on campus can accommodate the graduating class and 60,000 guests.

If it is raining or rain is forecast on commencement day, graduates and guests should come prepared with appropriate rain gear. Ponchos, raincoats and something to cover wet bleachers are encouraged. Umbrellas are permitted in Ohio Stadium, but using them during the ceremony is discouraged.

Who is giving the commencement speech?

Chris Pan — a social entrepreneur, musician and inspirational speaker — will be the commencement speaker.

Pan, a 1999 Ohio State graduate, worked for PepsiCo and Facebook before starting his own company, MyIntent. "MyIntent makes bracelets with a customer-chosen word that helps the wearer remember to live intentionally," according to the university.

Pan’s umbrella organization SpiritLab promotes spiritual health and growth through experimentation.

“Chris Pan is an incredible example of taking everything you gain at Ohio State and applying it to find solutions that improve the world after graduation,” said Ohio State President Ted Carter. “As we celebrate commencement, I am confident Chris will inspire our graduates to make their own impact as they begin their journey as lifelong Buckeyes.”

Pan released a draft of his commencement speech to his social media accounts Sunday and asked for feedback.

A draft of the speech shows that he plans to invite everyone to sing parts of “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes and “This Little Light of Mine," and he plans to take his shirt off at one point.

After the musical numbers, Pan transitions to talking about the Hamas-Israel war in Gaza and how to address conflict resolution.

"What I learned is that there is so much pain and trauma in both communities. Pain causes hate and violence. Hurt people hurt people. Healed people help people," according to his draft speech. "When we heal ourselves, we heal the world. World peace starts with inner peace."

Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter,  here .

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Alumni Awards for Excellence 2024

We are pleased to announce the outstanding recipients of this year’s Alumni Awards for Excellence. This prestigious award is given to graduating students and faculty members who have gone above and beyond in the Mountaineer community. Please join us in congratulating them!

“This event truly exemplifies and celebrates the unique bond created between our faculty and students made possible by the care, dedication, and inspiration our intimate classroom environment offers,” Western’s Vice President for Advancement, Mike LaPlante, said. “This connection is what makes Western truly transformative, so we take the opportunity to honor and commemorate this at the Alumni Awards for Excellence.”

For the last 27 years, members of Western’s Alumni Advisory Council have met each spring to consider the nominations of students from nearly every department. The committee’s goal is to find the most select group of nominees who have spent their time on campus committed to being the best version of themselves and exemplify what it means to be a Mountaineer.

Allie Weatherill | Art and History major

Weatherill graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Art, a B.A. in History, and a minor in Environment and Sustainability. Immediately after graduation, she will work in seasonal positions in the fields of history, archaeology, and museum studies before going on to pursue a graduate degree.

“I feel so very humbled to receive this award. I followed my passions while at Western, and I am extremely grateful for my professors and faculty who always believed in me–I couldn’t have done all that I did without their encouragement and support,” Weatherill said. “And being the daughter, granddaughter, and great-niece of Western alumni, it is such an honor to be recognized with this award.”

While at Western, Weatherill was involved in Western Club Figure Skating for five years and the club’s president for two years. She was also the Club Sports Council Treasurer for more than three years, involved in Western Honors, played in the Western Steel Band for five years, was a part of the Western Percussion Ensemble for five years, played in the Western Symphonic Band for three years and the Western Drumline for two years. She was also Western’s NAfME (National Association for Music Education) chapter member and treasurer for three years.

In addition to her success in academics and music, she had the opportunity to work with Gunnison’s Pioneer History Museum to research, create, and install a postal exhibit. Weatherill was also an intern and indispensable leader of the team that worked with noted artist and filmmaker Patricia Amlin to manage her film cell collection, working past the end of her internship to see Amlin’s work safely delivered to a California film museum.

Brayden Kammers | Politics and Government, emphasis in Pre-Law and Philosophy minor

“Winning this award proves to me that good things take time. Something students constantly struggle with is feeling appreciated for everything they do, and I definitely have struggled with that,” Kammers said. “Receiving this award means that my hard work has paid off, and it means the world to me. The challenges I overcame were well worth it!”

While at Western, Kammers was involved in the Cheer team, which is what initially brought him to Western. He was involved in Student Government as a senator, senate chair, and vice president. He was also president of the Spectrum (LGBTQIA+) Club as a senior and worked in the [Leadership, Engagement, and Development] Office as well as being a Peer Success Coach.

In addition to his athletic and academic success, Kammers had the honor of being chosen as a Geiman Fellow. The purpose of the fellowship was to broaden Kammers’s perspective of the changing global economy and help him develop as a productive member of our global society.

Amelia Lukassen | Communication Arts, emphasis in Strategic Communication and ESS-Sport Psychology minor

“Receiving this award means a lot to me, but most of all, it is reassurance that I made the right decision to stay home and go to Western for school. I had lots of opportunities to go elsewhere, but I ultimately felt like this was the best fit for me,” Lukassen said. “Western exceeded what I thought my college experience would be like, having grown up in Gunnison. This award feels like recognition for years of hard work throughout both high school and college, as well as the acknowledgment of mentors along the way.”

While at Western, Lukassen sang in the concert choir, was a staff writer, photo editor, and photographer for The Top O The World student newspaper, was a sports information intern for two years, was a public relations team member for a campaign project; and played women’s club softball.

Matthew Harris | Masters of Science in Ecology

“Receiving this award is a recognition of my contribution to the Western and, more broadly, Gunnison communities,” Harris said. “Over the years, it has been a pleasure to work with many friends and wonderful mentors in the pursuit of new knowledge and improving equity through providing renewable energy to those in greatest need.”

While at Western, Harris competed on the freeride ski team for two years and was a founding member and vice president of the Western Solar Society. The Society’s mission is to educate the public about renewable energy and engage with the community to promote the adoption of renewable sources of energy.

Bailee Phillips | Communication Arts, emphasis in Film Studies and Art minor

“I am deeply honored to receive the alumni award for excellence, representing not just four years of dedication in college, but a commitment to excellence that will continue to inspire and guide me throughout my journey,” Phillips said. “This award is not only a recognition of my accomplishments and hard work but my dedication to learning.”

While at Western, Phillips was the co-director for Mountaineer Media, which is Western’s student-run media production company. She also worked for the University’s Office of Academic Affairs as well as The Center for Learning and Innovation and was part of the Council of Creative Expression. She also wrote a short play that was produced last year for the student-directed One Act Plays.

Rebekah Herrera | General Studies (Adult Degree Completion)

“Receiving the Alumni Award for Excellence holds immense significance for me,” Herrera said. “It validates the dedication and hard work I’ve invested in my academic and extracurricular activities. This recognition not only honors my achievements but also fuels my drive to pursue excellence in all facets of my educational journey.”

Kira Cordova | Spanish and Recreation & Outdoor Education double major, Humanities & Diversity and English double minor

After graduation, Cordova will start working as a maritime interpreter at Fort Ticonderoga in New York State and pursue a low-residency MFA in Nature Writing through Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing and start the U.S State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship program to learn Russian.

“I took significant time away from Western when I was a junior to study abroad, and that year evolved into a gap year afterward. When I came back to Gunnison to finish my degree in August, I was worried about being able to reinvest in the community. Receiving this award feels like an affirmation that I have been able to,” Cordova said.

While at Western, Cordova raced on the University’s Mountain Bike Team, going to Nationals in 2019. They also competed on the Climbing team and participated in the Polynesian Chant and Dance Club, the Western Theatre Company, the dance team, the Western Mountain Rescue Team, Wilderness Pursuits, and LEAD Sustainability, which is a student-led program aimed at creating a culture of sustainability through education, collaboration, and unification. Cordova also played in the University’s orchestra and jazz band.

Unlike the Latin honors granted on graduation day, the Alumni Award for Excellence (AAE) doesn’t only reward a high GPA, although an outstanding academic record is necessary for consideration. Instead, the award is a reward for students willing to give their time and talents to make Western an exceptional community.

Author Credit: Seth Mensing Photo Credit: Courtesy

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Mike Johnson Columbia University visit met with boos and heckling from protestors

House Speaker Mike Johnson arrived on the campus of Columbia University on Wednesday armed with a stern message for school administrators and protesters after days of anti-war demonstrations, arrests and campus closures at colleges across the country.

Johnson, R-La., described instances of antisemitism on college campuses, called for the resignation of the university president and warned that students perpetrating violence should be arrested.

His lecture was met with boos from nearby protesters and chants of “We can’t hear you!”

“Enjoy your free speech,” Johnson shot back.

In his remarks on campus, Johnson shamed students and faculty involved in the protests, as well as administrators for not doing enough to prevent them.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

“It's detestable. As Columbia has allowed these lawless agitators and radicals to take over, the virus of antisemitism has spread across other campus,” Johnson told the crowd. “Anti-Israel encampments are popping up in universities all across this country. The madness has to stop.”

Students at Columbia University have pledged to continue protesting in an encampment they set up last week until the university agrees to a complete divestment from Israel. Protesters have demanded divestment from a student-exchange program and the university's campus in Tel Aviv.

More: Ukraine, Israel aid package heads to Biden as Congress caps monthslong struggle

The contentious protests led to the arrest and suspension of more than 100 students from Columbia University and Barnard College last week − including U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi.

As Johnson finished, he turned things over to Republican Rep. Virgnia Foxx (R-NC), the Chair of the House Committee on Education, who said Columbia University is "in a free fall.”

“As Speaker of the House, I am committing today that the Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes hiding in fear,” Johnson said. “We have passed a number of statutes to address this matter and we call upon the U.S. Senate to act upon our legislation.” 

Some Columbia University leaders said they were open to negotiating with protesters, but students from a group called Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine said they are not currently interested.

In a statement Tuesday, the group alleged that university negotiators threatened to call the National Guard and NYPD if they "do not acquiesce to their demands."

In a campus update Tuesday, Shafik said the university is working to identify and discipline protesters who violated its policies against discrimination and harassment.

"The right to protest is essential and protected at Columbia, but harassment and discrimination is antithetical to our values and an affront to our commitment to be a community of mutual respect and kindness," Shafik said in the statement.

The protests have fueled an ongoing national debate about Jewish students' safety after a documented rise in antisemitism on college campuses following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Israel's military response .

More: Harvard, Stanford and MIT get an 'F' from ADL on antisemitism report card

"Amid anti-Israel protests, Jewish students at Columbia University don't feel safe," Johnson said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Let's be clear: these are not peaceful protests, these are antisemitic mobs."

According to a spokesperson from the Speaker’s office, Johnson wanted to speak to students at Columbia because he felt New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has not done enough to protect them.

“Hochul and other officials in New York have completely failed in their duty to protect Jewish students and combat the rise of antisemitism in their party,” Athina Lawson said in a statement. “We wish it weren’t necessary.”

House Republicans Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Nicole Mallotakis (R-NY) joined Johnson and Foxx at the campus Wednesday.

"Together, we're going to send a message that Shafik's failure to secure campus for her Jewish students is unacceptable. She MUST resign," D’Esposito said in a post ahead of their visit.

More: Columbia University president fends off questions that took down her Ivy League peers

Their visit comes two days after House Democrats Dan Goldman (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Kathy Manning (D-NC), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) met with administrators and Jewish students on campus Monday.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_