Ohio State Engages October 2025 Newsletter

Colleagues,

Our local nonprofit organizations are critical assets for serving the diverse needs of communities across Ohio. Buckeyes for Charity is our annual opportunity to directly support our states nonprofits. Since 1997, Ohio States faculty, staff and retirees have donated more than $27 million to our community through Buckeyes for Charity.

This year I supported the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, a nonprofit organization working to eliminate housing insecurity in our region. The giving opportunity for Buckeyes for Charity closes on Nov. 3. If you are interested in making an investment in our communitys nonprofits, I encourage you to explore the more than 700 nonprofits that you can support with your donation.

We are excited to announce that the call for this years University Outreach and Engagement Awards nominations is open. Our awards program is an opportunity to celebrate the important engagement work of our faculty, staff, students and community partners. This year we have award categories for faculty, staff, programs and graduate students. We hope you consider making an award nomination this autumn!

I wish you all a refreshing autumn semester break.

Sincerely,

Jason Reece
Vice Provost for Engaged Scholarship and
Community Engagement
Office of Academic Affairs

Apply Now: University Outreach and Engagement Awards

Ohio State is seeking nominations for the 2026 University Outreach and Engagement Awards, which honor faculty, staff and students for outstanding achievement in producing engaged scholarship and community impact. Awards will be given in three categories: Community Engaged Scholar, Community Engaged Practitioner (for staff) and Community Engaged Graduate Student. Apply by Dec. 19.

Ohio State's Community Partnership Breakfast: Nov. 21

Please join us for Ohio State's inaugural Community Partnership Breakfast on Nov. 21! The event will bring together community and university partners to deepen relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Breakfast and networking, along with a display of graduate student posters, will start at 9:30 a.m. The program begins at 10 a.m. RSVP by Nov. 6.

Join your Buckeyes for Charity co-chairs in supporting Ohio nonprofits

Stacy Rastauskas, vice president for government affairs, and Dan Like, chief administrative officer, ambulatory services at the Wexner Medical Center, have been leaders at Ohio State for years. But in 2025 they have taken on new roles as co-chairs for Buckeyes for Charity, the universitys charitable giving campaign, which runs through Nov. 3

Call for Proposals: Programs of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship

To support and promote high-impact engaged scholarship, the Office of Outreach and Engagement certifies programs of excellence in engaged scholarship. The certification process seeks to identify up to 20 projects annually that demonstrate excellence in community engaged scholarship and meet the criteria of high-impact engaged scholarship. Proposals are due Dec. 19.

Community Connector Q&A: Nicole Debose

"I believe effective community impacts require the involvement of those representing various perspectives and areas of specialization," said Nicole Debose, Extension area leader, Cuyahoga County. "Building and maintaining trust amongst varying interests is key to having a long-lasting positive impact in any community engaged work."

Ohio State at the 2025 Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference

Faculty, staff and students from Ohio State had an important presence at the 2025 Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference. The university had numerous presenters from a wide range of colleges and departments at the conference, which was held in Roanoke, Virginia.

More community engagement news

• At Lima, tomorrows engineers learn at a Ford plant
• Ohio State to receive $16.6 million award to study mental and emotional recovery from traumatic bodily injuries
• For thousands of Ohio youth, 4-H is their first class at Ohio State
• Ohio State helps small business owners leverage AI tools

Opportunities

Engaged Scholars and Practitioners Community of Practice: Oct. 24

The Engaged Scholars and Practitioners Community of Practice is intended for faculty and staff whose scholarship and outreach connect the universitys resources to pressing social, civic and ethical challenges. The next meeting will take place Oct. 24 from 10-11 a.m. via Zoom.

Globally Engaged Scholars Community of Practice: Nov. 13

The Globally Engaged Scholars Community of Practice is open to anyone interested in advancing global learning and international engagement across academic and professional contexts. This group brings together faculty, staff and graduate students to share ideas, explore best practices and collaborate on initiatives that promote international engagement. The next meeting will take place Nov. 13 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Enarson Hall, room 160.

Submit a proposal for visiting artists

The Office of Academic Affairs is now accepting proposals for visiting artists for the 2026-27 academic year. All campuses, academic departments and centers are invited to submit proposals. Proposals from two or more departments and/or centers in collaboration are encouraged. Partnering with community organizations is both allowed and welcomed. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 17.

Student sustainability competition: Smart Campus Challenge

Graduate and undergraduate student teams are encouraged to propose sustainability projects in the Smart Campus Challenge. Selected teams will then pitch their projects to a panel of judges for up to $60,000 in project funding and a trip to Paris for ENGIE Innovation Week. ENGIE, Ohio States energy utility partner, is once again offering this competition program to support student-led projects that will advance the universitys resource stewardship sustainability goals. Proposal submissions are due Nov. 14.

Apply now: Community-Engaged Course Development Grants

Ohio State instructors are invited to apply for a grant of up to $4,000 to support the development of a new community-engaged course or revising an existing course to include community engagement. Grants can support courses offered on any Ohio State campus and at either the undergraduate or graduate level. The application closes at 9 a.m. on Jan. 26, 2026.

Explore Campus Compact programs

Through Campus Compact's programs, you have an entire nationwide network at your fingertips. Gain access to valuable information, practical tools and the latest research that you need to move forward locally and across the country. Ohio State is a member of Campus Compact.

Participate in The Big Table: Oct. 21

The Big Table is an annualcommunity-widedayofconversation designed to inspire civic engagement and connection. This year, we invite you to take part in a Big Table conversation happening throughout our community. You can find a location at the link below.

WestFest, Ohio State's science and sustainability festival: Oct. 25

WestFest, Ohio State's science and sustainability festival, will take place on Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event offers free admission and parking, and features family-friendly STEM activities, academic building tours, prizes and food trucks! This is the perfect educational opportunity for kids K-12 to learn about various STEM topics in an engaging way!

CTSI Spark Awards available

Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Spark Awards are designed to support preliminary research and generate essential data for new and ongoing projects. Spark Awards provide investigators with resources to advance their research, aiming to jump-start pilot studies and support future extramural grant applications or scientific initiatives. Applications will be received through March 15, 2026, or until designated funds are exhausted.

Make connections with the Outreach and Engagement listserv

Did you know you can connect with colleagues through the Outreach and Engagement listserv? You can share your work and events, look for partnerships and much more by emailing the list at outreach@lists.osu.edu.