Key Issues

The Office of Marketing and Communications supports the university's response to important issues in our academic, staff and student communities. Contact our Public Affairs team for more information on these and other key issues.

Ohio State is proud to be a leader in making an excellent college education accessible and affordable. The university’s comprehensive focus on affordability includes freezing in-state tuition for each incoming undergraduate class, expanding financial aid to meet students’ needs, enhancing student success programs and addressing student debt.

Other key affordability initiatives include:

The Scarlet & Gray Advantage provides pathways for eligible Ohio State students to earn their bachelor’s degree – debt free – freeing them to pursue a vibrant future without the burden of student loans. The program is in its second year.
The Ohio State Tuition Guarantee freezes rates for Ohio students and families, offering certainty about the cost of a four-year college education. For each class of incoming first-year Ohioans, the university sets rates for in-state tuition, mandatory fees, room and board that are frozen for four years.
Ohio State controls the cost of tuition and fees to remain affordable. Among Ohio’s selective-admission public universities, Ohio State is the second most affordable for resident undergraduates. Among peers nationally, Ohio State is consistently near the median for both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees. See current rates.
Student debt among Ohio State graduates has decreased for four years in a row. In the 2021-22 academic year, 56% of Ohio State bachelor’s degree recipients graduated with no student loan debt. This number is an improvement from 48% during the 2017-18 academic year.
The Buckeye Opportunity Program ensures that financial aid covers the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees for Ohio students who qualify for federal Pell Grants. Overall, Ohio State has increased institutional financial aid by more than $245 million since fiscal 2015 through the Buckeye Opportunity Program, President’s Affordability Grants and Land Grant Opportunity Scholarships.
The Affordable Learning Exchange has saved Ohio State students $20 million since 2016 by reducing the cost of learning materials. ALX works to expand the adoption of open educational resources and secure deep discounts on publisher textbooks.

Updated: September 22, 2023

The safety of the Ohio State community is the university’s highest priority. Ohio State is taking multiple measures to keep students, faculty and staff safe both on and off campus. University administrators meet with students and parents regularly to discuss safety, and the university welcomes their ongoing participation in this important conversation.

Ohio State has increased the presence of police on campus by hiring and training additional Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) officers – and worked with the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) to increase patrols off campus. Safety enhancements include installing more than 60 license plate readers on campus and in the surrounding area and adding dozens of permanent LED light fixtures off-campus.

In the fall of 2021, Ohio State announced an additional $2 million a year over the next decade to enhance safety and security on and around campus, bringing the annual campus public safety budget to more than $35 million. The university remains fully committed to refining and broadening its holistic approach to addressing crime, including education, community-wide engagement and non-sworn security such as Buckeye Block Watch.

In September 2023, the university announced more enhanced safety and security resources, adding to the $35 million figure. This includes:

Significantly expanding the crime interdiction program, working with the city of Columbus to increase evening and nighttime off-campus CPD patrols during fall and spring semesters.
Authorizing OSUPD to hire five additional police officers to create a total force of 75 officers. OSUPD will begin recruitment immediately. Two of the positions will support ongoing CPD and OSUPD joint patrols in the University District, and the city has committed resources for these additional joint patrols. These officers are in addition to the nine hired since January 2022 to increase patrols on and off campus.
Purchasing additional mobile surveillance cameras.
Continued support for the license plate reader program and video storage.
Renewing Buckeye Block Watch, offering foot patrols in targeted University District areas. The program features security teams who are taught how to deal with difficult situations and learn best practices for public engagement, including mental health responses, first aid and CPR.
Adding two stops on the east side of High Street, at University Square and South Campus Gateway, to Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) On-Demand. This service provides free transportation between campus buildings after 9 p.m.

The university closely monitors crime rates on- and off-campus. Major crimes in 2023 were down significantly from the prior fiscal year: More than 30% off campus in the University District and 25% on campus.

Relevant safety-related announcements and enhancements:

Comprehensive Safety Enhancements Overview
Safety Enhancement Summary
Ohio State Introduces New Community Crime Map
OSUPD and CPD renew and expand joint patrol program
Ohio State News Alert: New resources to enhance community safety
University statement on relationship with Columbus Division of Police:

The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) is the primary law enforcement agency on all of our campuses. In Columbus, we hire individual Columbus Division of Police (CPD) officers for specific services, largely traffic control on city streets for athletics events. We also have a mutual-aid agreement in place that allows our OSUPD to assist CPD off campus in certain circumstances.
Pick up complimentary personal safety devices from Ohio State Student Life
In the News: OSU offers safety tips for students

Updated: September 14, 2023

Ohio is a “constitutional carry” or “permitless carry” state, which means that Ohio does not require individuals to complete an application or obtain a license to purchase and carry a firearm.

While public institutions of higher education are not covered by the federal restriction on carrying firearms in schools, there are restrictions on the right to carry firearms on Ohio State’s campuses based on law, university policy or both. All public colleges and universities in Ohio must abide by the same laws.

All weapons, including concealed carry weapons, are prohibited in Ohio State leased or owned facilities. Ohio State students, faculty and staff are prohibited from carrying firearms on all campuses unless expressly authorized (e.g., Ohio State University Police Division officers). Carrying concealed firearms on Ohio State’s campuses is prohibited by Ohio Revised Code 2923.126, with the exception of weapons stored in a locked motor vehicle.

Regarding open carry restrictions at Ohio State:

Open carry by individuals who are not Ohio State students, faculty and staff is allowed in spaces permitted by local, state and federal laws as well as university policies – and must be done in a manner that is not actively threatening or reckless. At Ohio State, these spaces would include outdoor public spaces such as the Oval, High Street or any campus sidewalks, roadways, greenspaces, etc.
Members of the university community who see individuals displaying firearms on Ohio State’s campuses are encouraged to report it to the Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) at 614-292-2121.

Individuals carrying or displaying firearms in legal public spaces is allowed by law, regardless of how this conduct is perceived by others. To be in violation of the law, individuals carrying or displaying firearms must be determined to be involved in otherwise illegal behavior, including but not limited to assaultive or threatening behavior. It is illegal to drink alcohol while open carrying a firearm, even if the individual is not intoxicated. Members of the university community are again encouraged to contact OSUPD, which will assess the situation and respond accordingly.

Updated: April 5, 2023

Ohio State offers diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs that benefit a wide array of students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds. Programs provide students with tutoring, scholarships, advising, internships, career development and job search services. Students, regardless of race, religions or ethnicity, have access to DEI programs. Ohio State’s DEI programs have a particular focus on students who are underrepresented at universities such as first-generation students, rural and urban students, military veterans and military involved families, parenting students, non-traditional adult learners, people with disabilities, and neurodiverse learners.

The Office of Academic Affairs is leading a comprehensive effort to review Ohio State’s DEI efforts. By better aligning and coordinating our activities, we aim to create an environment where all individuals can fully participate in the life of our campuses.

With regard to hiring, Ohio State follows all state and federal employment labor practices and does not make hiring decisions based on race, gender or other protected classifications. While Ohio State has never had a university-wide requirement to use diversity statements in hiring, individual colleges and units have used diversity statements as part of their hiring. The university is in the process of developing and implementing a more consistent set of university-wide practices for the hiring of both faculty and staff. These practices will not include the use of diversity statements.

This university-wide approach will reflect our continued commitment to attracting top talent, creating an environment that welcomes all viewpoints, and aligning programs of study to prepare our students in support of Ohio’s workforce development needs. Employers routinely express a strong desire for graduates who can work successfully with individuals of all backgrounds, communities, identities and viewpoints.

We have an unwavering commitment to free speech and freedom of expression and believe it is crucial that students learn to engage in difficult conversations while maintaining civility and respect. A central part of Ohio State’s DEI programming creates opportunities for students to engage in productive dialogue and conversation with peers holding different viewpoints from across the political spectrum and from different backgrounds.

Ohio State is a community of more than 100,000 students, faculty and staff coming from myriad backgrounds and with diverse needs. DEI professionals at Ohio State are essential for delivering guidance and education in response to reports of discrimination and harassment, building supportive climates and cultures for students, faculty, and staff; and providing evidence-based practices to assure Ohio State is cultivating a robust socially and intellectually diverse community across all of our campuses.

Updated: April 13, 2023

A university statement shared on July 8, 2022, is included below.

Ohio State remains deeply committed to the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, patients and communities and is closely examining the decision from the Supreme Court and changes in state law. If necessary, Ohio State and the medical center will make adjustments to services, course offerings or resources to be in compliance with the law, while continuing to provide exceptional patient care, medical training and conducting innovative research that improves people’s lives. Additionally, we will continue to support the university community through existing resources including the Student Counseling and Consultation Service and our Employee Assistance Program.

During times of change, public universities such as Ohio State play an important role in facilitating dialogue. Consistent with our mission, vision and values, we will look for opportunities for dialogue and engagement while continuing to rely on our shared commitment to considerate discourse.

Additional frequently asked questions are below.

Q: What is the current law restricting abortion in Ohio?

A: Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe vs. Wade, a previously stayed Ohio law went into effect, restricting abortion once a fetal heartbeat has been detected. There is an exception to save the life of the mother. On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, a Hamilton County judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking this Ohio law. The order restores the prior state law allowing access to abortion up to 20 weeks into pregnancy.

Q: How will this impact the university?

A: The university and Wexner Medical Center will continue to comply with state law and make any adjustments as needed.

Q: Are changes to abortion access in Ohio impacting pregnancy care at the Wexner Medical center?

A: Long-standing Ohio law already prohibited state institutions from performing elective abortions. Ohio State is committed to providing exceptional patient care while following state law, which currently provides exceptions for ectopic pregnancy or when the mother’s life is endangered.

Q: Will there be a change in clinical services offered at the Wexner Medical Center or Student Health Services?

A: The Dobbs ruling did not change clinical services offered at the WMC or Student Health Services at Ohio State. Long-standing Ohio law already prohibited state institutions from performing elective abortions.

Q: Will there be any changes to the availability or offering of contraception or emergency contraceptives from the Wexner Medical Center or Student Health Services?

A: No, this does not impact the prescribing of contraceptives.

Q: Will employee or student health insurance coverage change?

A: Before the Dobbs ruling and the Ohio Heartbeat Bill becoming law, long-standing state law prohibited state funds to be used for elective abortions. In compliance with the law, Ohio State’s employee insurance and funded graduate student health insurance plans have not and do not cover elective abortions. More information about student health insurance coverage is available here: https://shi.osu.edu/posts/documents/22-23-1098-special-combined-brochure.pdf. More information about what is covered in Ohio State’s employee insurance plan is available here: https://hr.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/medical-spd.pdf

Q: How are changes affecting medical student training, specifically OB/GYN resident training?

A: We intend to continue offering the full spectrum of training in reproductive care for those residents who do not opt out of the requirement. In order to ensure we are meeting national accreditation standards on this topic, we are exploring ways for our trainees to do that outside of the State of Ohio. We are also closely following the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, Association of American Medical Colleges and other professional organizations as they review any potential changes in training requirements.

Q: How are changes affecting recruitment of employees (physicians) and medical students?

A: The inconsistency of laws across the country is a topic of concern among some who are exploring new jobs, residencies and medical schools. We are working with these candidates to help them understand Ohio law and make decisions that are best for them.

Q: Will there be any changes related to the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX in the handling of reports such as sexual assaults?

A: No. There are no planned changes to Office of Institutional Equity or Title IX processes due to the Dobbs ruling.

A statement from The Ohio State University Board of Trustees:

The Board of Trustees of The Ohio State University announces its opposition to the current version of Senate Bill 83 (SB 83). We acknowledge the issues raised by this proposal but believe there are alternative solutions that will not undermine the shared governance model of universities, risk weakened academic rigor, or impose extensive and expensive new reporting mandates. Trustees will seek to continue to engage with the members of the legislature to address the fundamental flaws in this current version that diminish Ohio State’s ability to fulfill its educational and research missions and negatively impact the state’s economic future.

We share the General Assembly’s commitment to free speech, open dialogue, and the importance of diverse views. The university is already taking steps to again emphasize that all viewpoints are welcome and respected on our campuses. This week, the board plans to approve a resolution reaffirming the foundational values of intellectual diversity as well as adopt a robust, updated campus free speech policy. In April, the university updated its uniform hiring practices to exclude the use of required diversity statements except when mandated by federal law, research contracts, and licensure or accreditation.

Trustees look forward to working with the sponsors of Senate Bill 117 to establish the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State, to broaden even further intellectual diversity on our campuses, and to provide an even better platform for education on the basic tenants of American democracy.

Trustees’ highest priority concerns include:

The role of faculty, students, staff, administration and Board of Trustees in the shared governance of universities is the hallmark of American higher education. Our faculty bring expertise to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge. State mandates regarding course requirements and content, as well as statutory faculty review processes and legislatively suggested changes to tenure eligibility, usurp the important role of faculty in the partnership, which has created the world’s finest system of higher education.
Academic rigor is at the foundation of a quality education; SB 83 threatens to impair it by proposing limitations on faculty speech not “favoring or disfavoring” controversial views. Limiting challenging classroom dialogue will diminish the rigor of teaching when, to the contrary, the university should strive to appoint faculty who challenge students to think deeply and analytically. The enforcement provisions for violations of this mandate may push faculty to avoid, rather than encourage, stimulating and challenging classroom discussion, for fear of complaints.
Research, innovation and education that advance the economic progress of Ohioans is fundamental to Ohio State’s mission. SB 83’s mandated state-approval process for diversity, equity and inclusion commitments – which are frequently required to obtain federal, foundation and industry research funding – introduces obstacles to applying for and securing highly competitive research awards. Imposing a bureaucratic approval process will impair Ohio State’s ability to swiftly pursue the more than 300 competitive research awards it seeks annually and unintentionally place Ohio at a key disadvantage compared to other states and universities.
SB 83 contains unclear provisions that could introduce new barriers to student success. For example, financial aid programs that assist first-generation and low-income students from across Ohio could run afoul of language mandating equal treatment of all persons. These programs are critical to the success of the university’s students – almost 75% of whom are Ohioans.
New reporting, evaluation, and state-approval mandates introduced by the bill will significantly expand the administrative bureaucracy trustees seek to reduce. Universities will have to hire significant numbers of new staff to perform these legislatively imposed administrative functions, increasing overhead. The magnitude of the burden being created is best understood in the context of the more than 2,800 tenure-track faculty as well as more than 4,500 non-tenure faculty at Ohio State who would have to go through an additional annual review process under the current version of the bill. Moreover, provisions regulating faculty speech and evaluation will no doubt embroil universities in continuing and costly constitutional litigation. Both the additional administrative bloat and litigation expense will divert resources from student support and universities’ core missions of teaching and research.
SB 83 seeks to increase the breadth of public discourse but restricts the university’s ability to respond to public policy issues. While the university must be thoughtful and judicious in its statements, there are real instances where the university’s voice is important. For example, Ohio State's statements concerning the medical impacts of COVID-19 and its impairment of hospital resources demonstrate the important public contributions universities make to the discussion of critical social issues.
SB 83 contains ambiguous provisions that could cause administrative gridlock and First Amendment challenges. Phrases like “matters of social importance,” “opposing perspectives” and “controversial matters” leave faculty, administrators and trustees to guess what speech falls within those parameters. Litigation will inevitably result.
Fiscal stewardship is paramount in performing oversight of universities in Ohio. Shortening trustee terms undermines good governance and results in the loss of important institutional knowledge. Ohio State is one of the largest and most complex universities in the country with an academic medical center, 15 colleges and a presence in all 88 counties of Ohio. The university’s size, scale and scope require time for trustees to learn and absorb its myriad complexities. Shortening terms negatively impacts knowledgeable oversight and trustee effectiveness. In addition, indefinite reappointments could undermine the checks and balances associated with good governance.

SB 83 raises important questions about 21st-century education and the role of the university in preparing students for civic engagement. Decisions on these issues and how they are resolved could impact our university’s ability to attract the best students, faculty and researchers, and ultimately the quality of higher education at all Ohio public universities. The trustees of Ohio State welcome a fulsome dialogue with the legislature – and other leaders of our state and the academy – to address these issues openly and cooperatively, rather than through an unusually expedited legislative process. We urge the Ohio Senate to allow universities more time to consider the legislature’s concerns. Our shared goal of strong and vibrant public universities for the benefit of all Ohioans can best be achieved by further dialogue.

Updated: May 16, 2023

Ohio State is dedicated to sustainability, combating climate change and aggressively addressing the university’s carbon footprint. Ohio State has reduced carbon emissions by 30% since 2015 by improving energy efficiency, greening its power supply and other means. The university continues to make progress through a comprehensive approach to sustainability that includes:

Installing energy conservation measures in dozens of university buildings, such as upgraded heating and cooling systems. Among other improvements, Ohio State has converted approximately 123,000 light fixtures to LED technology, installed smart meters in nearly 300 buildings and designed energy efficiency plans for each building on the Columbus campus. Since 2015, the university has improved the energy efficiency of Columbus campus buildings by nearly 12%.
Converting the university’s vehicle fleet to alternative fuels. Currently the university has more than 150 electric, hybrid or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Ohio State plans to convert its entire fleet of CABS buses to CNG by 2026.
Developing energy production and conservation measures, along with energy efficiency improvement projects, that will continue to reduce the university’s carbon footprint. This includes the Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP), which requires less carbon-intensive fuel use than the traditional approach of having separate systems for power and heat.
- The CHP and related projects will support the Columbus campus as the university expands its academic, research and medical space. The university’s existing natural gas-fueled heating facility, the century-old McCracken Power Plant, cannot efficiently meet the Ohio State's increasing heating demand.
Building the Energy Advancement and Innovation Center, where university and private sector researchers will work on the next generation of smart energy systems, renewable energy and green mobility solutions.
Diverting 40% of waste from landfills through recycling, composting and other aspects of Ohio State’s zero-waste initiative. In 2022, Ohio State expanded composting in residence halls, research labs and among Buckeyes living off-campus that will further advance progress.
Decreasing water usage. In fiscal year 2022, the university used 390 million fewer gallons of potable water than in fiscal 2015.
Planting trees and otherwise improving the university’s canopy. In 2021, the university planted 1,000 trees – the largest single planting in five years.
Establishing an Ohio State-centric set of sustainable design standards to build and operate better performing facilities and create a more sustainable physical environment. The Sustainable Design and Construction Policy, established in 2021, helps to ensure accountability while creating a sustainable culture focused on design and construction.

Additional background about Ohio State’s investments

The university’s investment pool supports Ohio State’s core mission by providing a stable funding source outside of tuition and tax dollars. In fiscal year 2023, the endowment generated more than $289 million to support student scholarships, faculty positions, research and the patient-care mission of the Wexner Medical Center. Based on economic trends, the university has been actively transitioning our investments in the energy sector in recent years to wind down illiquid investments in oil and gas exploration and production. We have made no new investments in these areas since 2014. At the same time, we continue to consider and have made commitments to managers who are investing in the sustainable energy transition including renewables infrastructure and battery technologies. Additionally, Ohio State affirmed our investment approach in the energy sector in 2018 following a formal review, which found that divestment would not advance sustainability on our campuses and could reduce annual support for student scholarships, faculty positions and other academic priorities.

Updated: September 14, 2023

Stay informed

In the fall of 2021, the Office of Marketing and Communications led the development of Ohio State News Alerts — an email and text information system to provide timely updates to the university community. Faculty, staff and students can set their preferences to receive these messages via text, email or both. These updates contain information about safety, health, traffic and more. Family, friends and loved ones can also sign up for Ohio State News Alerts.

Key Issues

Affordability and Student Debt

Anti-Hazing Efforts

Campus and Off-Campus Safety

Concealed and Open Carry

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Divestment in Israel

Freedom of Expression

June 2022 United States Supreme Court Decisions

Mental Health and Well-Being

Ohio Senate Bill 83

Supreme Court Race-Conscious Admissions Cases

Sustainability and Climate Change

Ukraine War Humanitarian Efforts

University Senate Land Acknowledgement Resolution

Stay informed