Section 14: Student Organizations, University Services & Wellness Resources

14.1 BME Graduate Student Association (BMEGSA)

This active group of graduate students serves as an information base for prospective graduate students and organizes tours, events, and activities designed especially for BME graduate students. BMEGSA collaborates with the BMES on the annual Engineering Healthcare in Research Symposium and recently has held a successful department-wide 5K to raise funds for BMEGSA and the new BME building. BMEGSA has taken different names and forms through the years and has championed many causes. Currently, BMEGSA is serving the graduate student community and department at large by focusing on wellness and has inspired the creation of a department-wide Wellness Subcommittee. Contact them for more.

14.2 Biomedical Engineering Student Society (BMES)

Undergraduates and graduate students from all departments may join the Biomedical Engineering Society. The purpose of the Ohio State chapter of the BMES is two-fold: to promote an interest in biomedical engineering on campus, and to involve students and faculty having an interest in biomedical engineering in campus activities. This award-winning group is very active nationally and attends the national BMES conference regularly. BMES serves as an information base for undergraduates. BMES also plans several events each year and collaborates with the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student Association.

14.3 College of Engineering and University-wide Organizations

College of Engineering groups with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion in which BME graduate students have served as officers include Women in Engineering Graduate Council (WEGC); Society of Black Graduate Engineers (sbge.osu@gmail.com); and Latino/Latina Engineering Graduate Student Association (LLEGA@osu.edu). The Council of Graduate Students provides a forum for graduate students university-wide to discuss and evaluate academic or social issues and aspects of graduate student life. Membership in this group provides BME students with a voice in the university community.

14.4 Popular Academic and Professional Resources for Graduate Students

We are committed to providing a positive, safe, and inclusive community in order to promote an environment of academic achievement and integrity. Students, faculty, and staff have mutual responsibility to insure that classroom and lab environments support teaching and learning, are respectful of the rights and freedoms of all members, and promote a civil and open exchange of ideas. Students are urged to take responsibility for their own education by working hard to develop or strengthen an internal locus of control and a growth mindset. Students also are encouraged to seek help when needed. Here are some tools to help all graduate students be successful forging their own paths and serving their biomedical engineering community.

• Michael V. Drake University Institute for Teaching and Learning

• Free Academic Coaching through the Dennis Learning Center connects you with individualized support as you develop new study strategies.
• Students always have a right to privacy and are never under any obligation to divulge anything. In many cases, however accommodation cannot be granted until you have registered with the Office of Disability Services (SLDS). If you need in-class accommodation (more time on the exam, a note-taker, dealing with test anxiety, etc.) then you need to register with SLDS. Disability is a broad term that includes but is not limited to mental health, chronic conditions, temporary injuries, physical/learning disabilities, and ADHD.

• You may be surprised at how your own personal definition of academic integrity differs from Ohio State’s. Being aware of academic misconduct and the Code of Student Conduct can prevent trouble not just for you, but for your peers. Look out for each other.
• The Student Advocacy Center can help you navigate academic issues such as appeals to the Committee on Academic Misconduct, communicating with faculty about hospitalizations, assault, or other issues.

14.5 Resources for Wellness and Living