5 ways Student Support Specialists help online students succeed at Ohio State
Discover how Ohio State’s Student Support Specialists help online students navigate systems, stay organized, and succeed from enrollment through graduation.
Online learning offers flexibility, convenience, and access to a world-class Ohio State education, but navigating university systems, processes, and deadlines can feel overwhelming without the right support. That’s why many Ohio State online programs provide students with a designated Online Student Support Specialist (SSS) who serves as a consistent, knowledgeable point of contact from the moment you begin your program through graduation.
If your program has SSS support, you’ll be introduced to your specialist shortly after you confirm your admission. From there, they’ll partner with you throughout your academic journey to ensure you have the information, resources, and guidance you need to succeed as an online Buckeye.
Below are five key ways Student Support Specialists support online students.
1. Helping you get started with confidence
Transitioning into an online program can be a big step, especially if you’re juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. Your Student Support Specialist is one of the first Ohio State staff members you’ll meet after confirming your enrollment (if your program uses SSS support). They help you:
- Learn how to access essential systems such as CarmenCanvas, BuckeyeMail, and BuckeyeLink
- Understand important university processes, like tuition deadlines and enrollment requirements
- Connect with the right offices as you complete orientation or program onboarding
This early connection helps ensure you start your first semester feeling prepared for what’s ahead.
"In a recent semester, a student reached out the Friday afternoon *right* before classes were set to begin, asking about starting their final semester. I helped get everything squared away, and they were so appreciative knowing they would begin their final first day still on track."
2. Guiding you through Ohio State systems and resources
Ohio State offers a wide range of tools and services designed to help students succeed. Your Student Support Specialist acts as your guide, helping you navigate:
- CarmenCanvas for course management
- BuckeyeLink for financial aid and registration
- Ohio State Libraries and tutoring services
- Technology support and help desks
- Student wellness and accessibility resources
They collaborate closely with faculty, academic advisors, and program staff so you always have access to the most accurate, up-to-date information.
“I enjoy helping online students understand university and programmatic processes that aren’t always intuitive. One student returning to school after several years away was apprehensive about navigating online platforms. On our welcome call, we walked through program requirements, time commitments, and who to contact for course selection. We reconnected to go over the enrollment process, and again during the first week of classes to address new questions. Some students need extra guidance as they begin their educational journey, but thrive independently once they understand the logistics. Your SSS can help with that guidance!”
3. Providing logistical support and tips for success
While it’s your responsibility to keep track of your coursework, your SSS helps you stay on top of important tasks. Throughout each semester, they may:
- Reach out with reminders about registration and withdrawal deadlines
- Share information about program updates or changes
- Offer strategies for staying organized and balancing responsibilities
- Check in to see how your classes are going
This type of proactive support helps online students stay on track and avoid unexpected obstacles.
"I assisted a student through the process of officially changing their name in Ohio State’s systems as they were beginning their master’s program at a crossroads in their life. When classes began, they realized their peers and instructors only knew them by a former name they no longer wished to use, so they reached out for help. I guided them through the process so they could feel comfortable and confident in the classroom."
4. Connecting you with the right university support
One of the most valuable parts of working with an SSS is that they help you identify exactly who to contact when questions arise. Understanding the difference between your Academic Advisor and your Student Support Specialist can help streamline your experience:
Your Academic Advisor:
- Provides academic planning
- Assists with course selection and permissions
- Helps ensure you’re meeting graduation requirements
- Advises on academic policies
Your Student Support Specialist:
- Supports your overall online student experience
- Helps with navigating systems and processes
- Offers logistical support
- Provides non-academic guidance and connection to services
- Serves as a consistent point of contact for general questions and concerns
Together, these roles help ensure you have comprehensive support.
“We are here to advocate for you, guide you, and connect you with the right resources across the university. You don’t have to navigate challenges alone. We are here to help every step of the way.”
5. Supporting you all the way through graduation
Your Student Support Specialist stays with you from the beginning of your program through completion. As you approach graduation, they assist by:
- Reminding you of key graduation steps and submission deadlines
- Clarifying the graduation application process
- Answering questions about commencement and next steps
Their goal is to ensure you reach the finish line with confidence.
"My most memorable moment from helping a student succeed comes from working with an undergraduate first‑generation student who was new to higher education and uncertain about online learning. I was able to assist that student from their welcome call through graduation by being someone they could rely on term after term. We had regular check‑ins and emails to ensure questions and concerns were addressed. Being available and providing customized support from beginning to end helped them succeed."
How to succeed: Tips from your Student Support Specialists
Your SSS team has guided thousands of students through the online experience. Here is their best advice for thriving as an online student:
“Be intentional with your time and stay connected. You’re not doing this alone. Use your support system and the resources available to you.” Taylor Boetcher
“Check your email often, ask for guidance when you need it, and go to your instructors’ office hours when you can.” Kidron Stamper
“Treat your education like a structured job. Create a distraction‑free workspace, manage time effectively, stay organized, and always reach out with questions or concerns.” Sophie Sonneman
“Don’t let comparison be the thief of your joy. Everyone is running their own race. You may struggle when others appear to have it all figured out, while in the next course, you may succeed where others are unsure.” Kyle Cline
“1. Check your email. 2. Communicate when plans change. 3. Check your email.” Brittany Brewer
“Form connections with your professors and classmates. These relationships can become part of your professional network.” Drew Stevens
“Online courses require you to be proactive. Understand the time commitment, manage deadlines, and reach out early when you have questions.” Anthony Gross
“Connect with faculty, advisors, SSSs, and your classmates. Staying connected and consistently communicating is vital to students’ success, especially in an online environment.” Rachel Jasper
Why Student Support Specialists matter
Not all online programs at Ohio State include a designated Student Support Specialist. But for programs that do, this role provides an essential layer of personalized, proactive support designed specifically for online learners. By helping you navigate systems, manage responsibilities, and stay connected, your SSS empowers you to focus on what matters most: your academic success.
“We love working with our students! It quite literally makes my day when I have positive experiences and conversations with students.” -Kyle Cline, SSS
“Looking to your SSS for assistance is not a reflection of your capability — it is a strategy for success!” -Kidron Stamper, SSS
See what online students have to say
Hear from students and graduates about how their Student Support Specialist helped them navigate their academic journeys.
“I truly appreciate the kindness and great communication in helping me navigate everything at Ohio State.”
“The program I graduated from not only provides you with the resources you need to succeed but also prepares you to excel in your career. I would definitely recommend it.”
“Any time I have had an inquiry [my SSS] has always been quick to respond, and directs me to whatever information I need.”
“[My SSS] is very supportive and easy to reach in regards to any questions or concerns I may have.”
“I have not needed to interact with [my SSS] a whole lot, but the few times I did, she has been nothing but the best in directing and guiding me through the necessary steps. She’s supportive and clear in her communication.”
“[My SSS] was always responsive and checked in at critical points in the semester.”
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