Open Enrollment 2026
Open Enrollment for 2026 benefits will be October 31-November 15, 2025. More information will be available in late October. All new benefits elections made during the Open Enrollment period will take effect January 1, 2026.
Academic Winter Recess
The HR website has information on dates, timekeeping and eligibility. In the coming days, we will share this link broadly with the academic campus, and we will update the information as additional details become available prior to the recess.
Prior to November 1, 2025, work with your HR business partner to determine which employees will need to work during Academic Winter Recess and finalize staffing plans. By November 1, please make sure that people leaders in your college/unit communicate with all employees who are required to work during the recess.
Guidance available on SB 1 compliance webpage
The “Advance Ohio Higher Education Act” (SB 1) went into effect on June 27, 2025, though a number of provisions in the bill have delayed effective dates. The university set up an implementation committee with representatives from multiple units across Ohio State’s campuses. In order to provide transparency, the committee continues to update a centralized webpage dedicated to SB 1 implementation and the work being done to ensure compliance.
New on-demand orientation for campus staff
Your role as a leader is vital in guiding employees who are starting a new position. An Employee Orientation Companion Guide is available for hiring managers to help you create a successful onboarding experience. Resources for new and transferring campus staff include a self-paced, on-demand orientation course called New Buckeye Orientation: Becoming an Ohio State Employee and a supplementary Employee Orientation Guide. All these resources are available in BuckeyeLearn. Review the updated onboarding resources on the HR website.
New resources available for Ohio State emerging leaders
Emerging leaders are individual contributors who demonstrate the character and capabilities of an effective leader. A set of introductory resources around experiential, social and formal leader development opportunities, including curated LinkedIn Learning collections, are now available.
Tuition Assistance Benefit Review and Enrollment Process webinar
This one-hour webinar for faculty and staff offers essential information to help understand Ohio State tuition assistance benefits and the dependent tuition assistance benefit. HR benefits analysts cover the details of these tuition programs, discuss potential tax implications and review the enrollment deadlines. Attend the webinar at one of several dates scheduled throughout the year.
Ohio State retirement consultations
If you're retiring within the next year, schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our university retirement specialists. At Ohio State, we're committed to making your transition to retirement as seamless and stress-free as possible. Our experienced consultants will guide you through each step, answer your questions and provide personalized support tailored to your situation.
New Leader Onboarding Resources
Whether you are new to leading at Ohio State, taking on a new team or stepping into a leader role for the first time, dedicating time and resources to learning and growing together keeps us moving forward and reminds us why our work matters. The Leader Onboarding Guide provides resources and support as you begin your people leader journey, specifically in your first 90 days. You can access the new Leader Onboarding Resources webpage here.
Information on Legislative and Executive Actions
Ohio State continues to monitor and review legislation and executive actions brought forth at all levels of government.
For Up-to-date information, please visit Ohio State News