Ohio Northern University’s Student Resource Center (SRC) launched during the 2024-2025 academic year, and AmeriCorps Member John Copes played a pivotal role in shaping its success.
Below, John shares his journey of navigating challenges, engaging students, and making a lasting impact through his service. From organizing outreach events to connecting students with essential resources, John’s story highlights the power of persistence and relationship-building in student support.
Read on to learn how his work is creating positive change on campus.
The 2024-2025 academic year marked the launch of Ohio Northern University’s first-ever Student Resource Center (SRC), an initiative aimed at supporting students and connecting them with essential resources.
As a Student Resource Coordinator serving through AmeriCorps and the Community Campus Coalition (Triple C), I had the unique opportunity to help shape this program from its inception. My journey has been filled with growth, challenges, and rewarding experiences — all of which have deepened my understanding of student engagement and service.
AmeriCorps Member John Copes engages with residents at Vancrest of Ada Assisted Living Facility during his MLK Day of Service project.
The First Few Months: Learning and Overcoming Challenges
The fall semester was a period of adjustment. With the SRC being a brand-new initiative, there was no blueprint to follow. I had to navigate my responsibilities while figuring out the best ways to engage students. One of the biggest challenges was raising awareness about the center and encouraging student involvement. Many students were unaware of the available resources, and connecting with them in a meaningful way required creativity and persistence.
Tabling events quickly became one of my primary outreach strategies. I introduced a spin-the-wheel activity where students answered questions about different campus resources to win prizes. This interactive approach allowed me to engage students in a fun, low-pressure environment while spreading awareness about the support services available to them. Although turnout was sometimes unpredictable, these events provided valuable opportunities for one-on-one conversations and helped me better understand students’ needs.
Ohio Northern University’s Student Resource Center offers students a comfortable and inviting space to access resources and support.
Kicking Off the Spring Semester: The MLK Service Project
The start of the spring semester brought a renewed sense of purpose with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day service project, which encouraged students to engage in community service. Organizing and participating in the project reinforced the importance of the role ONU plays in supporting the elderly in our community. It was fulfilling to see students come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy through meaningful service.
The newly opened Student Resource Center at Ohio Northern University fosters a collaborative environment for student engagement and success.
Strengthening Campus Resources: The Polar Bear Cupboard
One of the areas where I was able to make a tangible impact was increasing student awareness and engagement with the Polar Bear Cupboard, ONU’s on-campus food pantry. Food insecurity can be a hidden struggle for many students, and my goal was to ensure that those in need knew support was available. By incorporating information about the cupboard into my outreach efforts, I encouraged more students to utilize this important resource. Strengthening the cupboard’s presence on campus served as a reminder that addressing basic needs is essential for student success.
A look inside the Student Resource Center at Ohio Northern University, where students can connect with essential services and build community.
Connecting with Students: EdSights AI Chatbot Outreach
Another key aspect of my role was reaching out to students based on their responses to our EdSights AI chatbot, which sends bi-weekly check-ins. This system provided valuable insights into the challenges students were facing, including academic struggles, financial concerns, and mental health needs. When students indicated they needed help, I was responsible for following up and connecting them with appropriate resources. These interactions reinforced the importance of direct, personalized outreach in making students feel heard and supported.
Lessons Learned and Lasting Impact
Reflecting on my service, I have gained a deep appreciation for persistence, adaptability, and relationship-building in student engagement. The work was not always easy—encouraging students to participate in programs and utilize resources required continuous effort—but every small victory reinforced the impact of this role. I learned that engagement takes time and that meeting students where they are, both physically and in terms of their needs, is essential for building trust and connection.
Serving through AmeriCorps and Triple C at ONU’s Student Resource Center has been an invaluable experience. I have seen firsthand how dedicated efforts, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference in students’ lives. As the SRC continues to grow, I hope the foundation laid this year will serve as a stepping stone for even greater student engagement and support in the years to come.