Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. spoke at a press conference ahead of the university’s convocation ceremony, addressing various topics including Senate Bill 1 compliance, international student trends, and the upcoming Texas v. Ohio State football game.
Carter expressed excitement about the upcoming matchup, calling it “going to be a great game” with a potential for a crazy atmosphere. The university has set lower enrollment rates for this year’s incoming freshmen compared to previous years, with approximately 8,200 undergraduates expected to enroll.
The president also acknowledged a decrease in international student enrollment, citing concerns about the impact of travel bans and visa revocations on the university’s international student body. Carter emphasized the value of having international students on campus, stating that they bring unique perspectives and relationships that are essential for the university’s global reputation.
Regarding Senate Bill 1 compliance, Carter stated that the university is working to ensure adherence to the law while avoiding administrative burdens. He also addressed the naming controversy surrounding Les Wexner Medical Center, citing no plans to change the name due to recent revelations about Wexner’s connection to convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell.
Carter expressed optimism about the regional campuses’ enrollment and branch schools’ operations, as well as the implementation of AI in classes across campus. He also acknowledged the importance of athletics, noting that the university will continue to navigate complex field issues with its athletic director.
Overall, Carter shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming year, citing the excitement around events like move-in weekend and the potential for a great football game against Texas.
Source: https://www.thelantern.com/2025/08/ted-carter-discusses-chalking-ban-ai-fluency-program-in-pre-convocation-press-conference