Applications are OPEN for the 120th Class of SPHINX!
The application period for the 120th Class of Sphinx (2026 – 2027) is November 12th, 2025 through 5:00p.m. Friday, January 16th, 2026. The student application deadline for the 120th Class of SPHINX is 5:00p.m. Friday, January 16th, 2026. The deadline for faculty and staff to submit recommendations is also 5:00 pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026. Please contact Elizabeth Lott, the 119th Class of SPHINX Sergeant-at-Arms, at Lott.126@osu.edu or ohiostatesphinx120@gmail.com with questions.
The application for Sphinx Senior Honorary has two (2) parts. Part 1 – Full Application (Please download a copy of this document from th link provided and follow the directions for submission), and Part 2 – Please complete the personal information survey through Google Forms!
Please note that Mortar Board is a senior class honorary at The Ohio State University. Individuals are permitted to apply to only one of the two honoraries.
FAQs
What does SPHINX do?
SPHINX celebrates the contributions of 24 senior students to Ohio State. SPHINX is a community dedicated to building friendship and fellowship between our members, known as links. We support each other’s events on campus, travel together, and build relationships with each other.
When is the application due?
The application deadline for the 120th Class of SPHINX is 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 16th, 2026. The deadline for faculty and staff to submit recommendations is also 5:00pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
Completed applications should be sent to ohiostatesphinx120@gmail.com. You will receive an email confirmation within 48 hours of submission of a completed application (including a letter of recommendation); please contact Elizabeth Lott at Lott.126@osu.edu if you do not receive a confirmation email. Letters of recommendation should be submitted by the deadline to ohiostatesphinx120@gmail.com. No application will be considered after this time.
Can I get some tips for following application guidelines?
We can’t give you formal tips, but we can say that being yourself goes a long way. We want to hear the narrative of your time at Ohio State and the essay section is a great way to do that.
You are permitted to include your identities & expression of self in your application & resumé portion. As outlined below, our intention is not to uncover the title of your organization but rather your personal experiences within it.
Please Do Not include:
1. Name of the organization
2. Acronym of the organization
3. Catchphrases, mottos, or mission statements that your organization (e.g. Buckeye Food Alliance explicitly uses “No Buckeyes Go Hungry”)
What is the difference between Mortar Board and Sphinx?
Great question! Mortar Board, which was first formed at Ohio State, has chapters nationwide. SPHINX exists only at Ohio State and does not have national chapters. SPHINX focuses on strengthening relationships internally with your fellow class members. SPHINX completes service projects, attends community events, and travels together. Both SPHINX and Mortar Board have an extensive alumni network.