BIT by BIT February 2024
February 26, 2024
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Student Life Staff Engagement Survey. I am pleased to share that we had an overall survey completion rate of 65.1% and we will be sharing more information with you soon. Your feedback is extremely important and will be used to inform how we maintain, provide or enhance opportunities for Student Life staff to engage, learn and thrive.
There is so much happening in society, in our communities, and on campus that impacts each of us in various ways. Showing up for one another by demonstrating care and empathy is vital to our collective well-being and success, but sometimes knowing what to do or say can be difficult. Check out this wonderful resource that can help guide us during difficult times.
In case you missed it, please take a moment to view the recording of the Appreciation in the Workplace program that took place earlier this month in conjunction with the campus-wide #BuckeyeLove initiative. This initiative engages students, faculty and staff in meaningful ways, and reminds every Buckeye that they are cared about as vital members of our campus community. #BuckeyeLove encourages us to continuously exhibit compassion, kindness and love… BIT by BIT.
Tanisha L. Jenkins, PhD
Associate Vice President for Belonging and Inclusion
Office of Student Life
The Ohio State University
Belonging, Staff Education & Wellbeing
Student Life Book Club
Join the Student Life Book Club on February 27 at Noon for a discussion of “Circe” by Madeline Miller.
With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language, and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength. This gathering will take place on Teams.
More Information and Teams Invitation
Mental Health First Aid
Interested in learning early intervention techniques and improving mental health literacy to help you understand, identify, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges? This workshop is for you.
As a part of our culture commitments of support and care, we are partnering with Mental Health First Aid Ohio to present this unique personal and professional growth opportunity.
The curriculum is an international, evidence-based workshop that prepares the average person (you and I!) to identify mental health concerns, connect individuals with care, and more safely de-escalate crisis situations if needed.
The workshop will be held in the Alonso Family Room of the Ohio Union on March 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will also be 2 hours of required pre-work. Spots are limited to the first 35 registrants. Everyone who completes the entirety of this optional course will receive a certification by the National Council of Mental Wellbeing for three years.
Registration
Biometric Screenings for Student Life Staff
Complete your biometric screening on March 13 in the Center for Belonging and Social Change, located in the Ohio Union. Enrolled Student Life team members can earn a $25/month premium credit, or up to $40/month with an enrolled spouse, off of employee medical plan contributions by completing a Personal Health and Well-being Assessment (PHA) and a verified Biometric Screening. Register at linktohealth.osu.edu or by phone at 614-292-4700 by using the appointment code SL.
Nurturing Psychological Safety
We all want to succeed in embodying our Student Life culture commitments of appreciation, support, care, and connection. As invested team members and supervisors, we must work together in creating a climate of psychological safety for this to be possible. Folks feeling empowered to offer their unique perspectives, diverse experiences and talents is a key component in our achieving this mission. Join this Zoom conversation on March 21 at 10 am to learn more about what psychological safety is and to explore strategies to develop with your co-workers and campus partners.
Registration
The Scarlet Table
The Scarlet Table is a monthly opportunity to bring together Student Life staff and graduate students from across the division to engage in conversation and connection. These dialogues are an opportunity for us to share our perspectives on topics impacting our campus and community, while also offering a space to build supportive, caring working relationships with one another. This month’s gathering will focus on community connections and will take place on March 25 at Noon in the Round Room of the Ohio Union. Bring your lunch and being a co-worker!
Registration
Effective Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Are you looking for ways to build trust and deepen your working relationships? Would you like to strengthen your ability to effectively communicate with people across different backgrounds, identities, and experiences? The format for this workshop on March 27 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. will offer space for us to “watch, learn and discuss.” We will watch a live presentation from VISIONS wherein they will share guidelines for effective cross-cultural dialogue, which we will then follow with a discussion on how the skills we learned together can be applied in our day-to-day work and interactions.
Registration
Engage
Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and there are lots of events and activities happening in and around Columbus celebrating the historical and contemporary contributions of Black Americans.
There are many ways to engage and get involved.
Learn More
TEDx Ohio State University
On Saturday, March 2, the spotlight will shine on brilliant ideas and inspiring stories as TEDxOhioStateUniversity presents its annual main event, themed “Luminary.” As a student-run organization dedicated to amplifying TED’s mission of spreading innovative ideas at Ohio State, TEDxOhioStateUniversity promises an afternoon filled with intellectual enlightenment and entertainment. The Luminary event will feature ten dynamic speakers delivering live TEDx Talks, each sharing their unique perspectives and insights, along with a talented performance group.
Information and Tickets
Ohio State Football Spring Game
Check out the new and returning talent for the upcoming season and enjoy the beautiful spring weather on Saturday, April 13 at Noon. The band and the spirit squad – Brutus Buckeye, the cheerleaders and dance team – will all be in attendance and performing!
Tickets are on sale now and offer a more affordable way for families to experience “game day.” General admission seats are $8 for the public (plus fees). Free for children under age 6 in general admission.
Tickets
Learn
Coaching and Positive Psychology: How Character Strengths Promote Flourishing
This expert panel taking place on February 27 at 6 p.m. is composed of Dr. Suzy Green, Founder & CEO of The Positivity Institute and Faisal Nadir Khan, Founder of One Extraordinary Life. Both Suzy and Faisal are noted experts who coach executives and provide consulting and training services to leading global brands. In this webinar, they'll share wisdom, practical tips, and real-world scenarios from implementing a strengths-based approach to coaching organizational leaders and supporting teams around the world.
Registration and Information
The Twenty-fourth Annual Multiple Perspectives Conference
"It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman
As a modern land grant university, an important part of Ohio State University's mission is outreach and engagement, serving the community through a variety of activities. During the tenth anniversary year of the Americans With Disabilities Act the Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability conference was created to help fulfill this mission. In short, the goal of the conference, which is happening April 8-9, is to encourage the kind of change suggested by Leslie Kanes Weisman in the opening quote.
Registration and Information
Social Justice Training Institute (SJTI)
The Professional SJTI is designed for social justice educators in all fields to enhance and refine their skills and competencies to create greater inclusion for all members of the community. This intensive five-day experience happening in Columbus June 10-24 uses race caucus work, dialogue within and across groups, and exploration of in-the-moment situations as a forum for personal development, professional competency building, and transformational change. Application deadline is April 6.
Learn More and Apply
National Conference on Diversity, Race & Learning
The Ohio State University's (OSU) Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host the 29th Annual National Conference on Diversity, Race & Learning (NCDRL), which focuses on issues of diversity, equity, cultural inclusion and acceptance on Tuesday, May 7 at the Fawcett Center. The purpose of this conference is to strengthen and make new strides toward the goal of meaningful change in every arena of our society. Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum will be the conference's keynote.
Registration and Information
Thrive
Well-being in Higher Education: Raising Literacy and Advancing the Conversation
This week-long engagement opportunity is taking place February 26 - March 1. As you’ll see, the week is full of enriching sessions addressing well-being from unique and varied perspectives. Over 20 higher education associations have contributed to this effort because each is committed to collective dialogue and partnership on the topic of well-being.
Registration & Information
Monthly Motivation: Just One Thing
When you think about beginning your workday do you ever get overwhelmed with what seems like an endless to do list, a splash of self-doubt, and you don’t know where to start? Let’s review and share some quick tactics to readjust and focus on just one goal and our days will be filled accomplishments and confidence!
Join the EAP on March 4 from 10-10:15 a.m. for a short break as they share an inspirational theme, quote, or mantra. Learn how and why setting positive intentions can inspire you, get you energized, and motivate you to tackle your goals with grace and purpose.
Registration and Information
On Pause at the Wex
Press pause in the middle of your week to experience meditative, creative techniques that link body, senses, mind, mood, and environment. This free session is on March 6 at Noon in the Wexner Center for the Arts. Gather at the entrance to the galleries and travel; the group will move into the exhibition together. Meditation cushions will be provided.