Office of Student Life

In a Nutshell: March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Dear Partners in Student Success,

Students are heading into the last few weeks of the semester, which means so are we. As we all work to support students as they finish the school year strong, below are a few updates I hope you find helpful:    
 
In this edition:  

  • Sexual Assault Awareness Month  
  • Student Support  
  • Student Life Strategic Planning    
  • Disability Services Awards  
  • Refillable Cup  
  • Prevent Hazing  
  • Career Closet   
  • Student Remembrance Ceremony  

 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month    
The Student Life Student Wellness Center is participating in Sexual Assault Awareness Month April 3 – 21, 2023. This campus-wide collaboration is designed to raise awareness of sexual violence and support resources, educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence, empower everyone to practice consent and boundary setting in healthy relationships, support the healing process and explore what it means to be an ally in sexual violence prevention and survivor support. More information is online.    
 
Student Support  
There are so many ways to demonstrate a culture of care for students. For instance, if you want to learn more about mental health resources on campus, you can visit the Counseling and Consultation Service website. Another example is providing academic accommodations based on faith, religious or spiritual belief systems. For instance, throughout the observance of Ramadan, Muslim students may be fasting each day from dawn to sunset. You may also know of a student looking for ways to get involved on-campus, and you can refer them to the student organization directory. If you ever find that you aren’t sure how to support or refer a student, you are always welcome to reach out to us at studentlife@osu.edu.  
 
Student Life Strategic Planning  
The Office of Student Life’s strategic plan was designed to be agile, nimble and dynamic in nature, which is why we are in the process of reviewing and refreshing our strategic plan for the coming year. As a valued academic partner, we are looking for your input. Please complete this short, anonymous survey at http://go.osu.edu/strategicplanfeedback by April 30 to share your thoughts and ideas on the future of the Office of Student Life’s priorities.  
 
Disability Services Awards     
Student Life Disability Services is seeking nominations from the university community for two awards: The Outstanding Student Advocate Award (for students) and the Dick Maxwell Award (for faculty/staff). Both awards recognize an exemplary commitment to disability access and inclusion on campus. Nominations are due Friday, April 14. More information is online.    
 
Refillable Cup  
Did you know that you can use a refillable cup, any refillable water bottle, cup etc., to get free drinks from the Coke Freestyle Machines in any Student Life Dining Services location offering freestyle service? It’s part of Student Life’s commitment to sustainability and Zero Waste.   
 
Prevent Hazing  
Know the Law, Learn Your Responsibilities, Prevent Hazing. As part of The Ohio State University’s commitment to promoting a safe and healthy campus environment, members of our community have the right to be free from all forms of hazing. Ohio State has launched a new, comprehensive Hazing Policy educational module for the university community, including students, faculty and staff on how to define and report hazing to create a campus community free from hazing. If you have not completed your eLearning, visit go.osu.edu/StopHazing. If you have any questions or have difficulty accessing the module, please contact stophazing@osu.edu.  
 
Career Closet     
Is it time to clean out your closet as the season changes? Are you no longer in need of your professional wardrobe due to virtual or hybrid work? Maybe you recently did a wardrobe re-fresh? Buckeye Careers is seeking donations of gently used, business attire for the Career Closet, which allows students to find, free of charge, necessary clothing items to feel confident and dress for success. All business professional attire in all sizes is currently in need, including shoes and ties. Donations can be dropped off at the Younkin Success Center front desk or contact Kristen Hill.592 to arrange pick up.  
 
Student Remembrance Ceremony  
Student Life’s Student Advocacy Center and Parent and Family Relations hosts a Student Remembrance Ceremony every spring to honor the students who have passed away over the academic year. This year’s ceremony will take place on Monday, April 10, at 7 p.m.  You can register online on the Student Advocacy website at www.advocacy.osu.edu/remembrance-ceremony If you have any questions, you can email advocacy@osu.edu or by calling their office directly at 614-292-1111.    
 
As always, thank you for your partnership and support of Ohio State students.      

 
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD   
Senior Vice President for Student Life   
The Ohio State University