Today's Update: Monday, August 29, 2022
August 29, 2022
Dear Student Life team,
Last week, we kicked off the new academic year and this week we kick off the Buckeye Football season with a home game versus Notre Dame! I used this as inspiration for my first Doc’s Download of the year (see below). For those of you who aren’t familiar with Doc’s Download, it’s a message I send to all students monthly, that usually includes a variety of resources, updates and information. This time I decided to send a message of encouragement, energy and excitement for the new year. I hope you enjoy it, too.
And speaking of football, it also seems like a good time to remind those who have been around, and share with those who are new, about Scarlet and Gray Fridays! At schools across the country, Friday tends to be a very busy tour day, so I’ve always encouraged teams I’ve worked with to wear school colors every Friday, not just during a particular season. I hope to see you all take part in the spirited fun this, and every, Friday!
And last, but not least, please feel free to stop by the Scarlet and Great Tailgate this Friday in my office suite (3034 Ohio Union) and other Fridays of home football weeks. Grab a snack, chat with a colleague and take a selfie with some of our spirit signs – hope to see you there
It’s going to be a Scarlet and Great semester, season and year!
Doc's Download-August 26, 2022
Let’s go, Buckeyes! And yes, I mean you…because we are ALL Buckeyes.
If you are returning to Ohio State, you may already know that I am a huge football fan. If you are new to our campuses, or maybe you are joining us virtually, please know I’m always happy to take a moment to chat about X’s and O’s.
Along those same lines, when it comes to my role as your Senior Vice President for Student Life, one of my very favorite roles is that I get to be something like a coach (watch out, Coach Day!)
There are days when I get to celebrate on the sidelines with you, after you’ve achieved an amazing feat of strength, smarts and will.
There are other days when I get to console you after what feels like a most devastating fumble in the red zone.
Some of the best days are at “practice,” helping you sketch out your gameplan for the future and looking for ways to be your best.
The Scarlet and Great thing is: no matter what has happened on the field, and no matter the score, just like the most unbelievable game you’ve ever watched: anything can happen. And I am always – along with literally hundreds of thousands of other Buckeyes - cheering you on and rooting for your wins, well-being and joy.
So, on those days when it feels like you’ve had to battle back to kick a game-winning field goal after being down the whole fourth quarter, I hope you keep these things in mind:
It takes a full team effort, so lean on, or look for, those around you.
Try to have a solid game plan…and be quick to respond when it needs to be adjusted.
This isn’t easy, not by a long shot (or kick, as the case may be). But it’s worth it.
You have to be prepared for the rain, wind, sometimes snow and shouts from the crowd. Remember that you get to choose how you respond.
The focus should never be on the fact that your team is down. It should be on how to score the next points…and you don’t always need a touchdown to win the game.
So, this is your pep talk for the start of what I hope is a truly extraordinary year. I hope you find your way to all the many opportunities to engage, learn and thrive here at Ohio State, and please know we are here to help you get connected, too.
Now let’s officially get this year and season officially kicked off in a Scarlet and Great way!
O-H!
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Life
The Ohio State University