Office of Student Life

Today's Update: Student Health Services

June 22, 2026

Dear Student Life team,

I am writing to share an organizational transition that will be taking place over the next fiscal year. Starting this summer, Student Life and the Wexner Medical Center will begin integrating Student Health Services into the medical center’s ambulatory portfolio. While this change will take some time to coordinate and fully implement, the vision is for the medical center to assume operational oversight for all aspects of clinical care and administrative functions.

This change is being pursued to fully leverage the vast healthcare resources available to students at this extraordinary institution. This leveraging of resources better promotes delivery of care more cost effectively and efficiently. In an ever-changing landscape of healthcare, there is opportunity to improve how we provide student healthcare at Ohio State.  

This integration between Student Health and the Wexner Medical Center will ensure:

  • Students Come First. The best interests of students will remain at the forefront and inform decision making processes. 
  • Access and Affordability. Maintaining or enhancing the quality, access, coordination of care and affordability for the students will be prioritized.  
  • Talent and Culture. The current staff of Student Health Services will maintain their employment at Ohio State and that any changes considered or implemented will occur with full understanding of the impact on the team. 
  • Collaboration. The relationship will be guided by a spirit of openness, trust, engagement, integrity and the desire to work with others in new ways that stimulate innovation, service delivery and opportunity improvement for all parties involved.  

To facilitate this integration, work groups and work streams will be created to ensure alignment of operations. Additionally, a standing strategic advisory council made up of executive leadership representatives from Student Life, SHS, OSUWMC Ambulatory Services, student leaders and other key stakeholders will be established to advise the direction of this ongoing collaboration, set annual operating goals and monitor performance. We want to be sure we are doing this right and will take the time needed to create processes and structures that benefit our students and staff.  

I often say that a changing organization is one that is dedicated to continuous improvement and growth, though I also acknowledge that change is seldom easy. I appreciate the efforts of the Student Health Services team and thank them in advance for the hard work they will put into this transition. I am truly Scarlet and Grateful for the part they will play in advancing this important partnership. 

 

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