Today's Update: Thursday, July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Dear Student Life team,

I spent part of yesterday afternoon meeting with the Academic Affairs and Student Life committee of the university’s Board of Trustees. I gave them information about the Scarlet and Great things going on in our unit, which is just a fancy and better way of saying I bragged about the work all of you do every day. 

I talked about how Student Life’s six million square feet of facilities requires a great deal effort as we prepare to roll out the scarlet carpet in August, with teams working diligently to paint, maintain and clean over 20,000 residential spaces across our campuses. Plus, we are updating furniture, preparing master-leased facilities and testing equipment in our dining facilities. 

I also mentioned that our food delivery service is growing. We now have a fleet of 120 rovers prepared to make more than 1,200 deliveries per day. 

A major point of pride continues to be the Monda Student Resource Center. Since opening in the Younkin Student Success Center in April, the MSRC has recorded 1,583 visits to the food pantry, hosted nearly 20 tours for campus and community partners and are meeting with seven Ohio State departments that are interested in using the hoteling office space to engage with students. And to support the center’s long-term sustainability, we’ve expanded our network of donors. New partnerships include the Franklin County Alumni Club, the Ohio State Student Farm and SuitShop—an online suit retailer. 

I also shared some of the High Fives that you’ve read in my weekly High Five Friday Updates. I’m always very happy to share those wonderful stories about how our team regularly goes above and beyond.  

I’m excited for the start of the new academic year and I know our Trustees are, as well.  

 

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