Today's Update: Tuesday, April 6

April 6, 2021

Dear Student Life Team, Moving through April, I’m reminded that even though I have been at Ohio State for more than a year, I’ve still never experienced a traditional spring semester as a Buckeye.  

I know some of our newer Student Life staff members share this (non)experience with me. I look forward to spending time on the Oval and at various events and celebrations with you all next year. 

This sense of loss is even more real and impactful for students, both those who have never had the spring semester experience and those whose last two years have been significantly different than before.  

It’s a busy time of year, and our focus is often on the logistics of winding down the semester. Those who work directly with students, and the students themselves, are often pulled in many directions. It really becomes a race to the finish line. 

This year, in so many ways, is different. The emotions being felt by our students are much different than in “normal’ years, and, especially for soon-to-be graduates. The anxiety of preparing for their next step in life is compounded by continuing to process the disruptions they’ve lived with since the pandemic began.  

As we finish out the semester and look forward with hope, we need to help all of our students take a deep breath and experience the excitement and success that comes with the end of an academic year.  

It’s a good time to check in with students, and your colleagues as well. Encourage them to finish strong and celebrate the many accomplishments they have achieved this year.  

Through it all, they’ve been Scarlet and Great. They just may need to hear that right now. 

Melissa