Today's Update: Tuesday, July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024

Dear Student Life team,

Last week, the Office of Academic Affairs shared that Ohio State will have a university-wide day of asynchronous learning on November 5, 2024, as a one-time trial to support student participation in the general election. “Asynchronous learning” refers to allowing students to learn on their own schedule, within a certain timeframe. Academic Affairs lists opportunities in lieu of class sessions such as reading, writing, a problem set or other homework to be determined by the instructor.

While this day of asynchronous classroom does not impact the normal workday or business operations for university employees, in Student Life, I want to be sure we are doing everything we can to support campus community member participation in the general election, including:

Student Programming. Student Life will not hold events or programming on election day. Any Student Life supported or sponsored courses or similar programming (e.g., STEP) should be scheduled to occur asynchronously. Student health, well-being and student success support will still be offered in-person and/or virtual formats, such as Counseling and Consultation drop-in workshops, Student Health Services appointments, student advocacy support and other similar efforts. Student organizations will be able to hold in-person events or meetings at their discretion, but advisors should encourage them to support asynchronous efforts.
Student Appointments. Students should still be able to schedule appointments with Student Life staff and healthcare providers, as they normally would. Proactive communication should remind them that November 5 is election day and plan accordingly when making appointments.
Post-Election Support. Student Life will provide space and opportunities to discuss and process election results for all students. Sessions will be advertised pre- and post-election and be supported by Counseling and Consultation Service.
Support for Staff. Supervisors should provide flexibility and remote work where possible to support staff’s ability to participate in the election while following all Human Resources policies and guidelines and meeting operational needs. To further support these efforts, Student Life will hold a no-meeting day, like we do on Fridays, to offer staff additional flexibility. For those with student employees, please remind them about election day when they are selecting shifts and offer flexibility with shifts when possible.

Ohio State’s motto is Disciplina in civitatem, or Education for Citizenship, and I can think of no better way to live up to our motto than by supporting Buckeyes’ civic engagement. I am Scarlet and Grateful in advance for your efforts and partnership in this endeavor. If you have questions, please consult with your human resources consultant, supervisor or any member of Student Life’s Executive Leadership Team.

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