Today's Update: Wednesday, March 9, 2022

March 9, 2022

Dear Student Life team,

We are nearly to spring break. I know our students are ready, and I suspect you are, too. I’m certainly ready. 

This is the perfect opportunity to take a deep breath and recenter ourselves for the final push through the academic year. We don’t get many chances like this on the calendar, so it’s important to take advantage of the time we get. 

You need this break. We have (again) been through a busy semester so far, highlighted by the need to be nimble and flexible in the face of the omicron surge. 

It’s a relief that the situation seems to be improving, but that also brings the risk of slipping back into habits that don’t help our well-being. 

If we are going to Engage. Learn. Thrive., for ourselves and our students, we need to make sure that self-care is high on our to-do list. Despite our other responsibilities, and that list can be long, self-care must continue to be a priority. 

If you can, only schedule meetings that are most essential - be mindful about what really counts as essential. Take the time to rethink and reschedule meetings that are not mission critical. 

I want to recognize that not everyone can take a break during this time. I’m just asking you to be mindful and do your best to use the time to recharge and reconnect with yourself. I’m hoping we get good spring weather to enjoy, instead of more ice and snow. 

We all have the responsibility to take care of ourselves and each other. When we prioritize our well-being, we’re ensuring that we’ll be able to continue our Scarlet and Great work.

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD 

Senior Vice President for Student Life 
The Ohio State University