Today's Update: Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023
October 11, 2023
Dear Student Life team,
As we approach Fall Break, which starts tomorrow, I want to remind you to try to take some time over the next few days to pause, reflect and do something that is centered on your own, personal well-being. Getting to the midpoint of the semester can be a stressful time, after the rush from the start of the year through Homecoming, and then looking ahead for a strong finish to Commencement.
Added to that can be the daily challenges of life, in general. And then there are events around our communities, country and world that can have significant impact on all of you as well as our students, faculty and staff throughout the university, including families and loved ones. From natural disasters and violence, to the Israeli-Hamas war and more, I want to acknowledge that these are troubling times, and your well-being is important to me.
It also seems like a good time to remind you of available resources:
- Faculty and staff can utilize the Employee Assistance Program.
- The Wexner Medical Center’s Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) program and the Office of Institutional Equity are also available to students, faculty and staff.
- For students, the Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service has a list of resources that are available 24/7. Students can also access support and resources provided by the Student Wellness Center, Student Advocacy Center and the Center for Belonging and Social Change.
Just yesterday more than 100 attendees came together to have large- and small-group dialogue about the power and importance of making meaningful Connections (one of our Student Life Culture Commitments). In the spirit of our other Culture Commitments, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that I Appreciate and Care about you, and want to make sure you have access to the Support you need.
With much Scarlet and Gratefulness,
Melissa S. Shivers, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Life
The Ohio State University