Letter from the Division of Student Affairs

 

 

Cowboy Families,

 

We’re so happy your students chose OSU, and we look forward to starting this semester with them. Our division is here to empower your students for personal development and success through transformative experiences, services and support.

 

It’s an exciting time to be part of the Cowboy family. We’re ushering in a new era of leadership with Dr. Kayse Shrum, who is focused on advancing academic excellence, research, diversity and student success as OSU’s 19th president. With the return of tradition-rich campus events and in-person classes, students can enjoy a range of opportunities for leadership and collaboration with their peers, faculty and staff members.

 

We thank you for all you have done to prepare and support your students throughout the challenges and uncertainties of this past year, and we recognize it’s always essential for us to address your questions and concerns. We offer a variety of resources to make the college transition easier for you and your students:

 

• OSU recently launched the Poke-a-thon vaccine campaign. This gives students the chance to win parking passes, Bursar scholarships and other prizes if they are vaccinated against COVID-19. University Health Services, our clinic at 1202 W. Farm Road, provides free COVID testing and vaccines for students. During move-in week, they can receive vaccines at UHS without making appointments. We strongly encourage students to get vaccinated and follow the CDC’s guidelines on precautions such as wearing masks in public indoor spaces.

 

• University Counseling Services offers mental health support for students. We recognize that this past year heightened stress levels for all of us, and it’s normal for anyone to seek help. If your students are experiencing mental health struggles, remind them that on-campus counseling is available at 320 Student Union (and online at uhs.okstate.edu). Additionally, the Colvin Recreation Center is a great place for students to focus on total wellness.

 

• Our online Student Support Resource Center ensures students can access support systems that provide nutritious food, financial assistance, tutoring and more. If your students are in need of these resources, please advise them to visit https://ssc.okstate.edu/student_support_resources.html.

 

• CampusLink is a website that connects students with our 500-plus campus organizations. We want your students to thrive through campus engagement. Encourage them to explore CampusLink and get involved with clubs that spark their interests. We can also help students find employment opportunities on and off campus through HireOSUGrads.com and the Career Services office in 360 Student Union.

 

Most importantly, we want you to know everyone has a home here. Every student has unique goals, aspirations and needs, and our division is committed to helping each of them find their distinctive place in the OSU community.

 

Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions. Go Pokes!

 

- Dr. Doug Hallenbeck, VP of Student Affairs