We see you out there … doing your best to figure out online learning; working hard to stay engaged with and motivated in your classes, virtual clinic sessions, and online office hours. We have seen you keep the strong tradition of student involvement alive in a virtual world as clubs have transitioned to new officers. We also have seen that these past weeks have not always been easy and recognize that there have been frustrating and uncomfortable moments and that there is still uncertainty in what’s to come. Yet, amidst it all, you rise to the occasion! We could not be more proud of you!

In addition to this being the last Snellen Letter of the 2019-2020 academic year, this is the last Snellen Letter for the Class of 2020. Although we are still working through the details of how we will fully celebrate your accomplishments, we can take a moment to enjoy this picture, taken right after you donned your first white coats in May 2017.

Because we had to cancel a finals week visit from Strider, our favorite therapy dog from Pet Partners of Ohio, a few of your faculty and staff have shared pictures of their animals to bring you comfort and joy as you prepare for final exams. You can view all of the pictures at https://go.osu.edu/OptPets

It is good for the soul to get your creative juices flowing and color! Kerri McTigue has created, just for you, a Brutus in Glasses downloadable coloring page! Go to https://optometry.osu.edu/coloring-page to download, print and color! Kerri will create a new page each week with Brutus exploring different parts of campus. Please remember to tag us at #osuopt if you share your masterpieces on social media.

If you or someone you know is a Student Parent, this message is for you! Join the Student Parent Facebook Group, (www.facebook.com/groups/studentswithchildrenOSU/) to connect with other student parents, locate support and resources around finances, education, parenting, social, food and housing. We want to make sure you have a community behind you as we ALL struggle, a little bit more than some, to transition to virtual education. Email deas.17@osu.edu to learn more.

Jen Bennett, Shawn Gilbert, and Becca Roby continue to work remotely until further notice, and we are available for all of your student service needs. You can reach us via e-mail or phone. We also can set up Zoom meetings if you would like to talk in person. Contact us with questions or if you just need to talk. Don’t know who to ask? Start here!

Jen Bennett, 614-292-2973, bennett.1075@osu.edu (more online office hours to come in May!)
Shawn Gilbert, 614-247-6426, gilbert.351@osu.edu
Becca Roby, 614-292-0497 roby.77@osu.edu

Dr. Shawn Levstek continues to work remotely until further notice and remains available as a consultative resource. He will offer initial meetings by phone with new clients and follow up consultations via Zoom to new and existing clients, as needed, as long as normal operations are suspended. All students with questions or concerns can contact Dr. Levstek directly via e-mail at levstek.4@osu.edu. In addition, OSU’s Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) number, 614-292-5766, will be available for crisis or urgent support, 24/7.

Until further notice, there is no access to Fry or Starling-Loving Halls. If you need to request access the buildings for any reason, please contact Dean Zadnik directly.

https://keeplearning.osu.edu/

Ohio State has established the keep learning website to help you transition to online learning by providing resources in three key areas: Prioritize your health, stay engaged with your courses, and familiarize yourself with key tools such as Carmen and Zoom. This website also contains frequently asked questions and who to contact information for help with technology resources.