Adaptations for COVID-19 Pandemic

An overview of the adaptations that the Division of Student Affairs has made as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transition to availability of bi-weekly drive-up access to pre-packaged food from pantry available to students who remained in Athens.
Unique donations from campus partners, Athens and alumni communities (funds, food, supplies, gift cards, etc.)
Expanded the Emergency Microgrants program to collaborate with Advancement on targeted fundraising to address COVID-19 needs.
Provided on-campus housing for students who could not leave campus.

Established virtual involvement website with hundreds of activities to do from home.
Hosted over 200 graduating seniors for virtual senior toast graduation weekend.
Student Senate held regular, virtual meetings on schedule and open to the public; elected interim officers until in-person classes resume.
Student organizations pivoted to online platforms for continued engagement with members. Example: spiritual life organizations.

Launched new virtual resource for all Bobcats providing access and educational resources to promote wellness; health, self-care and connection.
Adapted well-being resource page with education and recreation connections.
New well-being focused social media channels.
Offered virtual, biweekly meetings for students in recovery from substance abuse (Health Promotion).
Continued to offer Health Promotion workshops and resources to university partners virtually via Teams and Zoom.

Transitioned one-on-one services to online platform and promoting continued access to Handshake resource.
Continue to offer career workshops by recording and presenting virtually.
Offered virtual employer recruitment for Teacher Job Fair, exploring platforms for future virtual career fairs.

Secured telehealth resource for students dealing with anxiety.
Offered virtual program to help seniors process grief over loss of final semester.
Survivors of sexual violence encouraged to access resources and support through teleadvocacy.
Survivor Advocacy Program advocates continuing to offer meetings through secure online platform, use of white noise machines for confidentiality, etc.

Facilitated expedited move-out execution utilizing advanced scheduling to abide by physical distancing protocols.
Continued engagement of residential students through the outreach of remote resident assistants and professional staff.
Developed a remote call center supported by professional and student staff to ensure continuity of service during the pandemic.
Successfully facilitated the student room selection process for the 2020-2021 academic year utilizing completely remote staff and procedures.

Provided modified meal plans for students remaining on campus including meal delivery.
Transitioned campus dining to an expedited pick-up procedure to abide by physical distancing protocols and safety procedures.
Provided favorite culinary recipes and cooking tutorials for those pivoting to home cooking.
Donated $10,565 in food to Cat’s Cupboard and Athens Food Rescue.

Transitioned conduct meetings online.
Communicated state guidelines and restrictions related to COVID-19 to students remaining on campus.

Led development of short-term student and parent email publications providing institution updates and virtual resources. Example: support recommendations/tips for parents.
Led initiation of university-wide wellness newsletter, student newsletter and corresponding wellness website.
Transitioned content to cover immediate needs/concerns of students and families.
Adapted messaging schedule and frequency.
Division leadership hosted weekly virtual open forums to address employee concerns.

Adapted social media strategy to address audience concerns through frequent and active social listening.
Provided opportunities for virtual celebration, including interactions with #MyOHIOMoment and five specific suggestions.

Created more than 3,000 fabric masks to ensure campus and regional employees had access to a face covering at work.
Partnered with officials from the city of Athens and off-campus landlords to develop a coordinated move-out process for off-campus students.
Supported CENSUS 2020 efforts by submitting eResponse for over 6,400 on campus students.

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