OHIO's commitment to support and safety for all Bobcats

The below message was shared with the campus community on Nov. 19, 2021.

Dear University Community,

A few hours ago, news broke on the verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. Rittenhouse is the teenager accused of killing two people and shooting another during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last summer. I recognize that this may be a triggering moment for many within our University community, as we, as a nation, grapple with the impact jury’s decision will have on racial injustice and public safety in our country.

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion, in partnership with University Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), will host a virtual space via Microsoft Teams for members of the University community to process the outcome of the trial on Monday, Nov. 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. Please register to receive the link to attend.

If you would benefit from campus resources to support your psychological and emotional well-being, we encourage all of you to seek out campus resources that can provide support and encouragement. Some of them are highlighted below:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS)

• CPS provides mental health and adjustment services to students and also consultation to faculty, administrators and parents who support our students.
• Psychiatry and individual counseling through face-to-face video conferencing or audio phone therapy are just some of the services available to students through CPS.
• Staff members in CPS also make referrals to a wide range of support services both on and off campus. Students may contact CPS at any time by calling 740-593-1616. If calling after hours, press 1 to be connected to a counselor. You can also visit their website at www.ohio.edu/student-affairs/counseling.

Additional Counseling Resources

• The Association of Black Psychologists places emphasis on making a positive impact on Black mental health.
• Psychology Today offers a listing of Black therapists practicing in Ohio.
• The Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) serves the public with a variety of educational programs on health, wellness and the mind-body connection along with online resources including a psychologist referral program.

IMPACT Student Support Meetings

• OHIO students are encouraged to email diversity@ohio.edu to express interest in attending an IMPACT meeting, which is a support group convened for any Ohio University student who wishes to discuss special issues that may be impacting our community of students.
• These meetings are facilitated by Dr. Kristyn Neckles, psychologist and embedded clinician for our Division of Diversity and Inclusion, on a by-request basis.

Employee Assistance Program

• Ohio University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work/Life program is offered through Impact Behavioral Healthcare Services.
• The EAP is available to all Ohio University employees and their family members.
• Visit Impact Employee Assistance and enter 'ohiouniversity' as the username under the heading Member Login to access informational materials and resources.
• The program features include confidential 24/7 live professional assistance. Call 800-227-6007 and more.

Athens Community Resources

• The Racial Equity Coalition of Athens County is a collaborative space to advance racial equity and racial justice within the Athens community. The Coalition is composed of leaders and community members who share the same vision of creating a more tolerant and fair Athens Community. Together, the members aim to amplify the message of tolerance and fairness through collaboration and the mutual support of each other’s efforts. Visit https://athensfoundation.org/racial-equity-coalition-of-athens to learn more about how you can join the coalition or to view the resources and training they offer to members of our community.
• Ohio University acknowledges how important religious and spiritual life practices are for many of our students. We also recognize the valuable contributions of the greater Athens religious and spiritual community. Visit  https://www.ohio.edu/diversity/religious-spiritual-life and https://www.ohio.edu/diversity/places-worship for information and resources about religious and/or spiritual engagement in the Athens area. 

OHIO’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion remains unwavering in our commitment to offering support and safety so all Bobcats in their diverse identities and experiences can find support for their concerns, worries, and fears.

In solidarity,

Dr. Gigi Secuban
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion