Josh Bailey: 0:00

Psych Bytes with CCS is a weekly podcast hosted by Student Life's Counseling and Consultation Service. This show is dedicated to discussing a wide range of topics pertaining to mental health commonly experienced in the college setting. It is important to note that this podcast is not a substitute for therapy. All of the topics on this show, while discussed by professionals, are strictly psychoeducational and meant to inform listeners on available resources, skills and support. Topics on this show can be sensitive in nature, and should you find yourself needing additional support or resources, please visit ccs.osu.edu or call us at 614-292-5766. With that in mind, enjoy the show. What is up everybody and welcome to Psych Bytes with CCS. My name is Josh, and today we are joined by Ryan Lovell, the associate vice president of student health and well being within the Office of Student Life. Welcome.

Ryan Lovell: 1:20

Thanks, Josh. Really appreciate the opportunity to be here.

Josh Bailey: 1:23

Yeah, and I'm glad that you're here because you are responsible for a lot of things in your role, and one of those things is our newest essential needs center, the Monda Student Resource Center. And the reason I have you here today is to talk

about that very thing: 1:38

What it is, who it's for and when we can expect to see it?

Ryan Lovell: 1:44

Yeah, absolutely. Like, as you mentioned, like, there's a lot of things that we do within the Office of Student Life to support students, especially around health and well being. And one of the pieces that we're about ready to launch is really a combination of a lot of resources that exist in some different places across campus. So probably over about the last 5 or 10 years, there's been more of a focus in Higher Ed on what we would term essential needs: food insecurity, clothing insecurity, housing insecurity, how students can address when emergencies pop up, and whether or not they have the financial resources to address those issues as they There's often been that vision of the poor college student, occur. just living on ramen, doesn't have food, sleeping on people's couches. But there's some reality behind that for many of our students, that they're living on the margins, and that's the reality of being a student at a place like Ohio State. So what we've been doing as a university is providing a lot of resources to address those issues. There's a food pantry that exists here on campus. There's emergency funding that students can apply for. We do some pop up events where students can come and get clothing for professional attire, job interviews, internships. But those exist in some different places. So as a student, you've got to figure out how to navigate that. You've got to go to the right place to find the right resource, and probably more importantly, you have to continue to tell your story over and over again to different people to get the resources that you need. So what we're doing here at Ohio State is creating kind of a one stop shop. One location where you can go and go to the food pantry, get the clothing that you need, get emergency support, emergency financial resources. And that's what we're calling our Monda Student Resource Center, which will be our essential needs center that we plan to open this academic year.

Josh Bailey: 3:30

These services have been around because these experiences for students are nothing new. And like you said, it's historically been stretched out across campus. And I like that you point out that the retelling of one's story can be difficult, and I'd say even almost demoralizing, to the point that I don't even want to try, because I have to go from point A to point B and then to C, and I'm telling the same thing over and over and over again. That can be incredibly discouraging, and then again, just limits one's accessibility to resources just because of that process. Was there a conversation that was had that said, "hey, we need to centralize this," or how did this come up?

Ryan Lovell: 4:12

Yeah, this has been a proposal that's been in the works here for several years, and it's really a project that our Senior Vice President for Student Life, Dr Melissa Shivers, has really championed. It's that concept that in order to be, that— we know that education, in some ways, is the great equalizer. That students who graduate from college are likely to be healthier in their lives, to have higher earning potential. So we know that the impact that college can have on students' lives, that educational piece. But for many students, they're focusing on whether or not they've got food or studying. They're focusing on whether or not they've got enough money for rent or enough money for books. So when you think about that, what would it look like at a place like Ohio State, where you take that piece off the table? You take that essential needs piece away, that you don't have to worry about food, you don't have to worry about clothing, and instead, you can focus those efforts simply on your academic pieces, as well as the other pieces that you may be managing as a human. We all have families, we all have friends, we all have lives that we're living, that are then just impacted by those other essential needs pieces. So that concept came up— really pre-pandemic is when we started a lot of this conversation. But then really, over kind of the last year or two, really moved it into motion, and been working with, you know, our friends in development and donors to try to also tell that story and share that information. Because what we realized is that a lot of folks don't know that essential needs are something that impacts college students. I mean, most folks figure that college students have resources. Every college student has a meal plan. They all live on campus, so like, there's not that need. But you know, a lot of the work that we've been doing for the last several years is out there, telling folks the story, telling folks what the research says on our end, in terms of students that identify as being food insecure, housing insecure, can't come up with emergency funding. And then really working, probably for the last year or two, to then combine those into one location, identify where that place is on campus, identify ways that we can support it and make it be something that's sustainable long term.

Josh Bailey: 6:18

So let's talk about some of those essential needs. So you're listing things off, like the food pantry, the clothing, the housing. So what are some of these essential needs? And what can students expect when they come in and say, "Hey, I'm looking for[insert need]" ? I mentioned earlier that we've done what we call "Career

Ryan Lovell: 6:33

Yeah, you definitely covered a couple that will be really big for us. I mean, the space itself will have a section of it that will be dedicated to our food pantry. So we've got a food pantry on campus that's called Buckeye Food Alliance. That's also a student organization. So we have some students who volunteer and help us to run that pantry, that we've utilized for many years. Now, when that food pantry opened, we had probably 500 visitors. This past year, we had nearly 8500 visits to the food pantry. So not necessarily individual students, but 8500 visits for folks coming in. So the need continues to rise. So that food pantry is located, right now, in Lincoln Tower. We're going to move that to the Younkin Student Success Center, where the Monda Student Resource Center will be. That's a more centralized location. It's near a bus line. It's over on Neil Avenue on campus. So we'll put the food pantry in that space. Closet" events. We collect donations of professional attire throughout the course of the year, and then do pop-up events three, four times a year. We'll make an announcement to students that we'll have some professional attire. It's free to them. And then students will come, go through that attire, find things that match, and then utilize it for career fairs and job interviews and jobs. But as opposed to that just being a pop-up, we're going to create a permanent installation for the Monda Student Resource Center. So students come in the door, that clothing will be available to them year round, versus the three or four times a year. We want to make sure that we've got emergency funding available, and that's come out of our Student Advocacy office that provides support in that space. And that emergency funding could be anything from, "My car broke down," to, "I don't have enough money to pay the electric bill," to, "Hey, I lost my job, and I just don't have funding for this." So we're going to make sure that we move the emergency funding piece into that space as And then one of the other key pieces for our creation of the well. Center is that there are a lot of other resources on campus. There are resources within the community, a lot of resources within the county, that students are eligible for. If you think about something like SNAP benefits for food, that a lot of students don't know they're eligible for, and if they do, they don't know how to apply for them. So one of the pieces that we're going to build into this space is some office space that some of our partners can use from across campus. So, you know, maybe we've got Financial Aid there a certain number of times a month, or we bring Job and Family Services in from the city a couple times a month. Just some different campus and community partners who can have an opportunity to come in, be in that space. And then for a student, we can say, "Hey, if you're here on this day at this time, you can not only get your food, but these offices will be here if you want to connect with them as well." It goes back to that stigma piece, of reducing students having to consistently find different locations to tell their story and get resources.

Josh Bailey: 9:17

So a student comes in, like, conceptually, are they going to just know where to go? Will we have maybe, like, a front desk where they could come and talk to someone and be like,"Hey, I'm looking for this." And then someone can kind of help navigate them towards the right resource? How's that going to look?

Ryan Lovell: 9:32

Yeah, there's definitely going to be a front desk in the space. For our food pantry, a lot of students do that ordering online now. So there's an online system, they can go order the food, and then, for the most part, students just want to come pick it up. They don't want to shop through a space. They don't want to spend the time doing that, like, "Hey, let me order this on my time. And then I know tomorrow, at

3: 9:50

30, I can go and get it." But as you come in the door for the Resource Center, there's going to be a check-in desk. I'm imagining some kiosks being there that a student can check-in. They can get whatever, their food, etc. They can maybe look at the clothing, if they want to do that. There will be some changing rooms within the space, if a student wants to try something on. But then also, our website will have some

information about: 10:10

what offices are there? How do you schedule appointment with those offices? We'll have some dedicated staff within the space, and one of those will be a role that's like a case manager type role. So someone who can follow up with students, make sure that we're addressing their resources. You know, we're seeing them a certain number of times per month in a given space, and maybe there's some other resources that we can connect them to that they just don't know about. So we're also trying to build some staff positions in there, that not only logistically run the space, but also some folks who then can, hey, follow up with students, and then, "Hey may maybe you should have a meeting next time that you're in, and let's talk about some other resources that might be available to you." Or what else may be happening that we can get you connected with something on campus or in the community?

Josh Bailey: 10:51

I really like that. And just the case manager aspect of that, having someone there that can observe and just maybe help initiate a conversation that a student didn't know they could have, right? About, like,"Hey, let's talk about some other things that are available to you, or maybe consider a couple of other options, because I have seen you here a couple of times, and let's see what we can do to meet all of your needs." I really like that they're incorporating that in there. Do you have any kind of metrics or any numbers that might kind of indicate the need and kind of what that looks like here at OSU?

Ryan Lovell: 11:21

Yeah, absolutely. That's something that we track

Josh Bailey: 11:21

So obviously, the services are already available. on a fairly regular basis when we're looking at whether it be food insecurity, housing insecurity, et cetera. I mean, we know that roughly 30-32% of our students, generally on a survey that we do, are indicating that they're food insecure. Those questions usually revolve around, "I'm concerned that I don't— that the food that I have will not last me until the end of the next time that I plan to purchase food," or, "I can purchase food." And then some questions about, you know, "If I run out of food, do I have the ability to buy more?" And you know, if you are answering certain ways on those questions, then you are categorizing as being food insecure. And generally, I think our last survey said 32% of our students indicate of having food insecurity at some point in the last year. We also asked students about if you had an emergency that required $400, what is your ability to then come up with that $400? Roughly a quarter of our students say,"If I had an emergency that cost me $400 or more, I would not have the funding to be able to address that emergency." So we do do a lot of statistical information and research, so that we've got some verifiable pieces, so that we know the resources that need to be offered to students. But when can we expect to have the Monda Student Resource Center open? Like, what are we looking at right now?

Ryan Lovell: 12:43

Yeah, that's a really good question. I mean, we are planning to start construction— as I referenced, we've got a space in the Younkin Student Success Center— We're planning to start construction this Fall, Fall of '24, with the idea that the space will open in the Spring. We're still working through the construction timelines and the company, and exactly when they think that it'll be done. But the message that we continue to send is that it's going to open this academic year, at some point in the Spring of '25. Which will be which will be really great. I mean, we continue to operate those other resources, as I talked about. The Buckeye Food Alliance Food Pantry is still open, and will continue to be until we get closer to that date. But it's really exciting to have that opportunity to pull all of those into one location for the benefit of students.

Josh Bailey: 13:28

Currently, is there a website for the Resource Center that people can go to to check in on updates or learn more about it? Like, what do we have there?

Ryan Lovell: 13:36

Yes, we've created a website that it's: the Monda Student Resource Center. So MSRC. So the website is just msrc.osu.edu, or you could just Google: Monda (M-O-N-D-A) Student Resource Center. But yeah, that website will have the current resources that are available. So it's going to talk about the food pantry, it's going to talk about Career Closet, and then just link back to those websites that already exist for those entities. Eventually we'll consolidate all of them under the one website. But that website that I mentioned will also have updates. We'll put information on there about when it's opening and all the connection pieces. But yes, that's kind of the central hub to find out information about kind of where we're at with everything.

Josh Bailey: 14:14

This is incredibly exciting. I am all about efficiency, so I like having the one stop shop. And, you know, maybe a little bit of bias with Younkin, because that's where CCS has one of our offices. So we're up on the fourth floor there. So I think that'll be a nice partnership, as far as location is concerned, to have the abundance of resources. And then, of course, the Dennis Learning Center is there as well. So really utilizing Younkin as a centralized hub for services to students, I think is, again, amazing.

Ryan Lovell: 14:43

Yeah, and you make a great point there, because one of the considerations for being in Younkin is the pieces that you just talked about, Josh, is— we've got some great co-located services there. And like you said, CCS is on the fourth floor. Buckeye Careers, one of our career support centers here on campus, is in Younkin. The Dennis Learning Center, which provides a lot of academic support, is in Younkin. So it's a good centralized location, but then there's also some other really good resources that are actually in the building that we can connect students to.

Josh Bailey: 15:10

Yeah, it's gonna be a very happening place. So excited for Spring 2025. Ryan, is there anything else that maybe we haven't touched on yet, or you think might just be important to know?

Ryan Lovell: 15:20

Yeah, I mean, we obviously want folks to know about the space, so that students are using it. So that's definitely key. And you know, if there are opportunities to talk to other folks who may be listening to this podcast, please definitely connect with us. I mean, I'm sure I can provide my contact information, and we'll do that here at some point. You know, there's a lot of opportunities to get There's a lot of university resources, but we also use a lot connected with the resource center. So I talked about we do a lot of clothing drives, we've done food drives in the past. So of private resources, and from folks who have passion around if we find partner entities who are really interested in that students and student essential needs. Which is where the work, we definitely would love to chat and talk about that. And Resource Center really, really comes from in terms of its that includes some of the work that we've done around fundraising. I mentioned earlier that we work with our partners in development to really support this space. sustainability, because we've been— had a found a great partner, in Keith Monda and Veronica Brady. Keith is an alum of the University. He's had some tremendous success in his life, and worked in a lot of opportunities within fiscal, the fiscal world, and some leadership positions, and a lot of really great companies. And really wanted to give back, and really has a passion around food insecurity, and really has a passion around mental health. And has really, really helped to step up and support student life in the university around this essential needs piece. And when he heard about like this opportunity for students, like,"Yes, that's the place that I want to be involved, that Veronica and I want to be involved and connected." So we're really grateful to Keith and Veronica for all of their support for the Resource Center to this point, but then also all that they will do in the future as well.

Josh Bailey: 17:03

Yeah, absolutely. Very generous of them to assist in that way. So you're saying some just points of contact, so obviously, like your information, if you want to throw that out there. But anything else, or any other, I guess, points of information, or points of resource that people could reach out? Of course, here at CCS, we are always discussing services that are available to students. So we will continue to throw that information out when we do triages or if we meet students for individual counseling, group counseling, things of that nature. We can and do always talk about the resources available, but are there other points of contact, or just people we should know?

Ryan Lovell: 17:38

Yeah. I mean, I think it's always good to know those partner offices that are really involved. So I mean, our Student Wellness Center is where the Buckeye Food Alliance Food Pantry lives right now. And that staff is providing a lot of tremendous support to that space. But our Student Wellness Center is one that provides a lot of resources, support, coaching for students. And I know works really closely with CCS, and a lot of different programming and resource options. I talked about emergency funds and Student Advocacy. Student Advocacy is a great office that really does what it says: It advocates for students in a lot of ways on campus. And really manages students through the university, so that they can get connected to the right resource. So Student Advocacy is a great outreach place, like, if I'm just not sure what to do with this, or I'm not sure how to drop that class, our colleagues at Advocacy do a lot of really great work in that space. But then also do work on that emergency fund side as well, and supporting students in that way. So I mean, those are both also really great points of contact, points of entry, beyond what the great work that happens with the CC, with our Counseling and Consultation Service Team. Folks are always welcome to outreach to me. Email address is just my last name, which is Lovell,("L-O-V- (V as in "Victor") E-L-L,") and then .113@osu.edu, so: lovell.113@osu.edu. Don't hesitate to outreach to me. If you got questions, want more information. I can always get you connected with the right folks if it's not me, but I'm happy to serve as kind of that point of contact as we continue this exciting work around essential needs.

Josh Bailey: 19:08

Thank you so much for taking the time. Really appreciate having you here, sharing this information. Again, I really do believe in this Resource Center and what it can do, and having it centralized as a one stop shop, I think, is just absolutely critical and supporting the need that is there. Like you said, 32% of students reporting food insecurity concerns and things like that. I think that is really, really significant. So to be able to assist people in a more efficient and effective way— love it, here for it. So again, thank you very much for coming and talking about this, helping out with this. And then again, thanks to all the community and campus partners that have been helping out as well. So just a little shout out there. Any closing comments before we wrap today?

Ryan Lovell: 19:49

No, just thanks to you for the opportunity. As I said, we are doing what we can to get out and educate everyone about essential needs for students, but then also about the work that the university is doing. Which is such great work in that space, and the acknowledgement that Ohio State has that this is a university priority to really provide these resources for students. So just appreciate the time today and an opportunity to chat with you.

Josh Bailey: 20:13

Of course. Well again, Ryan, thank you. And to our listeners, thank you for stopping in yet again for another episode. Keep your eyes peeled for our next one, and until next time, take care of yourselves. I've been Josh, and this has been Psych Bytes with CCS.