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Every Buckeye plays an important part in taking care of each other. Because when Buckeyes are safe and healthy, we can stay focused on our endeavors — and on improving lives.
Learn what Ohio State is doing and how you can help keep yourself, and your family and friends, safe and healthy — whether you've returned to a campus or are continuing to work and study from home.
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What’s your why?
The guidelines and requirements on this website have been created for our university communities on all Ohio State campuses by the COVID-19 Transition Task Force based on the recommendations of the Safe Campus and Scientific Advisory subgroup. They are informed by the latest data and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and other authorities.
Every Buckeye plays an important role in keeping our campuses safe and healthy. Together, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks, physical distancing and practicing good hand hygiene. Buckeyes care for each other. It’s what we do. By working together, we can make our community safer for everyone — students, faculty, staff, visitors, fans and friends alike.
Latest updates
- Nov. 19: Governor DeWine’s statewide curfew begins on November 19, Franklin County has been elevated to Alert Level 4 (purple) in the Ohio Public Health Advisory System and the health advisory for the City of Columbus and Franklin County begins on November 20. Read more about how these impact Ohio State students, faculty and staff.
- Nov. 19: Effective at 6 pm. on November 20, in-person classes will be moved to online or other forms of remote instruction. Exceptions where in-person instruction is permitted include clinical programs conducted under approved safety protocols as well as laboratory, studio and performance classes. Students should check with their instructors about alternative plans for in-person courses, and professors who need assistance with different delivery modes should contact their academic department. Read more in a message from President Johnson.
- Nov. 19: University Libraries(link is external) will offer contactless services beginning Friday, Nov. 20 so buildings will be closed to the public.
- Nov. 18: Governor DeWine’s statewide curfew begins on November 19 and the health advisory for the City of Columbus and Franklin County begins on November 20. Read more about how these impact Ohio State students, faculty and staff.
- Nov. 18: Students must be in their residence from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Dining facilities, recreation facilities and the Ohio Union will close by 9:30 p.m. (locations may vary). Read more here.
- Nov. 15: In a message to the university community, President Kristina Johnson shared updated departure plans for winter break. The plans ensure that all Buckeyes can return home safely and not spread the virus to their communities, families and friends.
- Nov. 15: The first two weeks of spring semester classes (January 11-15 and 18-22) via virtual delivery. Student move-in for spring semester is currently scheduled for January 18. Read more in a message from President Johnson.
- Nov. 15: Students living on and off campus can schedule a test through the MyChart website today. Testing should be completed at least 24 hours before departing campus to ensure results are back prior to your departure. A limited number of walk-up tests will be available for students living off campus.
- Nov. 12: Students living on campus are asked not to leave campus unless it is absolutely necessary. Students living off campus should only come to campus for class and other necessary activities including: to work, take a COVID-19 test or fulfill a medical appointment or address other in-person responsibilities. Because exercise is important for maintaining our physical and mental health, recreational facilities will remain open and will continue to follow strict safety protocols. Read more in a message from President Johnson.
- Nov. 12: Faculty and staff who can work remotely are urged to do so. Many employees are already working from home; the university encourages others who can do so to coordinate with their supervisors and work remotely to enhance the safety of our campuses for those who must come in.
- Nov. 12: Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, faculty and staff should consider canceling or postponing travel over the holiday and winter break and avoid gatherings with those outside of their immediate household. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to take advantage of the university’s voluntary testing program to help keep yourself and the members of your household safe. Read more in a message from President Johnson.
This website was last updated on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. Please reference this website for the most up-to-date guidelines. The university’s COVID-19 Transition Task Force’s Safe Campus and Scientific Advisory Subgroup will continue monitoring changing conditions and consult with local and state health authorities. Recommendations and requirements will be refined as needed.
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Messages from leadership
Surging cases of COVID-19 across Ohio have prompted a statewide curfew, a stay-at-home advisory in the Columbus area, and the declaration that Franklin County has gone purple — reflecting “severe” exposure and spread of the virus.
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