Frequently Asked Questions

The university offers a variety of in-person, virtual and blended experiences. We encourage students to discuss any concerns with their academic advisor to evaluate options. Students with particular needs for accommodations should also contact Student Life Disability Services or the ADA Coordinator’s Office.    

Ohio State has published guidelines and requirements on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes site that detail the measures to be taken by the university and the requirements for all individuals to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of the community.

The Graduate School has accommodation processes for students who would like to request a leave of absence from their academic program due to an extenuating circumstance. Please see Section 3.1 and Section 7.7 of the Graduate School Handbook for detailed descriptions of pre and post-candidacy leaves of absence. Students with a GA appointment seeking a leave of absence should contact their program for assistance. More information may be found in Section 11.2 and Appendix F of the Graduate School Handbook.

Yes. The Graduate School has always had an active petition process to address issues for students who need additional time to complete their degree due to unforeseen circumstances. Specifically, all graduate students have the opportunity to extend graduation past the five-year post-candidacy deadline by submitting a petition through http://gradforms.osu.edu/ following rules indicated in the Graduate School Handbook section 7.7.7.

Tools, strategies, workshops and other resources are available for instructors through these websites:

• Teaching and Learning Resource Center
• Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning
• Teaching Orientation for Graduate Students (See Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning)

The Teaching page provides details for instructors on a variety of topics, from cleaning protocols to the type of assignments that allow for proper physical distancing.

Accountability measures are in place for those who choose not to abide by required health and safety guidelines. These accountability measures may range from additional training and informal coaching to formal disciplinary action based on existing structures for students, faculty and staff. 

Masks are optional in most settings on all Ohio State campuses, including classrooms. Students, faculty, staff and visitors can decide on an individual basis whether or not they will continue to wear a mask.

Masks are optional in most settings on all Ohio State campuses, including classrooms. Students, faculty, staff and visitors can decide on an individual basis whether or not they will continue to wear a mask.

Health protocols should follow university guidance. Masks remain optional in classrooms. Additional protections may be required in clinical health-care settings or in alignment with general safety practices for a particular circumstance, such as a lab. For information about workplace accommodations related to COVID-19 or any other issues, please contact the Office of Human Resources. 

No. Instructors may choose if they would like to offer in person or virtual office hours. If a student requests an in-person meeting, faculty should make efforts to accommodate this request.  If an in-person meeting is held, the individuals must adhere to the indoor mask requirement.

No action is required on your part. Faculty and staff who are made aware of a student’s positive test should never share private medical information with others.

The Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Team conducts contact tracing for all students who test positive for COVID-19. After speaking with the positive case, anyone identified as a close contact (including exposed classmates) will be notified and advised on next steps. The CICTT cannot discuss individual test results with instructors, but if you have general questions, please call 614-688-2273.

No action is required on your part. Faculty and staff who are made aware of a student’s positive test should never share private medical information with others.

The Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Team conducts contact tracing for all students who test positive for COVID-19. After speaking with the positive case, anyone identified as a close contact (including exposed classmates) will be notified and advised on next steps. The CICTT cannot discuss individual test results with instructors, but if you have general questions, please call 614-688-2273.

Instructors cannot change the overall delivery mode of the course without the formal approval of the college’s academic leadership and the Office of Academic Affairs. Instructors should contact their dean if issues emerge with the course delivery mode.

The mode of instruction for each class is determined by the university and is subject to change at the discretion of the university in reliance on the guidance received from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ohio Department of Health and local health authorities. 

Instructors may not ask students about their vaccination status. The decision to vaccinate is a personal health matter and protected under HIPAA.

Free face masks are available for students, faculty and staff at a variety of campus locations including: all recreation facilities, most university libraries and the Ohio Union information desk. Masks can be picked up during business hours.

All events and gatherings taking place at The Ohio State University must follow all applicable state, local and university protocols related to COVID-19. As of summer 2022, in-person programming may take place by following standard planning processes and indoor venues may operate at full capacity.

• Organizers may work directly with the appropriate contact at the desired venue (whether at a university-run venue or a third-party location).
• Events planned for academic spaces may be approved through the normal college, department or academic program level review. Events do not need to be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for review.

Note that health guidance is subject to change.

Ohio State is maintaining a mask-optional policy for most settings as the 2022-23 academic year begins. This policy applies to most circumstances, including academic classes, staff meetings and most events. Masks are still required in health-care, child-care and COVID-19 testing locations.

There may be occasions where an external speaker requests a mask requirement for a lecture or other event as a condition of their participation. The university seeks to offer flexibility in these situations to ensure that Ohio State can continue to invite and attract speakers who contribute to a vibrant dialogue on our campuses.

Organizers/sponsors of an event may seek approval of an event-specific mask requirement through their dean or vice president/senior vice president under the following conditions:

• The external individual (not an Ohio State student, faculty or staff member) requests a mask requirement for an event where they are speaking or otherwise presenting. In this instance, the mask requirement is a condition for the speaker to attend the event and should be included in the agreement with the speaker for the event. 
• Attendance at the event is voluntary. Students are not required to attend the event for a class or to meet other requirements, and faculty and staff are likewise not required to attend the event as part of their employment.
• The expectation for masking is clearly communicated in advance of the event, and on entry to the event. Organizers should make masks available for any attendees who need them.

Ohio State has implemented a comprehensive testing program that will continue to be an integral part of our safety protocols as students return to campus this fall. By identifying COVID-19 cases early, we can take action to limit the spread of the virus. Below are the plans for Autumn 2021:

• Pre-arrival testing: All students living in university-managed housing on the Columbus campus and regional campuses as well as sorority and fraternity members on the Columbus campus will need to complete an at-home COVID-19 test within seven days before they return to Ohio State. Additional details about this process will be shared directly from the Office of Student Life.
• Move-in testing: All Columbus campus students who will be on campus for any reason and all residential students on the regional campuses will be required to test for COVID-19 when they arrive. We recommend that students wear a mask until they receive results of a negative COVID-19 test.
• Weekly surveillance testing: Currently, unvaccinated students — including all students on the Columbus campus or and regional campus students who live in university housing — will be required to test weekly as the academic year begins. Students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and reported their status to the university will not have to test. We will continue to monitor the impacts of variants of concern and may need to adjust the testing requirements for vaccinated students as new information is available. Once House Bill 244 goes into effect on October 14, we will test vaccinated and unvaccinated students with the same protocols.

Ohio State has implemented a comprehensive testing program that will continue to be an integral part of our safety protocols as students return to campus this fall. By identifying COVID-19 cases early, we can take action to limit the spread of the virus. Below are the plans for Autumn 2021:

• Pre-arrival testing: All students living in university-managed housing on the Columbus campus and regional campuses as well as sorority and fraternity members on the Columbus campus will need to complete an at-home COVID-19 test within seven days before they return to Ohio State. Additional details about this process will be shared directly from the Office of Student Life.
• Move-in testing: All Columbus campus students who will be on campus for any reason and all residential students on the regional campuses will be required to test for COVID-19 when they arrive. We recommend that students wear a mask until they receive results of a negative COVID-19 test.
• Weekly surveillance testing: Currently, unvaccinated students — including all students on the Columbus campus or and regional campus students who live in university housing — will be required to test weekly as the academic year begins. Students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and reported their status to the university will not have to test. We will continue to monitor the impacts of variants of concern and may need to adjust the testing requirements for vaccinated students as new information is available. Once House Bill 244 goes into effect on October 14, we will test vaccinated and unvaccinated students with the same protocols.

Currently, unvaccinated students will be required to test weekly as the academic year begins. Students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and reported their status to the university will not have to test. We will continue to monitor the impacts of variants of concern and may need to adjust the testing requirements for vaccinated students as new information is available. Once House Bill 244 goes into effect on October 14, we will test vaccinated and unvaccinated students with the same protocols.

Currently, unvaccinated students will be required to test weekly as the academic year begins. Students who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and reported their status to the university will not have to test. We will continue to monitor the impacts of variants of concern and may need to adjust the testing requirements for vaccinated students as new information is available. Once House Bill 244 goes into effect on October 14, we will test vaccinated and unvaccinated students with the same protocols.

Masks are optional in most settings on all Ohio State campuses, including general-purpose buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices, the Ohio Union, childcare centers, on public transportation, and for asymptomatic patients and visitors at the Wexner Medical Center and Wilce Student Health Center. Masks are required for care providers at the Wexner Medical Center when providing direct clinical care to inpatients and at some outpatient/ambulatory locations. People experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days should also wear a mask.

For public events, such as those that take place at the Schottenstein Center and the Covelli Center, masks are optional. Visitors can decide on an individual basis whether or not they will continue to wear a mask.

Masks are optional in most settings on all Ohio State campuses, including general-purpose buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices, the Ohio Union, childcare centers, on public transportation, and for asymptomatic patients and visitors at the Wexner Medical Center and Wilce Student Health Center. Masks are required for care providers at the Wexner Medical Center when providing direct clinical care to inpatients and at some outpatient locations. People experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days should also wear a mask.

Masks are optional in most settings on all Ohio State campuses, including general-purpose buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices, the Ohio Union, childcare centers, on public transportation, and for asymptomatic patients and visitors at the Wexner Medical Center and Wilce Student Health Center. Masks are required for care providers at the Wexner Medical Center when providing direct clinical care to inpatients and at some outpatient locations. People experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days should also wear a mask.

Masks are optional in most settings on all Ohio State campuses, including general-purpose buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices, the Ohio Union, childcare centers, on public transportation, and for asymptomatic patients and visitors at the Wexner Medical Center and Wilce Student Health Center. Masks are required for care providers at the Wexner Medical Center when providing direct clinical care to inpatients and at some outpatient locations. People experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days should also wear a mask.

Students with particular needs for accommodations should also contact Student Life Disability Services or the ADA Coordinator’s Office.

Accountability measures are in place for those who choose not to abide by required health and safety guidelines. These accountability measures may range from additional training and informal coaching to formal disciplinary action based on existing structures for students, faculty and staff. 

Given that broad access to vaccines is available, on-campus isolation housing is limited this year and cannot be guaranteed at any time. All students should have individual plans for isolation housing in the event they are exposed or have a positive COVID-19 test.

If the concern is life threatening, please contact 911, the Ohio State Police Department, at 614-292-2121, or the Wexner Medical Center, at 614-293-8333. If the situation is not life threatening, being supportive and encouraging the student to contact Student Life's Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) is often the best first step. CCS does not contact students who do not contact us first out of respect for their privacy and independence. You can also recommend some of the available mental health support options available on campus.

If the concern is life threatening, please contact 911, the Ohio State Police Department, at 614-292-2121, or the Wexner Medical Center, at 614-293-8333. If the situation is not life threatening, being supportive and encouraging the student to contact Student Life's Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) is often the best first step. CCS does not contact students who do not contact us first out of respect for their privacy and independence. You can also recommend some of the available mental health support options available on campus.

If you have concerns and would like to discuss helpful options with your student, please visit Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service website to review service options. Contact Student Life's Counseling and Consultation Service to request a call back from a counselor at 614-292-5766.

The safety of the Ohio State community is and always will be the university’s first priority. There are a variety of resources available for students, faculty and staff. The university has also compiled a wide range of research-based intervention strategies and information that can help build resiliency and enhance mental, emotional and physical health and well-being. Key resources are listed below.

• Students can use the Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS).
• Faculty and staff can use the Human Resources Keep Well website, the Chief Wellness Officer Health and Wellness page and Your Plan For Health.
• The Ohio State: Wellness app is designed for students but offers tips and guidance useful for all members of our community. It is available for Android and iOS devices.

If you or someone you know is an imminent danger to themselves or someone else, go to the nearest ER or call 911. If you are thinking of harming yourself or if you are worried about someone else and need advice about what to do, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 614-221-5445 or 800-273-8255 (TALK) or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741741.

The safety of the Ohio State community is and always will be the university’s first priority. There are a variety of resources available for students, faculty and staff. The university has also compiled a wide range of research-based intervention strategies and information that can help build resiliency and enhance mental, emotional and physical health and well-being. Key resources are listed below.

• Students can use the Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS).
• Faculty and staff can use the Human Resources Keep Well website, the Chief Wellness Officer Health and Wellness page and Your Plan For Health.
• The Ohio State: Wellness app is designed for students but offers tips and guidance useful for all members of our community. It is available for Android and iOS devices.

If you or someone you know is an imminent danger to themselves or someone else, go to the nearest ER or call 911. If you are thinking of harming yourself or if you are worried about someone else and need advice about what to do, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 614-221-5445 or 800-273-8255 (TALK) or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741741.

If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, please use caution and be aware of any new symptoms when you resume exercise. If you had significant symptoms, you should discuss the situation with your primary care provider prior to resuming high-intensity exercise. If you develop heart symptoms when exercising — such as chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeats, near passing out or passing out — seek medical care from your primary care provider or Student Health Services.  If you are aware of others having these symptoms, please encourage them to seek care.

The Office of Research has developed a web-based tool (http://go.osu.edu/report-a-concern) to report research-related concerns around non-compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols. While the most direct route for addressing concerns is to contact a supervisor, department chair or college office, we recognize that is not always feasible. Any concerns reported through this tool will be sent directly to the Office of Research for review.

Though guidance has changed around how we manage COVID-19, it remains a reportable disease that public health autorities track. Reporting allows public health officials to identify and contain outbreaks and to interrupt disease transmission. Please report your result to Columbus Public Health COVID-19 Self-Report Survey. 

Stay home and away from others if you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus, including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache.  

You may return to normal activities when both are true for at least 24 hours: 

• Symptoms are improving 

• Fever-free without using fever-reducing medication  

Students who test positive forward a statement of support for short-term academic flexibility to their instructors. If they test at a university testing facility, they will automatically receive this statement. Students who test positive at other testing facilities can work with Student Life Disability Services to acquire the statement of support.

Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) will reach out directly to instructors if a student with a disability requires an accommodation. Significant immuno-suppressed, cardiac and cancer-related conditions comprise most of the high-risk factors identified by the Center for Disease Control.  Students with these types of conditions may be approved for remote participation. Failure to return to Ohio State’s campuses due to travel restrictions or anxiety about travel and exposure are not qualifying conditions.

Students who test positive forward a statement of support for short-term academic flexibility to their instructors. If they test at a university testing facility, they will automatically receive this statement. Students who test positive at other testing facilities can work with Student Life Disability Services to acquire the statement of support.

Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) will reach out directly to instructors if a student with a disability requires an accommodation. Significant immuno-suppressed, cardiac and cancer-related conditions comprise most of the high-risk factors identified by the Center for Disease Control.  Students with these types of conditions may be approved for remote participation. Failure to return to Ohio State’s campuses due to travel restrictions or anxiety about travel and exposure are not qualifying conditions.

If a student with a disability requires an accommodation, Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) will reach out directly to instructors to determine feasibility of report participation for each specific course. Instructors are not expected to present sections in multiple teaching modes. However, they may be asked to utilize technology, such as Zoom, to provide the student with virtual access to a course if the student is ordered to quarantine, isolate, or are otherwise approved for remote participation as an accommodation due to their conditions. The request to accommodate a student with Zoom or other digital access for a class does not mean that the class is reorganized around a virtual presentation. It may allow a student to access the class, but the student may need to utilize additional means to ensure full participation (note-taking by a classmate, office hours, e-mail. etc.)

If a student with a disability requires an accommodation, Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) will reach out directly to instructors to determine feasibility of report participation for each specific course. Instructors are not expected to present sections in multiple teaching modes. However, they may be asked to utilize technology, such as Zoom, to provide the student with virtual access to a course if the student is ordered to quarantine, isolate, or are otherwise approved for remote participation as an accommodation due to their conditions. The request to accommodate a student with Zoom or other digital access for a class does not mean that the class is reorganized around a virtual presentation. It may allow a student to access the class, but the student may need to utilize additional means to ensure full participation (note-taking by a classmate, office hours, e-mail. etc.)

Ohio State announced on Monday, April 24 that the university will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination for students, faculty and staff, with the exception of those who are subject to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or other professional requirements. All campus community members are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date on vaccinations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This transition coincides with the upcoming expiration of the federal public health emergency, is in response to changes in the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 vaccinations and is compliant with Ohio law.

Employees: Faculty and staff can use the Employee Health Record system to report their vaccination information. This system should be used by employees of all Ohio State campuses and locations, both among the academic enterprise and the Wexner Medical Center, including Ohio State University Physicians Inc. (OSUP).  

Students: All Ohio State students at all campuses can use the Student Health Services My BuckMD system to report their vaccination information. Sign into My BuckMD, go to document upload, and choose document type COVID19 vaccination records, download a copy of your vaccination and save.  

Individual vaccination data will be shared only to the extent needed for compliance and non-compliance measures and for public health purposes such as contact tracing.

The Office of Human Resources will work with employees who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19, and their supervisors, to attempt to find workplace modifications that address the employee’s concerns. Through a COVID-19 accommodation request, which is a secure intake process, individuals will be asked to:

• Identify and attest that their health or other factor place them at greater risk of serious illness if they contract the COVID-19 virus.
• Provide details about their work environment concerns.
• Indicate what needs and resources they feel are necessary to perform their job safely.

For more information and directions for how to request a COVID-19 related accommodation, please visit: https://hr.osu.edu/coronavirus/accommodations/