Important update for student organization leaders

Amy L. Fairchild, PhD, MPH, Dean, College of Public Health and Gladys M. Gibbs, MD, MS, Director, Student Health Services | August 28, 2020

Dear Student Leaders:

As you saw in President Johnsonʼs message yesterday, we need to take decisive and proactive action to interrupt the trend of increasing numbers of students testing positive for COVID-19 on and around our campus.

In an effort to do all that we possibly can, Ohio State is temporarily suspending all in-person student organization events or gatherings, of any size and/or location through September 9, 2020. We know many of you have already dramatically changed the way in which you are interacting this semester, and we thank you. This new action is not a punishment and we are not suggesting that your student organization is doing anything wrong.

We understand this interruption is a disappointment to you and your many organization members. We ask you to accept these restrictions as measures to help protect your fellow students, faculty and staff and look for ways to continue your engagement and impact virtually.  Our goal is to work toward a resumption of small group interaction as soon as we can, and we will keep you updated as testing data is available. The battle here is with COVID-19, and unfortunately that will require taking more significant steps for the next couple of weeks in hopes for a continued and successful semester.

Please, stick Together As Buckeyes, even as we stay apart.

Amy L. Fairchild, PhD, MPH
Dean, College of Public Health
The Ohio State University

Gladys M. Gibbs, MD, MS
Director, Student Health Services
Office of Student Life
The Ohio State University