Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, President | October 13, 2021
Dear Buckeyes,
Of the many traditions Buckeyes have been excited to return to this fall, athletic competition holds special significance for many. Veronica and I have been thrilled to attend the first games of the season and experience game day traditions like the Skull Session. If you see us, give us an “O-H!”
Helen I. Malone, PhD Vice Provost for Academic Policy and Faculty Resources | September 21, 2021
Dear instructor,
Thank you for your many efforts to create an engaging learning environment for our students. I appreciate your hard work and dedication ensuring that our students have an excellent educational experience in a safe and healthy environment.
I am writing because during the semester, you may be asked to formally or informally accommodate one or more students who are unable to attend your in-person class because they are sick or in quarantine. Our students are expected to stay home when they are ill, and they rely on your accommodations to be successful. Please work with students...
Jeff Risinger, PhD, Senior Vice President of Talent, Culture and Human Resources Office of Human Resources | September 1, 2021
Dear faculty and staff,
Over the past 18 months, we have worked together to overcome the challenges of the pandemic to serve our students, patients and community. Thank you for your many contributions.
As President Johnson announced last week , Ohio State is taking the next step in enhancing the health and safety of our community by requiring every student, faculty and staff member to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement applies to all employees at the university and Wexner Medical Center, including those who work for Ohio State University Physicians, Inc. (OSUP). While a limited set...
Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, President | August 24, 2021
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
The rising prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is fueling the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations – including in young and otherwise healthy unvaccinated people. Central, southern and southeastern Ohio have now recorded the highest number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients since January. Further, the number of hospitalized patients in these areas of the state rose an alarming 448% between mid-July and mid-August.
Throughout the pandemic, the university has taken measures to help keep our Ohio State community safe and healthy. With Monday’s news that the U.S. Food and...
With many Buckeyes returning to campus and much-loved traditions after an extended absence, Ohio State is providing a summary of what you need to know to continue the Safe and Healthy approach we successfully managed together last academic year and throughout the pandemic.
Keeping you in the loop
This year, the university is enhancing its communication by using text and email from Ohio State News to provide brief, timely updates to the university community. These updates will inform you about:
COVID priorities: Updates and information about COVID safety requirements and protocols that you need...
Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, President | August 2, 2021
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
Since December, we have celebrated the introduction of safe, effective and free COVID-19 vaccines that have helped contain the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they remain the best way to protect your family, friends, colleagues and yourself.
In recent weeks, the Delta variant has rapidly become the most common form of the virus in Ohio – and across the nation. The Delta variant is much more contagious than previous versions of the virus, causes infected patients to have substantially higher amounts of the virus in their system, and can...
Kay N. Wolf, PhD, Senior Vice Provost | July 28, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
As reflected in President Johnson’s update yesterday, the university continues to monitor COVID-19, including guidance surrounding variants of concern. We are also carefully tracking the reported vaccination rate in our community, which currently exceeds 70%. We will gain an even better view now that all students, faculty and staff are required to report whether or not they have been vaccinated by Aug. 5.
All of these factors are part of our planning for the coming academic year, and we will continue to make decisions as needed based on guidance from the U.S. Centers for...
Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, President | July 27, 2021
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
In about a month, we’ll be together for the start of the academic year, and I’m thrilled just thinking about the Buckeye traditions that we all love.
This robust, in-person experience can happen because of the success of free, effective COVID-19 vaccines. Already, more than 70% of returning students, faculty and staff have completed their vaccinations, a rate that outpaces the rest of the state.
Today, I’m writing to share updates on our autumn semester planning so that you’re prepared for all that’s to come.
Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, President | July 9, 2021
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
More than 60,000 Buckeyes are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and I’m excited to announce thousands of additional reasons to get your shots.
In August, Ohio State will award $50,000 in gift cards, football tickets and parking passes to students, faculty and staff who have completed their vaccination and reported their status to the university. We will award prizes through a random weekly drawing. Those who act before August will have more chances to win.
Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, President | July 7, 2021
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I hope you had an enjoyable Fourth of July weekend celebrating our Declaration of Independence. This year’s glorious Fourth allowed us to return to some of the in-person celebrations and traditions that we love. These moments were made possible by steadfast adherence to safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic and significant scientific advancements to rapidly develop and deploy highly effective vaccines.
If you are already vaccinated, thank you for taking this critical step to protect yourself, your friends and family, and your community! If you aren’t, and are in the Columbus area, there’s...
