Today, we announced that we will resume in-person classes for the autumn semester.
The resumption of full operations on our Ohio State campuses will include a combination of several important health-and-safety factors. These include the use of appropriate face coverings, physical distancing, hand hygiene, limited density in indoor spaces, control of the flow of traffic into and around buildings, continued employee teleworking when possible, testing, symptoms tracking and contact tracing. A teaching-and-learning approach that combines in-person and distance methods is also being developed, and our academic calendar will be adjusted.
I have updates to share with you today on our COVID-19 response efforts at the university, but first I want to again address the extraordinarily difficult events of this past week, which I spoke to over the weekend .
We know our students, faculty, staff and community members are hurting, we are here to support them, and we are inspired by their commitment to this cause. Students who are feeling distress may contact the Office of Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service at any time at 614-292-5766 or ccs.osu.edu . Faculty and...
This Memorial Day and every day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is important, especially during these extraordinary times, to pause and reflect on our history and the many values that we share. We will continue to work #TogetherAsBuckeyes and as part of a larger community to advance and uplift lives.
Below are several updates. Brenda and I wish you a great rest of your weekend.
Transition planning and state of emergency
We continue to plan for a return to on-campus operations using a...
This week marked the start of the summer term. We will continue to teach and learn virtually throughout the term. At the same time, the university’s COVID-19 transition task force is exploring and developing plans for the fall and beyond.
While information continues to evolve and we will need to be flexible, our current goal is to have an announcement of our plans for the autumn semester by mid-June. Updates and information about the transition process are available on the task force website .
This past Sunday was a beautiful moment for all of Buckeye Nation as we came together virtually to celebrate commencement from homes across Ohio and around the world. It was bittersweet to stand in a sunny but empty Ohio Stadium to recognize the achievements of our graduates. Thank you for your incredible effort and show of support. We celebrated our largest-ever graduating class, awarding a record 12,967 degrees and certificates. We look forward to an in-person recognition of the Class of 2020 when it is safe to do so.
Spring commencement is here. It is a special time when we reflect on what it means to be a Buckeye, celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our graduates and envision the bright future they will help create.
Tomorrow we will celebrate the Class of 2020 at our virtual commencement that will be streamed from Ohio Stadium to homes of Buckeyes across Ohio and around the world. This class has faced unprecedented disruptions and challenges over the last several months, and they have persevered. We are proud of you, and we are grateful for all who...
As spring semester comes to a close, I want to thank you once again for your adaptability and collective efforts to continue to advance our academic mission. I hope you and your loved ones are well and staying safe during these challenging times. We continue to fight this pandemic united as Buckeyes.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a phased plan to begin bringing Ohioans back to work and reopen businesses. As such, some of you may have questions about how this impacts Ohio State and what the university may be planning.
As the spring semester comes to a close and we prepare for final exams, I want to express my gratitude and admiration for how you have all adapted to the unprecedented challenges of the last several weeks. We are particularly thankful to our Wexner Medical Center personnel and first responders for their courage and sacrifice at this time. The resilience of our university community and your commitment to our academic mission and each other are truly incredible. I look forward to our virtual commencement celebration on May 3 starting at noon. A pre-ceremony program with special...
Ohio State is launching the Together As Buckeyes emergency grants program. Using both university funds and support from the federal CARES Act, this program will assist students who are having difficulty with living expenses or facing other unexpected financial challenges related to the disruption of campus operations due to this pandemic.
We recognize that COVID-19 has had broad impacts, so this program is available to any student — undergraduate, graduate or professional at any campus — who has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To apply for a grant, complete the one-page Emergency...
I hope you are all well and staying safe. Our gratitude goes to those on the front lines fighting the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and to everyone helping to stop the spread of the virus by staying at home, practicing social distancing and maintaining good hygiene. This is a disruptive and stressful time for us all, but your collective efforts are making a real difference, flattening the curve and saving lives. Thank you.
Our health care professionals continue to serve the community with great courage and skill. They are innovating in large-scale ways that benefit...
