Campus reactivation planning for fall

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Together, we have worked as a university community throughout the pandemic to lift up one another. We have connected through masks and screens, fought the spread of COVID-19 and continued to innovate, create, research, teach and learn. We have demonstrated that the Buckeye spirit cannot be held back.

Today, I am pleased to share that we have begun preparations for a fall semester in which campus life will be significantly reactivated. My leadership team is now developing a plan for autumn 2021 that will allow more teaching, learning and student activities to take place in person. This will be a comprehensive and inclusive process. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we are reaching out to student leaders, faculty, staff, and community and business partners for their input and perspective. 

Like you, I yearn for the classic Ohio State experience. I am eager to see more students crossing the Oval on a weekday afternoon; more classrooms, labs and studios busy with activity; and the full range of our Buckeye community engaging with one another across our campuses. I know that by continuing to work Together As Buckeyes, we will get there. 

The well-being of our university community will always be our No. 1 priority, so any decisions we make for the coming year will be grounded in the expertise of our public health and medical leaders and the latest data and science. With improving COVID-19 trends, increasing access to vaccines and continued vigilance in practicing safe public health measures, we are looking forward to seeing more Buckeyes on our campuses in the fall.

In the coming weeks, we will continue to evaluate data and forecasts related to COVID-19 and public health. We will also consider the many interrelated decisions about teaching and learning; student housing, dining and activities; and working situations for faculty and staff.

Our next COVID-19 virtual town hall is scheduled for March 1 at 5:30 p.m. The discussion will include information on university planning efforts related to the summer term and fall semester as well as updates on vaccinations and other topics. You can register here. There will also be a town hall on Monday, April 12. 

I’m excited to announce this step toward a safe and robust in-person experience in the fall. As always, please continue to follow the guidance on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website. Your support of your classmates, colleagues, families and friends is making a difference. Now more than ever, let’s keep it up.
 

Sincerely yours,

Kristina M. Johnson, PhD
President