Features

Classroom layouts have changed to adhere to physical distancing protocols.

“It’s taken a lot of work to get to this point but it’s all been in an effort to create as safe an environment as possible,” said Stephanie Orr, director of Learning Experience and a member of Ohio State’s Classroom Readiness Committee. “Our big goal was to set a positive tone in these spaces. Each space has been designed with distancing and accessibility in mind.”

Classes are being offered in-person, online or blended. In-person classes will have no more than 50 students in any section. To find additional space for physically distanced classes, some in-person instruction will happen in spaces that aren’t typical academic buildings.

The committee set up nearly 500 centrally scheduled classrooms based on their layout plan. The layouts also are a model for all academic department classrooms. The spaces give students and instructors a 6-foot area and account for accessibility entryways.

Classrooms will be disinfected overnight. Restrooms and high-traffic, high-touch areas will be cleaned and disinfected at least twice per day in accordance with the Facilities Operations and Development’s (FOD) response. This includes hand sanitizing stations in each building. In addition, cleaning supplies are available so that students and instructors can wipe down their personal area before each class.

Also, signage will promote physical distancing, mask wearing and other safe and healthy habits. Some areas will adopt wayfinding and line queuing signage, where needed.

Students, faculty and staff will receive return-to-campus kits prepared by the university with masks, a thermometer, hand sanitizer and wipes. Faculty will have a supplemental kit with markers, chalk and cloth to wipe chalk and dry erase boards. Students living in residence halls will find the kits waiting for them on move-in day. Regional campuses will offer the kits as well. Faculty and staff can get these kits through the university’s eStores program.