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Ready for spring semester?
(Hold for applause. Or not.)
But seriously, spring semester is ready to begin, and we’re sure you have questions. Please take a look at these guidelines and list of resources provided to get you back in the swing of things as we continue our efforts for a safe and healthy campus.
Prepare to return
A few things to keep in mind:
- The first two weeks (Jan. 11-22) of spring semester classes will be virtual.
- Students who live in university housing can begin moving in Jan. 18.
- Before returning to campus for any reason, self-sequester at home for 10 days.
According to Dr. Bill Miller of the College of Public Health, sequestering means staying home and limiting contact with others. What does that mean if members of your household leave for errands or for any reason? Try to limit contact with them and wear a mask if you’re in the same room.
“Even a few infections can lead to rapid spread, so we need to do all we can do to fight COVID-19,” Miller said.
Testing
Testing is critical. All students on the Columbus campus, living on or off campus, must have two negative test results before resuming on-campus activities.
Also, testing for the spring semester is expanding. On-campus and off-campus students on the Columbus campus, including graduate and professional students,will be testing weekly beginning Jan. 11 (or when they return). Even students who live off campus with all virtual classes — but come to campus for other reasons such as the library or recreation centers — will be expected to test.
For more information, visit this safe and healthy page.
Once you are back
Continue to sequester while waiting on test results. It’s even a good idea to wear a mask and practice physical distancing with roommates. Limit going out, bring food into your room and stay away from other people, Miller advised.
Once you receive your second negative test, you can return to campus activities while, of course, practicing physical distancing, wearing a mask, hand sanitizing and avoiding large gatherings, especially if others aren’t wearing masks.
And don’t forget to report your daily health check through the Ohio State mobile app or compass.osu.edu. Reporting your body temperature and health status helps the university quickly identify possible outbreaks.
Also, it’s imperative that you follow through on testing protocols. And if you do test positive, follow the isolation and quarantine protocols.
“Testing, isolation and quarantine are really important to controlling virus transmission on campus,” Miller said. “At this point, we know what to do and we just have to execute it. That means everyone.”
Classrooms and learning spaces
Prior to the start of autumn semester, the campus community worked hard to ensure classrooms and learning spaces were adjusted for the health and safety of everyone. That meant more centrally scheduled classrooms, new classroom layouts for physical distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols.
According to Stephanie Orr, director of Learning Experience and a member of Ohio State’s Classroom Readiness Committee, end-of-the-semester surveys showed faculty felt safe and were overwhelmingly happy with the measures taken (ratings in all areas came in at around 90% and higher). That included everything from appropriate signage and sanitizing to feeling safe in the classroom and on campus. Those protocols will continue this semester as the team continues to assess best practices.
Students also noted their appreciation for drop-in spaces and informal spaces. These will be available again in the spring.
Virtual classes
If you need help getting back into the swing of online classes, keep an eye on KeepTeaching.osu.edu and KeepLearning.osu.edu for recommendations, dates to remember, workshops and resources.
Also, check out our five tips for virtual learning, along with this story with tips to help you combat procrastination.
Mental health and wellness resources
If at any point you feel the stress and anxiety of COVID-19, classes or life in general taking a toll on your mental health and well-being, we encourage you to take advantage of any one of the wealth of resources our campus offers. And if you feel others may need a listening ear, be sure to reach out and help. Here’s some tips from our PALs to help with that.
For updates
Our Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website is the best way to stay updated on everything happening around campus. But you can also bookmark these key areas:
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