Features

Ohio State students will be returning to campus when Move-In Week kicks off on Monday, August 16.

Returning to campus has a different feel this year, doesn’t it?

More optimism. A bit more anticipation. Maybe even a dash of excitement.

Certainly, there’s still plenty of protocols in place to keep Ohio State’s community safe and healthy as Welcome Week and the fall semester approach, but with the return of in-person events and classes, campus is feeling like, well, campus again.

So as Ohio State reactivates in the coming weeks, here are some highlights of what to expect.

Safe and Healthy protocols 

President Kristina M. Johnson recently issued updated mask requirements, mandating that students, faculty, staff and visitors to all Ohio State campuses and medical facilities must wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status. For all the information students, staff and faculty need to know about COVID-19 safe and healthy protocols, be sure to check out this return to campus safety page on the Safe and Healthy website. It includes information about vaccinations, testing and quarantine and isolation expectations.

Stay Safe, Buckeyes

The Ohio State campus is a safe place, though it’s in the heart of a large, growing city and crime does occur. Ohio State works 24/7 to enhance campus safety, and you can help by taking individual and collective action to help promote a safer community.

• Be aware of your surroundings and remove earbuds and headphones when walking, especially late at night.
• Lock your doors and windows and do not allow unknown persons into your home or residence hall.
• Utilize public transportation like CABS or Lyft Ride Smart at Ohio State for students.
• Download the free Rave Guardian app, so you never walk alone again.
• Report on-campus crimes to University Police (614-292-2121) and off-campus crimes to Columbus Police (614-645-4545) or the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
• Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.

To keep the community informed, the university issues a variety of crime and safety notices. Regarding off-campus safety, the Community Safety and Well-Being Task Force has fully or partially implemented 13 of its 15 recommendations, including increased Community Crime Patrols, enhanced lighting, expanded ridesharing hours and more.

The university continues to invest in the future of our campus through construction projects to advance teaching, research and patient care. The route you traveled last year may not be an option when you return this fall, so please plan ahead and allow extra time to get to class or work. Travel and construction maps are available online, and you can sign up for OSUGo to receive text messages about timely construction and traffic information.

Ohio State students, faculty, staff and visitors are required to wear masks indoors to help further combat COVID-19.

Events 

Immediately following Move-In, Welcome Week events will kick off with in-person and virtual options:

• Buckeye Kick-Off is Thursday, Aug. 26, and offers a pep rally introduction to some spirit-related traditions. Though plans are still being set, the event usually involves interaction with the football team, a marching band performance and Block O teaching cheers. This gathering lets students begin feeling like they’re part of the Buckeye community.
• Information Booths: On the first two days of class, campus information booths will be set up across campus to help students navigate their way around.
• Identity-based welcome events. A variety of identity-based welcome events and mixers dot the Multicultural Center and Office of Diversity and Inclusion calendars in August. One of the largest is the Family Affair & Reunion event on Friday, Aug. 27. 
• Community Commitment is a day of service that began 24 years ago and was maintained last year in a different capacity. On Saturday, Aug. 28, it will return to its tradition of sending students into the Columbus community for service, acquainting them with issues community partners address every day.
• For all the details and events, be sure to check out the Welcome Week website and event calendar.

Residence Life

Living on campus this semester? Here are a few updates and changes.

• You will be allowed to have visitors but should follow all visitation guidelines.  
• Your access to residential communities via BuckID will be limited to your residential community.
• Residential programming – programs offered by Residence Life staff, student groups and partners who engage with residential students – will be both in-person and through virtual tools.
• Reusable or shared items, such as most kitchen supplies, board games and sports equipment, will be limited at the front desk. Some kitchen appliances and vacuums will be available for sign out. Cleaning supplies will be provided.

Check out the Office of Student Life’s University Housing site for more information.

Also, for news about dining operations, services and protocols here.

Classrooms

While 80% of classes will be in-person, distancing measures will be loosened because of the combination of vaccination, testing and health measures. Classes with 50 to 100 students will increase from 75% in spring to 100% capacity. Classes with more than 100 students will be at 75% capacity.

As mentioned earlier, masks will be required indoors. Common areas will have furniture again and these informal spaces will be available.

Classrooms will be cleaned once a day and sanitary wipes will still be available at each classroom.

All buildings have had HVAC evaluations to account for capacity changes to ensure ideal ventilation.

Also, all centrally scheduled classrooms, about 350 spaces across the Columbus campus, have installed cameras for improved remote viewing. For more, check out the Classroom Services page.