July 6, 2021
A Message From President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU
The current guidelines from the State of Ohio, based on guidelines from CDC, continue to reinforce the importance of vaccinations, surveillance testing, and health safety protocols:
These guidelines emphasize the critical value of vaccinations. With thanks to all who have sent in their vax cards already, employee vaccination rates are now above 80% for faculty and staff, and still moving upwards. With most students off campus for the summer, Student Affairs will be working to increase the rates of student vaccination, especially in advance of Fall 2021 semester. Watch for drawings and incentives. Surveillance testing continues, and remember if you submit proof of vaccination you are exempt from that testing.
With regard to safety protocols, the language in the guidelines has changed from requiring to recommending. This change emphasizes individual responsibility. It has the effect of reminding us that we are responsible for our own actions and that our choices have an impact on our community.
In keeping with these guidelines, our practices on campus will be as follows as of today’s date:
- As announced June 24: Classrooms and meeting rooms will be set up at 75% capacity, with space to enable social distancing.
- New since announced June 24: With the emphasis on personal responsibility, we will not check for 70% vaccination in classroom/meeting groups. Masks and social distancing are recommended for all who are not fully vaccinated.
- New since announced June 24: In lab settings, where it is more difficult for people to have social distance, masks are required for all, including those who are vaccinated. This applies to Nursing, Biology, Chemistry, and computer labs.
You can expect further updates if state or national guidelines change and again in advance of the Fall 2021 semester, as we continue our efforts to protect our campus community.
