Keeping Bobcats informed, April 8, 2020

As we welcome spring, we deeply miss our campus communities and our Bobcat family. We know many of you feel the same, and we hope you are staying connected to your friends, classmates and faculty. We also hope you are healthy and that you and your family are safe. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this pandemic.

Even as we lament the distance between us, we are also uplifted and inspired by the innovation we see happening in the virtual classroom and by the ways in which our University community is stepping up to serve during a crisis.

During this third week of remote and online courses, we wanted to share a few important updates:

LOOKING AHEAD

Important To-Do Items

Two things you need to do this week if you haven’t done them already:

Make an appointment to talk to your academic adviser about your plans for Fall semester.

Fill out the 2020 Census. If you live in on-campus housing, we’ve got you covered, but if you live off-campus you should count yourself at your off-campus address in your university community, even if you stay elsewhere during breaks. Find more information here.

FROM THE GOVERNOR OF OHIO

OHIO students in Athens must follow Stay at Home order

For those students remaining in the Athens area in off-campus housing, know that any parties or gatherings over 10 people are a violation of Ohio Governor Mike Dewine's directive and the Athens Police Department will fine or jail offenders. Consequences for “fest” activities or other gatherings can include up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. No matter where you are, parties are simply not safe. Consider these virtual activities and protect yourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19.

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

Virtual Involvement Center Launched

The Campus Involvement Center remains a resource for student connection, no matter the distance or circumstance. On our new Virtual Involvement Center, you'll gain access to remote events, visit campus virtually, and be connected to all types of games and activities to share with your friends and family to explore.

#OUVIRTUALEXPO

Student Expo Goes Virtual, Showcases Research

Ohio University is moving its annual Student Expo online and inviting all OHIO students involved with research, scholarship and creative activity to participate. The new event, #OUVirtualExpo, still will be held on Thursday, April 9, but on Twitter and Instagram in lieu of the Convocation Center.

REGISTRAR

Opting into alternative grading

Students have asked about the process for opting into alternative grading for the Spring Semester. The Office of the University Registrar is creating a process by which you will request this option. They will contact you when the process is ready (around April 20, 2020). Students will be able to request the Satisfactory grade option in MyOHIO Student Center.

BOBCAT WELLNESS

Website Supports Wellness

Our Bobcat community is facing unique challenges, and OHIO is standing at the ready to offer wellness support to faculty, staff and students. On this new website, you'll find health and wellness information and tips; self-care ideas and support resources; and virtual community programs and initiatives to keep our network connected to one another during this pandemic.

Continue to carefully monitor your Ohio University email, your college / campus / department websites for new information, and the University’s coronavirus website. If you have additional questions that are not answered on the University’s coronavirus website or its FAQ section, please email them to coronavirus@ohio.edu or direct message them to Ohio University’s Facebook account or Twitter account.