Ohio University's commitment for the fall semester

The following message was shared with students on May 1, 2020.

To our Ohio University students:

As we wrap up this historic semester, we know you have many questions about what may happen this fall. While we cannot fully predict how the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to impact our communities, we want you to know that we are doing everything within our control to continue to fulfill our mission, to support our students, to ease financial impacts you may be facing, and to ensure that you stay on track toward completion.

With an unwavering commitment to your health, safety, and success, we are carefully considering and actively preparing for several possible scenarios for the next academic year. Here are a few of the ways that we are working to support you immediately and as we prepare for our future together:

1. It is our most sincere desire and intention to resume face to face operations in the fall, and we are preparing eagerly for that possibility with special concern to ensure the health and safety of our students and our communities. Across the University, we are working to imagine — and plan for — a new normal in light of the pandemic. This includes possible strategies to reduce density in our residence halls, classrooms, and common spaces as necessary. These plans are pending further guidance from the state and Ohio’s Inter-University Council, as well as the impact of the pandemic as it continues to unfold in Athens, in Ohio, and beyond.
2. Our outstanding faculty are working with our Office of Instructional Innovation and University Libraries to draw on the University’s longstanding strength in distance education. Should it be necessary or required to start the fall semester remotely, we will be prepared with a full array of courses using innovative modalities.
3. Today we announced that Ohio University has received funding to support students from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and we are working to distribute that $9.7 million directly to eligible current students in the coming weeks. Find more information about eligibility here.   
4. Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships is offering individualized financial aid counseling and is prioritizing change of income review for students who have encountered extenuating circumstances that may impact their eligibility for federal financial aid during the pandemic. Visit the Financial Aid website for more information.
5. We will continue to deploy Emergency Microgrants, including through our Bobcats Take Care initiative, and we are beginning plans to shift our fundraising efforts to focus on increasing scholarships.

We understand that we have a responsibility to our students and the state to steward the University's resources carefully during this period. We also are steadfast in our commitment to deliver the unmatched educational experience that you — and thousands of OHIO alumni before you — have come to expect and love, while containing costs wherever possible. Our board will vote next week on a plan to hold undergraduate costs flat while we also increase student support during this time of uncertainty. In our 216 years, our students and your success have always been at the heart of this institution, and that will not change.

We know that this semester has been disruptive and that you are disappointed to have missed time together on our campuses. We can say with confidence that we miss you too! Rest assured we will be eagerly awaiting your return when the time comes, and we will be ready to deliver the support you need.

Sincerely,

M. Duane Nellis
President

Elizabeth Sayrs
Executive Vice President and Provost