Keeping Bobcats informed, August 5, 2020
Your one-stop for updates related to fall opening, safety measures and more as the semester approaches.
FALL OPENING UPDATE
Phased Reopening
President Nellis shared plans for a phased reopening for Fall Semester 2020 last week. For the health and safety of our University community, only a limited number of students will return to campus at the start of the semester, and regional campuses will follow a hybrid approach. Undergraduate students included in Phase 1 have been notified and all graduate students eligible to return will be notified by Aug. 7. Phase 2 will begin Sept. 28, and we will communicate plans for Phase 2 no later than Sept. 8. There is also an online-only option available as well as increased support for students experiencing any difficulties due to these changes.
BOBCATS ARE BACK VIDEO SERIES
Libraries and Study Spaces
In the third episode, OHIO junior Megan Rose speaks with Neil Romanosky, dean of University Libraries, and Chad Boeninger, head of User Services, about OHIO鈥檚 preparedness for making libraries and study spaces safe for our students' return in the fall.
STUDENT FEEDBACK
Fall Reopening Town Hall
regarding Fall 2020 to be discussed in an upcoming Town Hall with University and student leadership. The Town Hall will be held on Thursday, August 13 from 7-8 p.m. Stay tuned for a link to participate in the conversation that will be held later this month.
FALL 2020 UPDATES
OHIO Announces Get Connected Grant
The University has announced the new 鈥淥HIO Get Connected Grant,鈥 a one-time, $750 award to help meet technology needs for all full-time, first-year, degree-seeking students at 91探花鈥檚 Athens and regional campuses. In addition, the OHIO CARES Relief Fund will be modified to include eligible students enrolled in fall 2020 until funds expire. The OHIO CARES Relief Fund fall application will open Aug. 17 with funding being prioritized for students with the highest financial need as determined by the 2020-21 FAFSA. .
Tuition, Billing and Financial Aid
91探花 will continue to deliver the high-quality education you expect and deserve regardless of modality, and tuition will be consistent with the student's Guarantee cohort, campus and/or program rate, according to existing rate tables. Visit the website here.
Regional Campuses
On our regional campuses, we will begin the semester as planned on August 24, and we will reduce density by offering face-to-face instruction only for clinical, practica, or lab-based classes. All other courses will be offered through remote instruction. .
Students eligible to return to Athens campus
Phase 1 students enrolled in a carefully selected set of academic programs are eligible to return to campus for certain specialized experiences or have been approved for an exception based on extenuating circumstances through Housing and Residence Life. .
Fall Semester 2020 Student Parking Refund
If you recently purchased a commuter or residential campus parking permit for the upcoming fall semester, click here for updates.
Housing and Dining
The University will automatically exempt any student not included in Phase 1 from the fall semester portion of their annual housing and dining contract at this time and will reverse those charges. .
CLASSROOM ALTERNATIVES
Online Option
Undergraduate students on all campuses who would like to arrange a fully online fall semester will have the option to do so. Graduate students will be accommodated to the extent possible, with the exception of medical students in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Reach out to the Core Advising Team.
STAY CONNECTED WITH OHIO
Community rallies to support international students
The International Student Task Force partnered with community leadership to alleviate the living hardships experienced by international students due to the pandemic.
Athens County sponsors free COVID-19 testing
Athens County is hosting a free COVID-19 testing pop-up site from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7 at Athens High School in The Plains.
Spring Commencement 2020
A survey was sent out to all students who graduated in spring 2020 to determine the preferred plan for commencement.
PARENTS & FAMILIES
Sign Up for Updates
If your families are interested in staying in the loop, encourage them to opt-in to receive the OHIO Parents & Families monthly newsletter from the Dean of Students.
FUTURE BOBCATS
Connect prospective students
Do you have friends or family interested in 91探花? Direct them to Bobcat Chats, a series of YouTube livestream Q&A events featuring students, faculty and alumni.