Keeping regional Bobcats informed, March 17

The following message was shared with regional undergraduate students on March 17, 2020.

Dear Regional Bobcats,

As the Ohio University community weathers the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we know two things for certain: Bobcats care for each other — no matter where we are, and Ohio University remains committed to your professional and personal development and to supporting you on your path to graduation. Ohio University faculty and staff are working to ensure as seamless a transition as possible to remote and online instruction beginning Monday, March 23, and continuing through the end of the semester at all of our campuses and locations. We are responding to all of your questions and concerns as quickly as possible and thank you for your input, patience, and understanding as we undertake what is a truly a monumental task.

Right now, you are probably feeling a bit bombarded — by feelings of disappointment, fear and uncertainty; by concern for the safety of yourselves and those you love; and by an overload of information. You can expect to hear from Ohio University on a weekly basis and to receive detailed information about the transition to online learning, academic support services, student employment, and all the resources that will continue to be available to you.

We ask that you carefully monitor your Ohio University email for important information and notices and the University’s coronavirus website, which is being updated regularly. As much as we would like to create a one-stop shop for all information, that is difficult given the unique needs of each our students. 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.

As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, here are some updates we can share with you today:

• Consistent with directives from the Governor of the State of Ohio to limit the size of groups that gather for events, all events on our campuses have been canceled through at least April 30, 2020.
• Regional campuses remain open for student use, including access to campus computer labs, WiFi, and limited testing services. While on campus, all students are required to maintain social distancing and are asked to follow CDC guidelines to help stop the spread of germs.

Our faculty and staff are making the same transition to remote work as our students, and we are restricting access to some of our facilities to protect the safety of our communities. But we want to reassure you that we will continue to provide student support services and resources to all our students that are designed to ensure your academic success and personal wellbeing. Here are some of the resources offered by the Division of Student Affairs:

• Counseling and Psychological Services is available to support all Ohio University students and can be reached at any time by calling 740-593-1616 (press 1 if you are calling after hours to be connected to a counselor). Details are available at https://www.ohio.edu/student-affairs/counseling/cps-coronavirus.
• The Survivor Advocacy Program will continue to be accessible by calling 740-597-(SAFE). After-hours resources will continue to operate. Details can be found at https://www.ohio.edu/survivor/coronavirus.
• Campus Career Coaches will continue to conduct coaching services by phone, email, and Microsoft Teams. Sign in to your Handshake account to connect with your campus Career Coach and schedule a remote appointment.

Over the course of its 216-year history, the Ohio University community has withstood many challenges. We will face the current challenge together and, in the process, become a better, stronger, and more connected community. There is something magical about Ohio University no matter when or where you experience it. It is the people – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends – whose commitment to growth in knowledge, wisdom, love, and each other is unwavering. Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and press on, Bobcats.

Nicole Pennington

Executive Dean for Regional Higher Education, Ohio University

Dean, Ohio University Southern