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’s preparedness for making libraries and study spaces safe for our students' return in the fall.

STUDENT FEEDBACK

Fall Reopening Town Hall

Submit your questions 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 “OHIO Get Connected Grant,” a one-time, $750 award to help meet technology needs for all full-time, first-year, degree-seeking students at Ohio University’s 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. Read more about financial support for students.

Tuition, Billing and Financial Aid 

Ohio University 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 Office of the Bursar 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. Click here for more details about regional campuses.

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. View eligible academic programs.

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. Click here for more details about phased reopening.

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. Read More >

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. Read More >

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. Sign Up>

FUTURE BOBCATS

Connect prospective students

Do you have friends or family interested in Ohio University? Direct them to Bobcat Chats, a series of YouTube livestream Q&A events featuring students, faculty and alumni. View Bobcat Chats >