OHIO publishes webpage on events and use of space amid COVID

As Ohio University prepares to bring more students back for phase 2, the University has published a new webpage under the coronavirus website explaining the events and use of space policy that will be followed amid the pandemic.

The webpage details how extra-curricular activities on campus, including learning activities, clubs and business meetings are limited to no more than 10 participants unless an exception is granted by the vice president of the planning unit.

It also explains how University events for internal audiences will receive top priority for use-of-space requests, followed by University events for external audiences and external events for external audiences, in that order. The University will also limit bringing external groups and events to OHIO campuses in order to keep density on campus lower and to keep students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community from being exposed to spread from external groups.

According to the webpage, those responsible for managing space reservations across the University will adhere to system-wide priorities when scheduling activities, including when considering competing requests. Use of University facilities will be restricted to essential activities as prioritized below:

1. Study and student activities: This includes individual and small group study, recognized student organizations, commuter student space, includes supplemental instruction, and faculty collaboration planning.
2. Major University events: Examples include commencement, convocation, parents’ weekends, Heritage College white coat ceremony. (NOTE: No major events are currently planned for Fall 2020). 
3. New student recruitment: Coordinated through Undergraduate Admissions, HCOM, and regional campus student services, these include daily admissions sessions, group-based admissions events (e.g. Up Close events, Cultural Connections), interviews, and auditions.
4. University event – internal audience: The majority of events on campus, these include departmental meetings, speaker series, awards banquets, and student programming events.

The webpage also encourages students and employees to continue to hold virtual meetings and activities opposed to in-person in the interest of reducing the overall number and size of in-person gatherings.

Following guidelines set by Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, events or gatherings that are larger than 10 people may be held in outdoor venues and all events must comply with facial covering and physical distancing guidelines, as well as all other applicable University policies.