Spring 2021 Edition
Alumni & Friends Magazine
A look back at OHIO’s COVID-19 response
The following timeline highlights key moments in Ohio University’s COVID-19 response.
Jalyn Bolyard | April 1, 2021
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Jan. 28, 2020: OHIO health alerts page for coronavirus launched.
March 10: Suspension of in-person instruction announced for all campuses through March 30. Telecommuting plans for staff start. In-person events postponed, canceled or reformatted. University-sponsored travel suspended.
March 13: Suspension of in-person instruction extended through end of semester. Study abroad and travel experiences for summer canceled.
March 18: Spring Commencement postponed.
March 19: COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund launched as part of the Bobcats Take Care campaign. The campaign ran through June 30 and resulted in more than 1,000 alumni and friends contributing over $245,000 to address the immediate needs of students on OHIO’s Athens and regional campuses.
March 23: Remote and online classes begin following an extended spring break.
April 18: OHIO nursing and medical students graduate early.
May 14: Preparations for fall reopening announced, with eight working groups developing plans.
June 19: President Nellis accepts Fall Planning Coordinating Council’s final report and recommendations, including reduced density in residence halls and learning spaces, carry-out dining, and an adjusted academic calendar, sending students home for remote learning after Thanksgiving. Over the next several weeks, staff assessed capacity in 245 classrooms and installed 9,100+ signs across campuses.
COVID- 19 Classroom Prep. Photo by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC '02
July 24: Interim face covering policy approved. OHIO Pledge social compact announced. “Be Safe Bobcats” website launched.
Aug. 8: Dr. Gillian Ice appointed special assistant to the president for public health operations.
Aug. 13: Mandatory online coronavirus training announced for those returning to campus.
Sept. 4: OHIO COVID-19 Dashboard—given an “A” rating by a program led by Yale University professors—launched.
Sept. 8: Plans announced for fall semester Phase 2, beginning Sept. 28. About 7,200 undergraduates and all medical and graduate students invited back to the Athens Campus.
Sept. 17: Partnership with CVS Health for asymptomatic testing announced.
Oct. 29: Spring 2021 reopening strategy announced with plans to accommodate all residential students who want to return to the Athens Campus and a continuation of the hybrid approach on regional campuses. Start of semester delayed one week. Spring break eliminated; three “mini-breaks” added. Weekly COVID testing mandated for students living on campus, bi-weekly for those off campus.
President M. Duane Nellis presides over OHIO’s first-ever virtual Commencement. The Dec. 12 ceremony celebrated the achievements of more than 4,400 summer and fall 2020 graduates. Photo by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC ’02
Dec. 12: OHIO hosts first-ever virtual Commencement for summer and fall 2020 graduates.
Dec. 14: Mail-in COVID-19 testing mandated for students before returning to campus in January.
Jan. 6, 2021: OHIO announces expanded COVID-19 asymptomatic testing for spring semester, partnering with Vault Health.
Feb. 9: OHIO launches COVID-19 Testing Incentive Program.
March 1: President Nellis presents an update on University operations for the summer and fall semesters. Plans include hosting Bobcat Student Orientation in-person (although in smaller groups than normal) with virtual options available and, for the fall, welcoming all students to OHIO’s campuses, significantly increasing face-to-face course offerings and fully opening residence halls on the Athens Campus.
March 3: President Nellis announces plans to host multiple in-person Spring Commencement ceremonies at Peden Stadium. University initiates planning for the postponed Spring 2020 Commencement activities.
