Preparing for a campus return

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Here’s how to prepare for a safe and healthy return to campus.

COVID Test

As students, you had a major hand in helping Ohio State’s campuses navigate the autumn semester by following safe and healthy practices. That meant regular COVID-19 testing, physical distancing, wearing masks, skipping large gatherings and adopting personal hygiene and other behavior requirements.

Thank you!

Now, as we look forward to the 2021 spring semester, we want to help you prepare for your return to campus in the safest, healthiest way possible.

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your trip back to campus.

Return-to-campus testing requirements:

  • Residential students: If you live in a residence hall or are a member of a sorority or fraternity, you’ll need to take two COVID-19 tests. See your Buckeyemail for instructions on how to order and take your at-home test before you return to campus. You’ll also need to schedule a second test when you arrive on campus, before moving back. You’ll need to self-sequester in your room while waiting for your test results. (Residential students will be provided food before you return to your room, and you should receive results within 24-48 hours.)  
  • Off-campus students: You’ll be required to test weekly at Jesse Owens North, starting once you return to Columbus for any reason – whether that’s moving back in or any sort of interaction with other people on campus. After the first test, you’ll begin testing weekly. The goal is to get two negative COVID-19 tests before resuming in-person classes or any on-campus activities or interactions. Remember, you cannot test more than once a week. The Jesse Owens North testing center will be available to off-campus students starting the week of Jan. 11 (with the exception of Jan. 17, 18 and 24).
  • Weekly testing: Weekly required testing will begin the week of January 25. Testing appointments can be scheduled in advance via MyChart.
  • By the way, you can win stuff: Do your tests and you’ll be entered in drawings for prizes such as gift cards and more. So keep us all healthy and win stuff in the process!

Sequester before returning to campus:

All students are being asked to self-sequester for 10 days before returning to a residence or having in-person engagements on campus. Dr. Bill Miller, of Ohio State’s College of Public Health, had some great tips for sequestering and traveling prior to leaving campus for the holidays. They’re just as valuable now as you get ready to return.

Virtual classes:

The first two weeks of spring semester classes, Jan. 11-15 and 18-22, will be virtual. If you’re out of the flow of online classes, check out these five tips for online learning.

(And remember, January 18 there will be no classes in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.)

Check your email!

The university will keep you updated and send you all the details you need to know to prepare for your campus return via email. You can also stay on top of everything by keeping an eye on our safe and healthy website.

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