By: The Ohio State University, 1812Blockhouse
Current President of The Ohio State University Michael V. Drake addressed the university community this week with his last COVID-19 update in that role.
In his report, he discussed summer commencement, ACT and SAT score submission, and transition planning for the return of in-person instruction this fall.
President Drake’s message:
“Dear Ohio State Community:
Below are several updates on our COVID-19 pandemic response and phased return to autumn operations on our campuses.
Test scores optional for 2021 application year
Due to the uncertainty of future test dates and availability of standardized tests caused by COVID-19, the university has made the submission of ACT or SAT test scores optional for most current high school students and transfer students applying to the Columbus campus for the 2021 application year. All applicants are encouraged to take the ACT or SAT if possible and submit test scores if they are available, as standardized test scores provide useful information about a student’s success as a Buckeye. Students, regardless of whether they submit test scores, will receive full consideration in the admissions process and in reviews for scholarships, direct enrollment to a college or school, Honors and Scholars programs, and the Morrill Scholarship Program. Additional information is available on Ohio State News.
Virtual summer commencement
This week, we shared with graduating students that the university will celebrate the summer Class of 2020 at a virtual commencement on Aug. 9. We will celebrate at an in-person ceremony on a future date when it is safe to do so. Similar to spring’s virtual commencement, the pre-ceremony program on Aug. 9 will feature messages from graduates, deans and other leaders from across our campuses. It will begin at 1:30 p.m. — with commencement starting at 2 p.m. — and will be livestreamed. We will share further details, including an announcement of our speaker, in the coming weeks.
Transition planning
Guided by the university’s COVID-19 Transition Task Force, we continue to pursue a phased approach for a return to on-campus operations for the autumn semester.
Soon, we will launch the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website, which will include information related to facilities, transportation, hygiene and personal protection, housing, dining and much more. As a reminder, plans are provisional, and we will continue to re-evaluate based on evolving conditions, reports about the status of the pandemic, and recommendations and guidance from public health authorities and the scientific community.
At this time, all non-essential university employees who are not part of an exempted operation or function are to continue teleworking and remain off campus. Summer-term classes will continue to be virtual only, and the university state of emergency is extended through July 4, enabling Ohio State to continue to utilize Disaster Leave (Policy 6.2 8).
You will continue to receive regular updates on our COVID-19 response and transition planning efforts from Bruce A. McPheron, executive vice president and provost, and Harold L. Paz, executive vice president and chancellor for health affairs and CEO of the Wexner Medical Center.
As always, thank you for your flexibility and resilience.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Drake, MD
Photo: The Ohio State University
