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To further encourage the Ohio State community to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the university will be distributing $50,000 in prizes to students, faculty and staff who have received their shots.
All OSU campuses are eligible.
Throughout August, the university will conduct weekly drawings for prizes that include gift cards, football season tickets and annual parking permits. More than 65% of returning students, faculty and staff have completed their vaccinations, and the number continues to rise as more individuals share their information.
“We are planning for a robust reactivation of our campuses this fall, and a high vaccination rate will enable the kind of in-person activities that make the Ohio State experience special,” said Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson. “These vaccines are safe, free and effective, and we hope every Buckeye will take advantage of the opportunity to protect themself.”
About 100 students, faculty and staff will win prizes, which include gift cards of $100 to $1,000, a pair of season football tickets or an “A” parking pass on the university’s Columbus campus. Students, faculty and staff from all campuses may win.
To be eligible, individuals must have completed their vaccinations and shared their status with the university. Before the first drawing, the university will share information about contest rules and how to sign up. Those who act soon can be eligible for all four drawings, which will start the week of Aug. 2.
- Vaccinated students can record their status through My BuckMD.
- Employees can report their vaccination status through a simple form.
“We want students to be able to enjoy that one-of-a-kind Ohio State experience this fall with the confidence that comes with vaccination,” said Senior Vice President for Student Life Melissa Shivers. “We’re so excited for everyone to return to our campuses and return to the traditions we all know and love.”
More details about eligibility, terms and conditions will be shared in advance of the first drawing. If awards have implications for a student’s financial aid, the university will work with the winner to maximize the amount they could accept. Additional information will be posted on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.
Ohio State will fund the program through the university’s strategic cash reserves. No tuition, donor or tax dollars are being used.
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