Special to 1812Blockhouse
Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson has shared her first safety update of the new semester, in which she urges students to look at all available resources, on and off campus and for the main and regional campuses, including OSU Mansfield. She also encouraged students to obtain COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
“We’ve communicated quite a bit in the recent weeks about our efforts to remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and others from COVID-19. With the Omicron variant surging in Ohio, we are encouraging all eligible students, faculty and staff to get their booster and sign up immediately,” Johnson said in a new video (see below).
Information about vaccines as well as updates on return-to-campus activities such as testing and mask availability continue to be available on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.
With returning and new students on campus this semester, Johnson also provided information on steps the university has taken to enhance safety resources since last fall. These resources include: free personal safety devices, window and door alarms available through the Office of Student Life; expanded patrols and the university’s Buckeye Block Watch; significantly more lighting and cameras in high-trafficked areas off campus; and an online safety course offering ways to enhance personal safety through scenario-based exercises. A full list is on the Department of Public Safety website.
Additionally, the university works to keep students informed through Buckeye Alerts, Public Safety Notices and Neighborhood Safety Notices, Ohio State News Alerts and more.
Finally, Johnson thanked students in the College of Education and Human Ecology for their recent research-based work to better understand crime in the community.
Read more about the students’ projects on Ohio State News.
“The results of these projects were presented to Ohio State leaders in December, and we are working to incorporate their findings into how we address our safety efforts moving forward,” she said.
