Ohio U to start semester online

Graphic by Maggie Prosser.

Ohio University will begin the fall 2020 semester online, with classes taught remotely from Aug. 24 to at least Sept. 27 in the first phase of a return to campus, according to an email sent to Ohio U students July 31. 

Ohio U had previously planned an in-person return to campus for the upcoming fall semester, with students scheduled to move in as early as Aug. 14. 

The phased return will include some exceptions for academic programs that require in-person instruction. These students will be notified by Aug. 7. 

“Throughout this first phase, we will continue to monitor conditions and seek the advice of public health officials to inform the second phase, beginning September 28,” the Ohio U website states. “Leveraging what we learn during Phase 1, we will increase face-to-face course offerings in Phase 2 as much as possible.”

Students may choose a completely online fall semester, except medical students in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, according to the website. 

Some students will be eligible for fall semester on-campus housing if they have extenuating circumstances, such as international students. 

Students beginning the semester remotely will receive a partial refund for their housing and dining fees, according to the email. 

“Ohio University will continue to deliver the high-quality education you expect and deserve regardless of modality,” the email stated, adding that tuition fees will not be adjusted. 

The academic calendar will still include an early end to on-campus instruction with the last day of on-campus instruction scheduled for Nov. 20, according to the email. 

The announcement comes after Miami University announced a similar remote start to the semester. Miami University will begin classes online Aug. 17 and plans for students to move in Sept. 14, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

“As we move forward, we will continue to base decisions on our commitment both to the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve as well as our mission to deliver a nationally recognized, transformational academic experience. These two priorities cannot be separated,” Ohio U President Duane Nellis wrote.