Ohio University announces plans for second phase of student return

Ohio University announced Tuesday morning that more students will be invited back to campus in its second phase of reopening.

About 7,200 students will be notified later today that they are eligible to return to the Athens campus for phase two, beginning Sept. 28, according to an email from Ohio U President Duane Nellis.

Students still have the option to take classes remotely for the semester if invited to return to campus for phase two.

Additionally, students not eligible for phase two who have an extenuating circumstance can apply for an exception to reside on campus during the second phase.

Ohio U previously invited about 2,200 students back to campus in the first phase of return, according to an article from The Athens NEWS.

Eligibility prioritization will be given to students in academic experiences that have in-person instruction, specialized equipment or specific facilities for degree requirements, according to the email.

Many courses will continue in an online format, even if students have returned to Athens, according to the email from Nellis. Students not eligible to return will continue to take courses remotely through the duration of fall semester.

Eligible students will be expected to go through a “14-day period of social distancing” and health monitoring before their return to campus, according to the email. 

Ohio U will also require students to complete an online learning module, sign the OHIO Pledge and conduct a daily self-assessment of health.