Oct 14, 2021 - COVID

More campus COVID mandates at OSU

Students and medical workers line up to take a bus on the Ohio State University campus.

Students and medical workers line up to take a bus on the Ohio State University campus. Photo: Stephen Zenner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Several COVID requirements at Ohio State go into effect this week and next, including mandated vaccines and testing.

Why it matters: These efforts are meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on a crowded campus with tens of thousands of students, faculty and staff, many of which are traveling for fall break

What's happening: The deadline for everyone on campus to receive their first vaccine dose is tomorrow.

  • Buckeyes were allowed exemptions for medical, personal or religious reasons, but needed to request this weeks ago.
  • A second dose of a two-shot series is required by Nov. 15.
  • There are no immediate penalties for students who miss the deadline.

Yes, but: Starting with the spring 2022 semester, unvaccinated students may be ineligible to take in-person classes or live on campus.

  • Faculty and staff can receive "progressive discipline, up to and including termination" for non-compliance.

What's next: All students were required to be tested for COVID on campus before leaving for fall break, which begins today and runs through Sunday.

  • They are also required to get tested upon returning to campus regardless of vaccination status.
  • OSU has mandated testing for unvaccinated students, but a new state law prohibiting campuses from discriminating against unvaccinated individuals went into effect yesterday.
  • Going forward, all students will be tested weekly during the academic year.
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