The following announcement is on the Ohio Northern University website:
Ohio Northern University is monitoring the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation state-wide and preparing for any potential impact to campus.
ONU is transitioning to virtual instruction. Many faculty have already been working in preparation for this, and the campus will complete the transition by Monday, March 16. To facilitate this and allow faculty time to prepare their course materials, all academic classes were cancelled on March 13.
Starting on Monday, March 16, we are suspending all face-to-face instruction, with the exception of laboratory sessions, until April 17. Given the fluid nature of how COVID-19 is impacting Ohio and its communities, this time frame may be adjusted.
Any adjustments will be communicated in advance as best we can. Faculty will send their class rosters an email to let the students know how the course will be meeting in the future.
Students engaging in clinical placements, internships and experiential outplacements will continue at this time and should follow the protocols of the facility.
Students and faculty are encouraged to do what is best for their personal circumstances as we transition to this new form of instruction delivery.
Effective immediately, the University will take these additional actions:
We continue to monitor the outbreak and remain in close contact with local and state officials in order to do what is best for the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.
The University has cancelled all large gathering, indoor public events until Friday, April 17.
Ohio Northern is asking all University groups to suspend meetings for groups that include 25 or more participants, or these groups should meet in a virtual capacity when possible, including student organizations.
Non-essential commercial travel (air, train, bus) for University business is suspended for all faculty and staff until April 17.
All University-related student travel, including team competitions and travel to conferences, is suspended until April 17.
The Presidents Council of the Ohio Athletic Conference has voted to cancel all 2020 spring sports seasons, effective March 16 through the remainder of the academic year. This includes all athletically related activities as defined by the NCAA. In addition, all meetings, practices and other off-season activities for other sports are also cancelled.
The University will remain open, including academic resources such as the library and study spaces, residence and dining facilities, and athletic and recreation facilities. The Inn will also remain open. Social distancing and enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures are actively encouraged. These actions will be reevaluated on an ongoing basis and updates or modifications will be communicated as necessary.
