8 Things to Know About OSU's Campus Reopening Plan
Friday, July 17, 2020
OSU recently sent out the student reopening plan with a ton of important info. Here’s the TLDR and the absolute MUST-knows before you come back to campus this fall.
1. Everyone must wear a mask while in campus buildings.
COVID-19 can be spread even when people aren’t showing symptoms. Wearing face coverings has been shown to reduce the spread. We have to make sure our campus is safe for everyone. Wearing a mask shows that you care about your fellow Cowboys. OSU is providing everyone with masks and hand sanitizer. When you’re walking outside – a mask is only needed if social distancing is not possible.
Also, Stillwater passed an ordinance that requires masks to be worn in all public spaces.
2. So… what’s up with classes?
OSU is doing everything possible to have in-person classes. Hybrid and online options may be used to accommodate challenges in scheduling. Class sizes are being reduced, and there is now a consistent 15-minute travel time between classes. You might find that your schedule has been adjusted – check online to see.
3. The last two weeks of the semester will be completed online
That means: if you go home for Thanksgiving break, you won’t have to come back to campus. Pre-finals week (dead week) and finals week will be completed remotely. This removes the risk of everyone traveling and then returning to campus and spreading COVID-19. Campus housing will remain open during that time.
4. The Colvin ~will~ be open
During the initial reopening, locker rooms and shower areas will be closed. You’ll be able to use the family changing rooms still. Eventually, the locker rooms will open again.
5. Free COVID-19 testing on campus
There’s a “swab pod” for free COVID-19 testing on campus, located at University Health Services. If you’re living on campus or in Greek housing, testing is mandatory.
6. Curbside pickup at Edmon Low 📚
The Edmon Low Library will be open, but with reduced hours and physical/social distancing protocols. There will be curbside pickup options for books and laptops.
7. Residential halls will look a little different
OSU has bought specialized disinfecting equipment for on-campus housing. Some shared spaces will be closed or rearranged to accommodate physical/social distancing. If needed, there are dedicated rooms reserved for quarantining students.
8. Sorority and Fraternity Students
Summer recruitment and fall recruitment will follow the same guidelines as on-campus events including physical/social distancing and wearing masks. All Greek chapters will follow the campus reopening guidelines from OSU for daily life in a chapter house.
While we know this fall looks different than everyone would like, the Cowboy family is here for each other and does what’s right -- even when it’s hard. Let’s lean on each other and do everything we can to protect each other from COVID-19.
Don’t forget: the first day of classes is Monday, Aug. 17!