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January 15, 2021
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Dear Parents and Families,
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This afternoon, Provost Whitehead and I sent the email below to check in with your student as we completed our first week of classes for this spring semester. Below are key updates regarding COVID-19 testing, vaccines, travel restrictions, statewide curfew, campus events and dining.
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I want to emphasize how much we appreciate your flexibility and adaptability. We are so thankful for our parents and families and your support of your student. We are in this together, and we will continue to regularly check in with you.
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Regards,
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Rodney K. Rogers, Ph.D.
President
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January 15, 2021
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Dear First name (firstName),
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As our students, faculty and staff complete our first week of classes for this spring semester, we want to check in and provide some key COVID-19 updates.
- We continue to collaborate with the Ohio Department of Health, Wood County Health Department, Erie County Health Department, and other state and national agencies and organizations regarding health and safety plans. In compliance with statewide health orders signed in November, we will continue to follow the 10 p.m. curfew to combat the spread of COVID-19. The University has made adjustments to its operations affected.
- COVID-19 testing continues to be an effective tool to detect the virus so we can contact trace, isolate and quarantine. BGSU is offering free testing for students, faculty and staff, with a preference to those who are physically on our campuses. While a limited resource, this increased testing capability allows for members of our community to have access to rapid antigen and PCR tests for those who are asymptomatic, experiencing symptoms, expect they have had a recent exposure or are traveling from a high-incidence area. Students, faculty and staff may schedule an appointment today.
- While BGSU is not your healthcare provider and cannot legally dispense the COVID-19 vaccine, we are still doing our part to be a part of the distribution solution and supporting local health departments. Most members of our community are not eligible yet, based on Ohio standards, but we are working with various healthcare providers to ensure our community is aware of how they can access the vaccine. More information is available about vaccines at Wood County Health Department and Erie County Health Department.
- The University has extended its previous travel restrictions to suspend all BGSU-supported domestic and international travel for students, faculty and staff until April 30, 2021. Only approved, essential business travel will be permitted for employees. More information is available on our Travel Restrictions website.
- We hope our students in Bowling Green enjoyed a socially distanced Winter Wonderland on the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle this week. All students are invited to virtually snowboard and ski, enjoy hot chocolate by outdoor fire pits, travel on the winter train and ice skate from 3 to 8 p.m. tonight! We hear that the fire pits are a hit, so we arranged for those to stay on campus for the next couple of weeks. Check them out at the various residence halls. Learn more about all the events, part of our Weeks of Welcome, today!
- To our students who are learning in our in-person/hybrid, remote or fully online courses this semester, we want to remind you that our faculty and staff are here for you throughout this semester. We are always open to feedback. You can share both positive experiences and concerns by emailing President Rogers at president@bgsu.edu.
- This past week, due to the number of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases with staff in BGSU Dining, we worked through various changes to our locations and hours of operation. As we have done since the onset of this global pandemic, we strive to be fair and equitable in addressing the financial concerns of our students, parents and families. For those students who have purchased meal plans this spring semester, we are evaluating a refund for this inconvenience. We will share those details on or before Friday of next week.
We continue to appreciate the flexibility and adaptability of our students, faculty and staff. As we shared last week, with each day, we are closer to being on the other side of this crisis. However, we continue to count on you. It is your daily actions, your resiliency, that ensures we are safely navigating this global pandemic. We are in this together, and we will continue to regularly check in with you. |
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Regards,
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Rodney K. Rogers, Ph.D.
President
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Joe B. Whitehead Jr., Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
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