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January 29, 2021
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Dear First name (firstName),
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We hope you had a successful third week of classes. As we close out January together, we wanted to check in with you and share some key updates:
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- This week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a change to the statewide curfew to 11 p.m. The University had made the adjustments to its affected operations.
- BGSU continues to offer 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. Students, faculty and staff may schedule an appointment today. In addition, as we did in the fall semester, we will conduct randomized surveillance and targeted testing.
- We previously addressed the large parties that occurred off campus in Bowling Green two weeks ago. While it was a small percent of our students who participated, we ask you to consider that your actions directly impact the public health and well-being of our community. We also want to be clear that we continue to investigate and follow up on any large parties, and BGSU will continue to hold students responsible, including suspension. We take these disappointing incidents very seriously.
- We remain committed to keeping you updated about COVID-19 vaccine information as it will be the most effective tool to slowing the spread of this virus. Distribution continues to increase and more information is available about vaccines at Wood County Health Department and Erie County Health Department.
- 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.
- We have become aware of the feedback about the decision to eliminate the American Sign Language (ASL) courses in May 2020. Provost Whitehead will be reaching out to those affected students to provide clarity and support. In addition, while it is very difficult to recruit faculty in this area, we are exploring new partnerships and possibilities that would provide opportunities for students to have access to ASL courses.
- Our Weeks of Welcome programming ends tonight! You can enjoy the outdoor fire pits behind the Wolfe Center for the Arts, and our Falcons After Dark events start at 6 p.m. in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Check it out!
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We continue to appreciate all your flexibility and adaptability to ensure we move forward together. We recognize that at times this global pandemic is beyond frustrating. However, with each day we are closer to getting on the other side. 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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