Guidance from the provost about summer events and programming

Dear students,

While most events and gatherings remain under a moratorium for the remainder of the spring semester, we are preparing to allow in-person activities to take place after May 9, 2021.

We are writing today to provide guidance so that organizers can make decisions about their summer offerings. To protect the health and safety of the university community, all events must obtain pre-approval to operate.

These are some of the key guidelines for in-person events or activities on or after May 10:

• All events and gatherings must follow state, local and university protocols to protect all involved. These protocols include wearing masks, managing physical distancing and tracking attendance to support contact tracing if needed. Programming will be expected to follow the current guidance at the time of the event.
• Daily activities are permitted. Overnight activities are not permitted at this time.
• Group sizes will be limited based on the capacity of the location, requirements to maintain physical distancing and operational requirements.
• All events must be approved in advance through one of the following protocols: 
  • If you are planning to hold an event at a university-managed venue, please work with that facility to obtain approvals. Both the venue and event must have plans approved through the Events Review Committee, and that process will be managed through the venue. 
  • If your academic unit is planning to hold an event at a college- or unit-managed facility or at a third-party location, please contact Vice Provost Randy Smith for information about the approval process. 

For specific guidance on these requirements, the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes events page has been updated to address many potential questions. Please note that health and safety guidance may evolve over time, and the university will adjust its expectations accordingly. For additional assistance:

• Please note that review processes have already been established for academic programs involving current students, faculty and staff (including commencement-related activities), Ohio State student organization events and 4-H/Extension programs throughout the state. Non-commencement events that mark the end of the academic year should be deferred until after May 9. 
• Programs that involve minors must contact Ryan Brownfield in the Office of Institutional Equity to ensure all compliance measures are being met.  Questions related to athletics camps should be directed to buckeyecamps@osu.edu. 

Sincerely,

Bruce A. McPheron, PhD 
Executive Vice President and Provost 

Stacy Rastauskas 
Vice President for Government Affairs

Gene Smith
Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director