Protect the Nest Weekly Update for Students – January 15, 2021

Posted Jan 15, 2021

This update is intended to keep you informed of the latest developments from our Protect the Nest Team. Please visit www.otterbein.edu/covid19/ for additional general and student-related information. If you have questions or concerns, contact the COVID Hotline at 614-823-1586 or covid@otterbein.edu.

Important Dates to Remember 

  • Jan. 18: No classes; University offices are open.
  • Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: COVID-19 testing event, Clements Recreation Center.
  • Jan. 19: First day of classes.
  • March 10: Reading day. No classes; University offices are open.
  • April 23: Last day of classes.
  • April 26-30: Final exams.
  • May 1-2: Commencement ceremonies.

COVID-19 Testing Requirement to Start the 2021 Spring Semester 

For the health and wellness of our entire campus community, we are requiring COVID-19 testing for all undergraduate residential and commuter students who plan to be on campus for any purpose this semester — whether that is to attend class, to use campus facilities, to work on campus, or to participate in any student activities. Please go to www.otterbein.edu/covid19/ for more information.

FREE On-Campus COVID-19 Testing Event 

A FREE testing event in partnership with the Ohio National Guard will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18, in the Clements Recreation Center. COVID-19 testing conducted by the Ohio National Guard is a service provided by the State of Ohio. After many other successful events at other universities throughout the state, we are confident the collaboration with the Ohio National Guard will ensure students move through testing quickly and safely. With your pre-scheduled appointment, we expect you will be able to complete the testing process within 15 to 30 minutes. You must pre-register for the event at https://www.otterbein.edu/covid19/student-pre-registration-open-for-jan-18-covid-19-testing-event/. This is a free event. You do NOT need insurance and you don’t have to provide insurance information.

If you cannot attend the Jan. 18 event and still need to be tested, please contact the COVID Support Hotline at covid@otterbein.edu for your options.

Attending In-Person and Hybrid Classes 

Starting Jan. 19, you should attend your in-person and hybrid classes, even if you are waiting for a COVID-19 test result. Due to safety measures, there have been no known transmissions in our classrooms and labs. 

Food Service  

Campus food service will be grab-n-go ONLY from Jan. 17-30. Full service with limited seating availability will be available starting Jan. 31.   

Bookstore Hours 

To safely serve its customers as spring semester begins, the Bookstore is operating with the following hours: 

Sunday: Closed 

Monday-Friday: 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. (Online order pick-up and textbooks ONLY) 

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Spirit shop ONLY) 

Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Online order pick-up and spirit shop) 

***HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** 

From the Counseling Center 

We were happy to see that some of you utilized the Cardinal Telehealth for mental and medical healthcare over the break.  We hope it was helpful. The Counseling Center reopens Tuesday, Jan. 19, with full staff.  Please contact us at counseling@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1333 to schedule a consultation or counseling session. We will again be offering workshops to provide strategies to help you manage many of the issues/stresses that college students typically find challenging. Stay tuned for announcements and know that these workshops qualify for FYE and INST credit. We can’t wait to welcome you back for spring adventures and exploration!