Protect the Nest Weekly Update for Students – January 8, 2021

Posted Jan 08, 2021

This special 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/ or check your Otterbein email for an email from President John Comerford with complete details.

Spring Semester Housing Available 

Are you ready to return to living on campus? This fall, some undergraduate students chose to commute because of uncertainty about the COVID-19 virus. Many who have been commuting are expressing interest in living on campus for spring semester, and we are happy to report that we can still accommodate a number of students who would like to sign up for spring semester student housing! We have many safety measures in place to keep our residents safe and healthy. Housing move-in is Jan. 15-18, so email reslife@otterbein.edu today for more information about living on campus this spring.

Classroom Safety 

We implemented many measures to keep our classrooms safe in the fall, including rearranging furniture, requiring facial coverings, providing in-classroom cleaning supplies, and increasing cleaning by our janitorial service. Our efforts paid off — no known transmissions of COVID-19 have been traced to any classes. Due to this success, we are excited to offer more in-person and hybrid classes than we did during fall semester. We can’t wait to see you in class starting Jan. 19!

Cardinal Community Responsibilities 

We are relying on our Cardinal Community to help us stay healthy and stay strong so we can stay together. To do so, we have created six main responsibilities for all members of the campus community this fall. You can watch a fun video here or read about the responsibilities below. 

  • Perform a daily self-assessment. Don’t come to campus if you have two or more of the following symptoms unrelated to a chronic condition: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.  
  • Wear facial coverings. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are required in common spaces and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.   
  • Practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet from other people whenever possible.  
  • Keep it clean. Clean your workspace or common spaces with the provided sanitizing supplies.  
  • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.  
  • Share concerns via anonymous reporting page. If you have concerns or suggestions, you can report them anonymously through the reporting page on Ozone – COVID-19 tab.