ODU Rising - 2020-2021 Campus Safety Plan | Ohio Dominican University

Ohio Dominican is committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of all who live, learn and work at ODU. This page was created to provide important information, campus updates and additional resources with Ohio Dominican students and their families, as well as faculty and staff, regarding the university’s continued response to COVID-19.

The policies and procedures shared on this page support ODU's Culture of Care, as they are rooted in the safety, health and well-being for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. They align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Ohio Department of Health’s Responsible Restart Ohio regulations and guidelines, and are subject to change.

ODU’s COVID-19 campus response plan is guided by five core strategies:

Enhanced Cleaning Protocols

Health Monitoring

Personal Safety Practices

Classroom & Workplace Guidelines

Protecting our Community

COVID-19 Confirmed Active Cases
(As of Dec. 1, 2021)

Ohio Dominican is committed to keeping the campus community informed about the presence and impact of COVID-19 by reporting and sharing the number of confirmed active positive cases among students, faculty and staff.

To help ensure this information is up to date, this page will be updated each week at midday on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the academic year, and once a week on Wednesdays during the summer. This approach will allow the university to protect the privacy of students, faculty and staff while sharing campus health trends.

ODU Vaccination Policy

To help ensure the health and safety of the campus community, ODU’s Pandemic Task Force has recommended and the Leadership Team has approved a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the campus community. All members of the campus community including, students, faculty and staff are required to get the COVID-19 vaccine under this policy.

Click below to review the full COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, as well as to view frequently asked questions and learn more. If you have additional questions or concerns, please send them to ODURising@ohiodominican.edu.

Download ODU's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (.pdf)

View FAQ About ODU's Vaccine Mandate

ODU COVID-19 Forms

COVID-19 Questionnaire

Please complete this form immediately if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. You will need to log in to your account before accessing the form.

Complete Questionnaire

Return-to-Campus Request Form

All employees and students who have self-isolated or quarantined must complete this form before they return to work or attend classes.

After completing this form, you should wait to return to campus until you have been contacted by either the Office of Human Resources or Office of Student Development. Student-athletes must complete this form before returning to campus for classes or practice/athletic activities.

Complete Form

Vaccine Exemption Request Forms

All exemption requests must be submitted by no later than Dec. 3, 2021, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the university.

Student exemption requests should be submitted to the Office of Student Development in an envelope marked “confidential.”
Employee exemption requests should be submitted to the Office of Human Resources in an envelope marked “confidential.”

Remote-Only exemption requests should be emailed directly to presidentsoffice@ohiodominican.edu.

Medical Exemption Request
Request an exemption through submission of appropriate documentation from your treating health care provider.

Medical Exemption
Request Form (.pdf)

Religious Exemption Request
Request an exemption based on your belief that receiving a vaccination against COVID-19 is contrary to the tenets of your religion.

Religious Exemption
Request Form (.pdf)

Remote-Only Exemption Request
You may request an exemption if you will take online-only classes or work fully remote during the spring 2022 semester.

Remote-Only Exemption
Request Form (.pdf)

Personal Exemption Request
You may request a personal exemption for reasons that are not covered by the medical, religious, or remote-only exemptions.

Personal Exemption
Request Form (.pdf)

Campus COVID-19 Response FAQ

Vaccination Policy

Why is ODU requiring vaccination for COVID-19?
Cases and hospitalizations of COVID-19 are surging throughout Ohio and across the country due to the highly transmissible Delta variant. With the vast majority of current hospitalizations impacting those who are unvaccinated, the data shows that vaccines dramatically decrease your chances of experiencing significant illness or death from COVID-19. We also know that vaccinated individuals transmit COVID-19 at lower levels than those who are unvaccinated. In support of ODU’s culture of care, and in the interest of protecting all members of our campus and surrounding communities, the Leadership Team has approved a recommendation from the Pandemic Task Force to implement a campus vaccine mandate, with all members of the community showing proof of full vaccination by Dec. 3, 2021.

Who is required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
All members of the campus community including, students, faculty and staff are required to get the COVID-19 vaccine under this policy. The only exceptions are individuals who have had an exemption request approved by the university or those who can provide recent proof of antibodies.

When do members of the ODU community need to be vaccinated by?
All members of the ODU community are asked to show proof of full vaccination by Dec. 3, 2021.

How and when can I report my vaccination status to the university?
To show your proof, you can feel free to stop by the Office of Human Resources (Erskine Hall, suite 136), Office of Public Safety (Erskine Hall, suite 100), Office of Residence Life (Erskine Hall, suite 145) or Office of Marketing and Public Relations (Erskine Hall, suite 111). While we prefer that you show your physical vaccination card, we will also accept a photo of your card. If you are unable to attend one of these events, you will be able to visit the Office of Human Resources, located in Erskine Hall, room 136, to present proof of vaccination. If you are unable to physically visit campus, please email ODURising@ohiodominican.edu and someone will be in touch with you to schedule a brief video call so you may provide that information.

Which vaccines are acceptable?
You may choose to receive any FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine, including vaccines approved under Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA or WHO. These include the recently fully FDA approved Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as well as the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

How can I get vaccinated?
Students, faculty and staff may consider a number of options to get vaccinated. In addition to getting the vaccine free of charge at any of the local pharmacy providers in the area, including CVS, Walgreens and Kroger, members of the community also have the ability to get vaccinated through ODU’s partnership with Central Ohio Primary Care. To schedule a vaccination appointment at the Care Forward Center in Peace Hall, contact the Wellness Center at 614-251-4570.

What if I choose not to get vaccinated?
Students who do not show proof of full vaccination and have not had an exemption request approved by the university will be able to complete the fall 2021 semester; however, those students may not be able to attend classes, events or access campus facilities once the spring 2022 semester begins on Jan. 2, 2022. Please note there may be a grace period following the Dec. 3 date during which students can show proof of vaccination without being penalized.

Employees who do not show proof of full vaccination and have not had an exemption approved by the university may face disciplinary action starting at the beginning of the spring 2022 semester on Jan. 2, 2022, which could include termination of employment.

Please note that the university and Pandemic Task Force will evaluate compliance with this vaccination requirement in light of public health and safety concerns and circumstances. ODU and the Pandemic Task Force reserve the right to alter these requirements and implement additional requirements.

Can I request an exemption?
Yes, you may request an exemption due to a medical reason, a sincerely held religious belief, because you're a fully remote student or employee, or for a personal reason. All student exemption forms should be submitted to the Office of Student Development in an envelope marked “confidential.” Employee exemption forms should be submitted to the Office of Human Resources in an envelope marked "confidential." All Remote-Only Exemption Requests should be emailed directly to presidentsoffice@ohiodominican.edu. Exemption requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If your exemption is approved, you will continue to be required to wear a facemask at all times while inside campus facilities, even if the university updates its current protocol requiring all individuals to wear a facemask indoors. In addition, you will be required to – and responsible for – seeking opportunities to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis and provide those test results to the university. Additional stipulations may apply. Click here to view exemption request forms.

How long will this vaccine mandate last?
In an effort to protect the campus community, ODU is committed to keeping this mandate in place as long as the CDC recommends individuals receive the vaccine.

Will ODU keep its indoor mask requirement in place?
ODU’s Pandemic Task Force continues to monitor the number of cases in Franklin County and follow guidance from local, state and federal health officials as well as the CDC. At this time, the CDC recommends that vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear a mask in indoor public spaces in areas of substantial or high transmission. This currently includes Franklin County.  Therefore, ODU will continue to require the wearing of masks while inside any campus building until the community is notified otherwise.  

Will I be able to get my booster shots at ODU?
We continue to have conversations with our partners at Central Ohio Primary Care about student access to boosters. We will communicate any details regarding boosters to you as soon as they are available.

Can I submit my antibody levels as proof of immunity?
After consulting with immunology experts and taking into consideration how antibodies have been viewed in the past with regard to general virus protection, ODU has decided that it will accept antibody results as additional proof of immunity. Individuals who show this information will not be required to get the vaccine nor test weekly. We are in close consultation with our partners at Central Ohio Primary Care to determine the best way for members of our community to have those tests conducted, how they can share those results and what the overall process will look like. Details of this process are being finalized and will be shared when available.

Are non-paid staff, guests and service providers required to be vaccinated?
Non-paid staff are required to get the vaccine; however, guests and outside service providers are not included in the requirement. All must comply with the university’s indoor mask mandate.

I’m planning to enroll at ODU for the first term of spring semester 2022 – How does the policy apply to me?
New students must show proof of first dose or dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine by Jan. 6, 2022, and then show proof of full vaccination by Feb. 4, 2022. Incoming spring semester 2022 students must submit exemption requests to the university by Dec. 17, 2021. Students who do not meet these conditions will be removed from spring 2022 courses. Incoming international students who do not have access to the COVID-19 vaccine abroad must receive their first dose of the vaccine (or single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine) upon their arrival in the United States and before the beginning of classes. Students who do not meet deadlines will be removed from spring courses.

What if I’m not planning to enroll at ODU until the second term of spring semester 2022?
Students starting their studies in the second term of spring semester 2022 must present proof of full vaccination by March 11, 2022. International students starting their studies in the second term of spring semester must present proof of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or first dose of a two-dose vaccine by March 11, 2022. International students must submit proof of full vaccination (second dose) by April 8, 2022. Students must submit exemption requests to the university by March 1, 2022.

Will ODU require the COVID-19 vaccine for its fall semester 2022 incoming class?
ODU is still in the process of discussing its policy for students in its fall semester 2022 incoming class; however, decision-making will be guided by the suggestions of local, state and federal health officials.

Please note that the university and Pandemic Task Force will evaluate compliance with this vaccination requirement in light of public health and safety concerns and circumstances. ODU and the Pandemic Task Force reserve the right to alter these requirements and implement additional requirements based on future federal/state mandates.

University Operations

Are facemasks required on campus?
Yes, there is a campuswide indoor facemask mandate in place for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. ODU has been following recommendations from the CDC and our state and local health officials from the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safety of those who live, learn and work at ODU. The mandate applies to all indoor areas, including classrooms, residence halls, hallways and dining areas when not actively eating or drinking. Masks are not required outdoors. On July 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its recommendation regarding facemasks, announcing that all individuals who live and work in areas that have “high” or “substantial” COVID-19 transmission rates should return to wearing masks indoors regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated. In addition to Franklin County currently being considered to be at a high level by the CDC, the City of Columbus has put an indoor mask mandate in place. It is our intention to lift the mask mandate the moment our state and federal health officials tell us that we are safe to do so.

Where can I pick up a mask?
For your convenience, free facemasks are available at numerous locations across campus, including:

•  Office of Public Safety (Erskine Hall, suite 100)
•  Office of Undergraduate Admission (Griffin Student Center, suite 203)
•  Residence Life Office (Erskine Hall, suite 145)
•  Office of Human Resources (Erskine Hall, suite 136)
•  Library Circulation Desk (Spangler Learning Center, top floor)
•  Wellness Center (Griffin Student Center, suite 235)

Is ODU requiring members of its community to get vaccinated?
Yes. To help ensure the health and safety of the campus community, ODU’s Pandemic Task Force has recommended and the Leadership Team has approved a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the campus community. All members of the campus community including, students, faculty and staff are required to get the COVID-19 vaccine under this policy. Read more about the university's vaccine mandate here.

Will ODU mandate social distancing?
The latest recommendation by the CDC did not include guidelines related to social distancing. As such, our primary focus will be on ensuring that all members of the campus community remain masked while indoors. While ODU will not be mandating social distancing, we encourage all members of the campus community to make an effort to keep some distance from one another out of an abundance of caution and care.

Will ODU randomly test students for COVID-19?
As of right now, we don’t expect to randomly test students; however, there may be a different protocol that student-athletes have to follow. Student-athletes should check with the Office of Athletics for that information. There is always the chance that, should conditions warrant it, ODU may introduce student testing at some point during the fall or spring semester. Any testing policies will be dependent upon recommendations and guidelines issued by local, state and/or federal public health officials, including the CDC.

Is the vaccine be available to students?
Members of the campus community have the ability to get vaccinated free of charge through our partnership with Central Ohio Primary Care. To schedule a vaccination appointment at the Care Forward Center in Peace Hall, contact the Wellness Center at 614-251-4570.

Who should I contact if I have any questions or concerns?
Students with questions or concerns may contact the Interim Dean of Student Life at lombarda@ohiodominican.edu or 614-251-4446. Employees may contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@ohiodominican.edu or 614-251-4597.

What is ODU doing to keep students, faculty and staff safe?
A number of steps are being taken to ensure the health and safety of the campus community. ODU continues to work closely with its facilities and housekeeping services partner, Sodexo, to ensure enhanced cleaning protocols are in place. In addition, hand-sanitizing stations remain available in high-traffic areas across campus, and cleaning supplies are located near high-touch surfaces, such as copiers and printers. All employees have been instructed to remain at or go home if they feel ill.

Are campus offices currently staffed?
Campus offices are open; however, a small number of staff members continue to work a hybrid work arrangement on a part-time basis. Contact information has been posted outside of offices so that students and visitors know how to contact those staff members remotely.

Has ODU resumed renting out space on campus for outside events and conferences?
Yes. If you are interested in renting space on ODU’s campus for an event, please contact Monica Bain, director of Special Events and Conferences, at bainm@ohiodominican.edu at 614-251-4774.

Questions Specific to COVID-19

What if I don’t feel well at any point during the year?
Students who don’t feel well at any point during the academic year should remain at home or in their dorm room, notify their professor and not report to class. Students who are unvaccinated and who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should contact their primary care provider or the Wellness Center to schedule an appointment with Health Services staff for evaluation of symptoms. To contact ODU’s Wellness Center, email wellnesscenter@ohiodominican.edu or call 614-251-4570. Commuting students are asked not to come to campus if they are feeling ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If a student arrives on campus and feels ill, they should contact the Wellness Center to notify them, if possible, but should leave campus and go home and contact their primary care provider immediately. Employees should continue to self-monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19 prior to coming to campus and, if they are feeling ill, should remain at home and contact their physician. Regardless of whether you have been vaccinated, if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, we ask you to still please complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire by clicking here so any necessary contact tracing can be conducted.

Can I find out who is in quarantine or isolation?
If a student tests positive and it’s determined through contact tracing that they were in close contact with a professor or other classmates, those impacted will be notified and informed to quarantine. Faculty will be notified as to who is in isolation or quarantine, as they are not to be in class in person.

What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
According to the CDC, isolation is when you separate yourself from others because you have a contagious disease. On the other hand, you quarantine from others if you were or may have been exposed to someone who has contracted a contagious disease. During a quarantine, you stay away from others while you monitor your health to see if you become sick. In short, you isolate if you are sick, and you quarantine if you might be sick. For more information on isolation and quarantine guidelines from the CDC, click here.

When is someone considered to be fully vaccinated?
In order to be considered fully vaccinated, two weeks must have passed since you received either the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

Will I be required to quarantine if I come into contact with someone who has tested positive?
Per CDC guidelines, individuals who are fully vaccinated may not need to complete a period of quarantine or be tested if they have exposure to someone who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 and they are not showing any symptoms. Individuals who are not vaccinated may be required to complete a period of quarantine. Regardless of whether you have been vaccinated, if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, we ask you to still please complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire by clicking the link at the top of this page so any necessary contact tracing can be conducted.

Academics & Admission

Are classes taking place on campus or online?

We have made a complete return to in-classroom instruction during the fall 2021-22 academic year. It is possible that a small number of courses may continue to utilize a hybrid format

What if I am not ready or comfortable attending in-person classes?
If you are not comfortable attending class in person, please contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs at martinem1@ohiodominican.edu or 614-251-4671 so alternative options can be explored.

What is a hybrid class?
A hybrid course combines one group of on-campus students with another group of remote students through the Virtual Classroom. Please be aware that by attending a hybrid class in person you may appear on camera. Class sessions may be recorded, and recordings may be found in our PantherLearn course shell. Such recordings/streaming will only be available to students registered for this class.

Am I permitted to share recordings of my online/hybrid classes?
No. All class recordings are the intellectual property of the faculty and they may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. Further, students may not share these sessions with those not in the class, or upload them to any other online environment. Doing so may be a violation of the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Will I have access to tutoring services this year?
Yes. Tutoring services will be available from ODU’s Academic Resource Center in person and online.

Residence Life, Food Service & Move-In Options

What is ODU doing to keep residential students safe?
Fortunately, the vast majority of ODU residence halls utilize a suite-style format, so residential students live with no more than three additional students. Also, each suite has access to their own private restroom. This setup naturally helps to limit interaction with other residents. In addition, we are working with our housekeeping partner, Sodexo, to ensure all public areas of residence halls are regularly cleaned and sanitized.

Will I be permitted to have guests in my room?
Yes. Guests and visitors, including family and non-family of ODU students, will be permitted inside the residence halls. The guest policy in the Student Handbook applies to all guests.

Will ODU’s dining hall and other dining options be available?

Yes. You will still be able to get your meals either in Hamilton Dining Hall or the Griffin Student Center Deli. We anticipate that both areas will return to full operation and capacity. For more information on ODU's dining services, click here.

How often will my room be cleaned?
Facilities and Housekeeping staff will continue to follow enhanced cleaning plans, which include having community bathrooms cleaned once a day and sanitized twice a day. We encourage members of the campus community to bring a good supply of your own sanitizing spray and/or wipes to wipe down commonly touched spaces in your room/office, especially areas like your door handle and/or light switch. For those in suite-style halls, where you are responsible for cleaning your own bathrooms and living areas, we will encourage you to wipe down the frequently touched surfaces every day with sanitizing products. Some cleaning and sanitizing products will be available at the front desks.

What happens if a student becomes sick?
If a student reports symptoms of COVID19, staff from the Wellness Center will work with them to have a test done at a local testing facility. If that test comes back positive, the student may be required to self-isolate for as many as 14 days, and any unvaccinated students that were in close contact with the student may be asked to quarantine for as many as 14 days. If these students choose to stay on campus, we have set aside a few suites to use for self-isolation and quarantine. During this time, students may be able to complete course requirements remotely with the permission of their professor. Meals also will be delivered by Dining Services and Residence Life staff. ODU is currently following all state guidelines and recommendations for quarantine following possible COVID-19 exposure.

Student Involvement, Organizations & Athletics

Will clubs, activities and events be available on campus?
Yes. We expect Ohio Dominican’s campus life to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity. We know that a major component of ODU’s vibrant campus are the dozens of clubs and hundreds of activities and events that are available on campus throughout the semester, so organizations are invited to resume normal in-person activity. We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure you have a fun, exciting and successful year at Ohio Dominican.

I’m a student-athlete. Will I be able to practice and compete with my teammates this year?
For the latest information regarding athletics at Ohio Dominican, visit ohiodominicanpanthers.com or contact your coach.

Can I use ODU's athletic facilities?
At this time, the basketball courts in Alumni Hall, Panther Field, and the baseball and softball fields are reserved for varsity team activity only. The grass practice field, Brentnell field and Fitness Center are available for recreational use when not occupied by an athletic team. For any questions, please contact ODU’s athletic department at 614-251-4735.

Didn't see your question?

Click here to Email ODURising@ohiodominican.edu

Mental Wellness Videos

Take a moment to view these special videos produced by ODU’s Wellness Center that provide strategies for improving your mental wellness.

ODU Rising – Campus Safety Plan