Residents and students in Columbus are gearing up for a heavy snowfall this weekend, with forecasts predicting more than a foot of snow. The Ohio State University has announced that its Columbus campus will cancel in-person classes for the upcoming Monday and Tuesday due to severe weather conditions. In a report released by Ohio State News, Franklin County's Level 3 snow emergency requires that only essential travel or staff should be out.
While physical classrooms will be empty, education will continue in a virtual space. Instructors are encouraged to hold synchronous online classes where possible, and those with classes already online will proceed as scheduled. "Instructors are to notify students of alternative teaching methods when in-person class meetings are canceled," the Ohio State University's advisory, referring to Policy 6.15. These methods include, but are not limited to, video lectures, podcasts, and supplemental readings. Instructors have been asked by the Office of Academic Affairs to exercise maximum flexibility in accommodating students during this time.
Campus operations at Ohio State will not come to a complete halt, as the university has declared that it will maintain limited essential services while the Level 3 emergency is in effect. Non-essential activities and engagements, however, are advised to be canceled. Staff members who have the ability to work remotely are encouraged to do so, though essential staff are required on campus to manage critical functions. According to the university's announcement, specific staffing and operational questions should be directed to supervisors or HR Business Partners. With services curtailed, the Wexner Medical Center stands as an exception, remaining operational throughout the snow emergency.
Recreational facilities and dining services will see limitations, and university libraries will close their doors on Sunday, January 25, in anticipation of the storm. Ohio State emphasizes the importance of clearing the roads for essential staff needing access to vital facilities. "The health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is always our top priority," according to Ohio State News, the university acknowledges in their bulletin. Detailed information on transportation, parking, and operational hours can be found on the university's emergency website. Campus leadership will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with regional authorities and convey any relevant updates accordingly.
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