To: Faculty and Staff
From: Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President
28 September 2021
Dear Faculty and Staff,
As you continue to settle into Fall term, please remember that some OSU students are employed as firefighters (or in other roles supporting the firefighting effort) and some students in the national guard or active-duty military have been (or may be) called to serve in hospitals and other health care facilities as part of the COVID-19 response. As this continues, they may need to delay their arrival for classes.
Please accommodate these students to the extent possible in your courses. State law protects the rights of students ordered to active duty and we have created guidance that outlines the minimum standards for assisting OSU students in these situations. In addition to these guidelines, we ask that all early term deadlines be extended by a minimum of two weeks for affected students, allowing them to begin classes as late as October 11th. Because some students may be at a clear academic disadvantage if they miss two weeks of class, advisors should work with students to ensure they make the best choice for their situation.
It is up to the instructor to determine what constitutes a reasonable compensatory experience in each course and the Center for Teaching and Learning is available to consult with faculty about options for designing such experiences. Some students may reach out to instructors directly about their situation, while others may communicate with their advisor and ask for assistance in coordinating with their instructors. Firefighters may work with the Office of the Registrar for any exceptions to a late start. Students who use the protections provided by state law are required to submit their information with the veteran certifying officials in the Office of the Registrar. Such students are made aware of this requirement.
Students who choose to delay arrival until Winter term will receive a refund for Fall term registration.
We are grateful for the individuals who are working hard to save lives and property. Please do all you can to be of assistance to these students in their transition back to OSU.
Thank you,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President