Ohio State News Alert: New permanent lighting coming to University District
Safety update from President Kristina M. Johnson provides information on several resources
|
The Ohio State University |
Permanent lighting is being installed in the off-campus area, replacing mobile lighting put up at the start of fall semester. Enhanced lighting is part of Ohio State's suite of safety and health enhancements, President Kristina M. Johnson said during her most recent safety update.
The university added mobile lighting last fall in University District areas frequented by students and the campus community to help fill in the gaps of existing lighting. Now, working with our partners in the city of Columbus, permanent structures are being installed.
“We continue to be dedicated to a holistic approach to safety,” Johnson said in a new video.
The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) is an important element in this approach. In 2021, OSUPD swore in nine new officers, and four more were sworn in this week. Recruitment, hiring and training of more officers is to come, Johnson said.
Johnson also thanked all in the campus community who have received a COVID-19 booster shot. Boosters are available at Jesse Owens North on the Columbus campus and can be scheduled through MyChart. Students can use Lyft for free rides to booster appointments at Ohio State Outpatient Care Upper Arlington. Go to Safe and Healthy Buckeyes for more information.
She noted her own experience teaching in-person this semester and how impressed she is with HVAC evaluations and improvements that occurred over the summer in response to COVID-19, as well as the technology improvements that allow students who are in isolation or sick to access their classes.
Finally, the president reminded students to stay home if they feel sick and to act as if they are positive until they receive a negative test. Students can schedule a COVID-19 test through MyBuckMD or through their primary doctor, depending on their health insurance plan. She reiterated that Ohio State campuses, colleges and faculty have plans in place to support students who miss class because of illness, recognizing that no student should suffer academically because they did the right thing by staying home.
