The latest news and information for Ohio State faculty and staff.
Monday, January 11, 2021

COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is available in very limited quantities and the first phases of distribution are to high-risk individuals, including frontline health care workers and first responders, followed by individuals living in nursing facilities. Prioritization of who receives the vaccine first is guided by federal and state governments. Guidelines for immunization of the general population are currently under development. The university is actively planning for expanded vaccine distribution as allowed by the State of Ohio and will work in coordination with Governor Mike DeWine as well as state and local health experts. Details will be shared when they are available. More information is available on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

Leadership announcement

Search begins for next dentistry dean

The university administration has appointed and charged a committee to assist in the search for the successor to Dean Patrick M. Lloyd, who previously announced his intention to step down as head of the College of Dentistry when his term ends in August. Lincoln L. Davies, dean of the Michael E. Moritz College of Law, is serving as chair of the search committee.

Headline news

Preparing for spring semester: Know your instruction mode and schedule

Understanding instruction modes (in-person, hybrid, distance-enhanced and distance learning) is crucial for student success. Class schedules should indicate instruction mode and ideally include both in-person and Zoom meetings. This Keep Teaching resource includes time management skills and expectations students might have for each mode.

The Master in the Study of Law (MSL) degree from the Moritz College of Law is designed for those who want to learn about the law in order to strengthen their professional skills. Would knowing about certain legal practices, laws and regulations help advance your career? The MSL will set you apart from others in your discipline and is eligible for Ohio State Employee Tuition Assistance Benefit. For more information, contact here or visit here.

Upcoming biweekly pay

The next biweekly payslip will be issued in Workday on Jan. 15. Employees will notice differences in payroll practices that result in changes to their payslips, both visually and potentially to their pay. Review the changes impacting pay and learn how to access your payslip. Payslips should be viewable in Workday on Jan. 13 for the Jan. 15 pay day. After January, payslips will typically be visible five days before pay day.

Time Submission due in Workday in today (Jan. 11)

If you are a biweekly paid employee, please submit your time worked by noon today in Workday. Campus biweekly employees are required to submit their time worked from each week by noon every Monday. For information on how to enter and submit time in Workday, please refer to the Time Entry Processes job aid in the Administrative Resource Center.

Visa Platinum Rewards Card. Credit Union of Ohio is excited to now offer a Visa Platinum Rewards credit card that earns 1% cash back on all purchases. Plus, there is no annual fee! Learn more about our new Visa here.

Awards and recognition

USAC's Staff in the Spotlight recognition

USAC is excited to announce a staff recognition program called “Staff in the Spotlight” that will be introduced in early 2021. “Staff in the Spotlight” nominations will be accepted for any Ohio State staff member in good standing with the university, who exemplifies what it means to be a Buckeye. Staff may be nominated by a supervisor, colleague or campus customer.

Grants and funding

Become a Pelotonia Fellow

The Pelotonia Fellowship Program trains promising and accomplished undergraduate, graduate, medical and postdoctoral students from any discipline who have the potential to become independent cancer researchers. Applications open Jan. 15. Apply online here. Watch and share this video.

New 403b and 457 Plan options begin 2021. Retirement Strategies, Ltd., is offering a complimentary consultation with Certified Financial Planners® to provide additional perspectives on these upcoming plan choices. Our advisors are available to discuss other important issues including STRS-OPERS Retirement Benefits, defined benefits and ARP plans, Social Security and health care. To schedule, simply email Jerry Snyder here or call 614-799-8668. Retirement Strategies, Ltd. is a Registered Investment Advisor. For a full description of the firm and our services, please ask us for a copy of our Form ADV Part 2A. This also can be accessed here.

Health and wellness

Virtual Health Athlete Series

As part of our ongoing focus on employee well-being, the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer is offering the popular Health Athlete program in a 7-week virtual format. Through engaging presentations and personal reflection, Health Athlete participants develop strategies to maintain and expand their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy. This series is open only to Ohio State employees. Sections will be offered Wednesdays 8-9 a.m. and Fridays noon-1 p.m. starting the third week of January. Register by Jan. 18.

Opportunities

Donate to Career Closet

Please consider donating your gently used professional clothes, shoes and accessories to the Student Life Career Closet. All donated items will be used to provide a closet where students can “shop” for free professional attire. Donations will be accepted by appointment only at the George Wells Knight House, 105 E. 15th Ave., through March 26. Drop-off times are Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Upcoming events