The latest news and information for Ohio State faculty and staff.
Friday, February 26, 2021

COVID-19

Campus reactivation planning for fall

Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson announced that planning is underway for a reactivation of its campuses this fall to offer safe and robust in-person experiences significantly expanded from current restrictions. The university will continue to follow all appropriate measures to promote the health and well-being of the community with the partnership and approval of local, state and federal health authorities. Details of the university’s reactivation plan will be announced in the coming months as leaders continue to study the latest data related to COVID-19 and public health.

Headline news

Engaged Scholar Q&A

The community-engaged scholarship of Darrell Gray, Joshua Joseph and Timiya Nolan explores novel strategies, interventions and partnerships to address health disparities among populations made vulnerable by systemic inequity. With health equity as their goal, they believe it is absolutely critical to center the voices and lived experiences of the community in addressing barriers to their health and wellness.

Exploring lessons, challenges of Israel’s vaccine rollout

Israel has earned global attention for its COVID-19 vaccine distribution — with nearly half the nation's population having received the first vaccine dose as of mid-February. On Feb. 16, the College of Public Health hosted Israeli public health expert Dr. Nadav Davidovitch to discuss.

Grants and funding

Staff Career Development Grant Program

The USAC Governance Subcommittee and the Office of Human Resources is offering a live information session for prospective applicants to the Staff Career Development Grant Program. This program is designed to support the professional development of Ohio State staff in their respective units; grants are awarded for costs associated with a professional development activity. An information session will be held on March 18, 4-5 p.m. via Zoom. Attendees will be provided an overview of the grant application process and will be able to ask questions to both USAC Governance Subcommittee members and OHR staff.

Take advantage of complimentary wellness webinars. Benefits-eligible faculty and staff can explore programs offered by the OSU Health Plan as a service of Your Plan for Health. Topics relate to healthy eating, active living, emotional well-being and weight management. Upcoming webinars in March include Going Vegetarian or Vegan on March 3, Stress Management and Self Care on March 9, Understanding Asthma on March 15, Spring Garden Planning on March 16 and more. Register here (click Educational Program).

Health and wellness

Heart Health Month

Commit to heart healthy behaviors! One out of three women and men die from heart disease, yet 80% of it can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating more fruit, vegetables and whole-grains; moving more and sitting less during the day; engaging in physical activities you enjoy for 30 minutes five days a week; minimizing salt intake; and managing stress levels through deep breathing and gratitude. This wellness tip brought to you by University Chief Wellness Officer Bernadette Melnyk.

Opportunities

Advancing Gender Equity in Medicine discussion series

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Wexner Medical Center's Anti-Racism Action Plan leaders, Women in Medicine and Science, the Center for Primary Care Innovation and Transformation in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the College of Medicine’s Black Women in Medicine group are collaborating for a series on intersectionality. Throughout March, we’ll feature talks focused on the intersection of gender with race, ethnicity, religion and gender identity in medicine. The first talk on March 1, noon-1 p.m. with Valencia Walker, MD, MPH, will discuss the intersection of race and gender.

Upcoming events