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Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

November 13, 2020

 

Dear OSU Students,

 

Earlier today, Gov. Kate Brown announced a statewide two-week freeze to address the rapid spread of COVID-19.  New measures announced by the Governor to take effect beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, will impact Oregon State University operations.

 

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading quickly in our state and our immediate attention is required. The Governor’s measures include limiting social gatherings, working from home to the greatest extent possible, and the closure of some facilities. As of this notice, Oregon State University in both Corvallis and Bend is now operating at the University’s Operations Level 3.

 

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, the following will be in effect at all OSU locations:

  1. OSU’s Physical Distancing policy will limit university gatherings and social get-togethers and non-university gatherings on university sites to 6 or fewer people, from no more than 2 households – indoors and outdoors. OSU students will be required to restrict all social get-togethers to 6 or fewer people from no more than 2 households. This policy applies anywhere in the state of Oregon, regardless of whether the get-togethers are related to university business or property.
  2. The Memorial Union and OSU-Cascades Obsidian Hall will remain open to provide study spaces, however no events will be allowed.
  3. Dixon Recreation Center, the OSU Tennis Pavilion, and the OSU-Cascades fitness center will be closed for the duration of the two-week freeze. Student Legacy Park will remain open, with existing requirements for users wearing face coverings and engaging in activities with groups no larger than 6 people.
  4. OSU forests remain open with face coverings required when physical distancing cannot be met.
  5. Current OSU-sponsored travel restrictions and guidelines for exceptions remain in effect. OSU is strongly discouraging all travel, including personal travel.
  6. Testing through TRACE OSU will continue to be conducted as scheduled and all OSU students located in Corvallis, Bend and Newport will be invited to be tested. Please take advantage of this opportunity, particularly if you plan to travel to another location for the Thanksgiving holiday.
  7. OSU childcare operations remain open.
  8. OSU Athletics programs are permitted to continue under existing Division 1 NCAA and state of Oregon guidance.

OSU students, let’s continue do our part to slow the spread of this virus. 

While this statewide freeze and university operational adjustments do not go into effect until Nov. 18, 2020, we strongly encourage you to immediately curtail all non-essential activities, stay home as much as possible, and practice maximum social distancing. 

 

As you consider your plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, if you travel, we ask that you remain in the location that you are traveling to, until the start of Winter term. More guidance on traveling, preparing for the last two weeks of fall term, and guidance for your winter term return will be provided in the coming week.

 

Thank you,

 

Dan Larson

OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator

Vice Provost for Student Affairs

 

 

Oregon State University

Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

 

624 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331

leadership.oregonstate.edu/provost

 

 

 

Send Date: 
Friday, November 13, 2020