Office of the Registrar

From the Office of the President

 

 

Dear OSU Students,

 

Steady, principled, informed, unified. These values have underpinned the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 18 months, and they remain our values as we prepare for the start of the new academic year, excited as ever to welcome new and returning students to pursue their goals.

 

When we concluded the last academic year in June, we were optimistic that the end of the pandemic was imminent. It is now clear that the Delta variant represents a new phase in the pandemic. In response, public health measures like supporting vaccinations by all, wearing face coverings, testing, and careful management of gatherings must continue. With these measures, we continue to plan to responsibly return to on-site university activities.

 

We are not in the same place today as we were last fall, and we are not in the same place as other educational institutions, which are responding to their own specific circumstances.

 

As of Monday, 94% of the more than 19,500 students who have complied with OSU’s vaccination program to date have provided proof of having been vaccinated. Meanwhile, OSU employees are responding quickly and affirmatively to the university’s vaccination attestation website that was launched Monday. We know nationally that the vaccines are proving extremely successful in preventing serious illness among the vaccinated and that the use of face coverings substantially reduces transmission.

 

These last 18 months have shown us that OSU students and employees take our culture of mutual care seriously and comply with guidelines like masking and testing. We also know that while remote teaching, learning and work are possible on a large scale, they are not measures required at this time, nor what most members of our community wish to become the “new normal” for OSU.

 

It is within these evolved circumstances that we affirm the return to on-site teaching and other activities within OSU’s Pathway to Fall plan. This approach is based on regular consultations with local health authorities and guidance from state and national health authorities.

 

Steady, principled, informed, unified. These values have served OSU’s response well, and they continue to guide us during this challenging time. We do not know how this pandemic will evolve, but we do know that as a community of students, teachers, scholars and professionals, we will navigate it. And we will remain engaged with care for one another and our neighbors; and with patience and courage, face all uncertainty.

 

We look forward to seeing you for the start of fall term.

 

Becky Johnson

Interim President

 

Edward Feser

Provost and Executive Vice President

 

 

Oregon State University

Office of the President

 

600 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331

leadership.oregonstate.edu/president