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Hello OSU Corvallis students,

OSU campus and university operations in western Oregon will reopen Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, as hazardous and unhealthy wildfire smoke and ash conditions begin to diminish.

 

We recognize that exposure to hazardous and unhealthy air quality may be problematic for some students. If you feel it is safer to remain in your home communities, please do so. We strongly encourage that any outdoor activity be rescheduled or moved indoors where possible.

 

For students who perform university work or activity outdoors, if the local Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 150, reschedule the work or activity, if feasible, to a time when the air quality improves below an AQI of 151. If the work or activity cannot be rescheduled, N95 or alternative masks must be provided. During this time of persistent poor air quality, the university’s Environmental Health and Safety web page will provide daily updates regarding the AQI and information on whether N95 or alternative masks for outdoor work is required. Please refer to this website for how to access N95 or alternative masks, and other important considerations. For accommodations, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access if you are working as an employee or the Department of Disability Access Services if you are a student.

 

Until further notice, we ask that you not open exterior campus building windows and close exterior doors as quickly as possible upon entering or leaving a building.

 

During this time, we encourage you to remain mindful of your health, as well as the health of your family and friends, by adhering to public health advisories.

According to air quality monitoring sites in western Oregon, air quality in some locations will continue to improve tonight and tomorrow, while air quality in some locations will remain in the hazardous range. Meanwhile, rain is forecasted in western Oregon on Friday. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves.

 

Dan Larson

Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Oregon State University

[email protected]

Category: 
Campus Operations
Send Date: 
Wednesday, September 16, 2020