Given the CDC and Ohio Department of Health’s updated guidance, effective immediately, Owens Community College will require all faculty, staff, visitors and students to wear masks on its campuses indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Anyone who prefers to continue to wear a mask outdoors, whether vaccinated or not, may continue to do so. The COVID-19 Response Team reminds faculty, staff and students that if they are experiencing symptoms, are exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, they must complete the COVID-19 Notification Form.
To learn more about COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccines, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to visit the Ohio Department of Health – COVID-19 website.
The COVID-19 Response Team appreciates all faculty, staff, and students’ patience during this time. If you have questions or concerns related to this update, please contact the COVID-19 Response Team at covid19@owens.edu.
FAQ’s
Do I have to wear a mask on campus?
Owens Community College will require face coverings for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public settings on our campuses. The College recognizes that Hancock County remains in the moderate transmission category; however, in an effort to protect our community, this mask requirement applies to both Owens campuses. The mask mandate includes hallways, reception areas, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, while using college transportation, and other gathering spaces. Face coverings are not required when working alone in an office or classroom, when eating or drinking, or when actively exercising indoors. Face masks are available at the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
What If I Have a Question or Concern That Is Not Listed Here?
Employees and students are encouraged to send COVID-19 related questions and concerns to covid19@owens.edu.
Is the Student Health and Athletic Center (SHAC) Open?
The SHAC on the Toledo-area Campus is open. Please visit the SHAC’s website for information regarding hours and procedures. The Fitness Center on the Findlay-area Campus will remain closed during the Summer semester.
What Additional Measures Is Owens Taking to Ensure the Health and Safety of Our Community?
All current water bottle fill stations are open and operating on both campuses. The bipolar ionization air filtration project is complete and operational in Health Technologies, Bicentennial Hall, Student Health and Activities Center, AVCC, Library, Math/Science, CFPA, Heritage Hall, and College Hall. The College is also continuing its increased safety and cleaning measures throughout our campuses.
What Should I Do If I Am Experiencing COVID-19-Like Symptoms and/or Received a Positive Test?
Do not come to campus and submit a notification form to the COVID-19 Response Team. The notification form can be found at https://www.owens.edu/covid19/notification/. Once the notification form is received, you will receive an email containing further instructions and information.
Where Can I Find Information Regarding COVID-19 Testing?
Can I Meet with Advisors/Faculty in Person or Is It All Online?
Please check with your individual faculty members regarding options for meetings. Also, please check individual websites for updated service hours, contact information, and support options. For more information, please visit Student Services website.
Can Meetings Be Held Face to Face?
Yes, beginning June 2, 2021, meetings may be held face to face. However, the College continues to encourage holding meetings in a virtual setting when possible.
Where Can I Go to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccination?
Please visit any of the following for information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.
What Should I Do If I Have to Quarantine and/or Isolate?
College faculty and staff will make every effort to help a student finish their coursework. Students should contact their faculty member(s) to determine what alternate arrangements can be made to ensure all course requirements can continue to be met. Employees should contact their supervisor to determine what alternate arrangements can be made. Faculty, staff, and students should complete the COVID-19 notification form online at: https://www.owens.edu/covid19/notification/
Do I Still Need to Report Possible COVID-19 Exposures to the College?
Yes. Please submit a notification form to the COVID-19 Response Team. The notification form can be found at https://www.owens.edu/covid19/notification/. Once the notification form is received, you will receive an email containing further instructions and information.
Will the Owens Shuttle Still Be Running?
Yes, the shuttle will be running and face masks are required regardless of your vaccination status. For a map and further information, visit www.owens.edu/shuttle/.
Will Food Be Available on Campus?
Food service operations on both campuses will remain closed until further notice. Vending machines are available throughout both campuses. The College is in the process of exploring options for food services to resume for Fall semester. Please note that water fountain bottle filling stations are open.
What are Some Healthy Habit Best Practices to Continue?
The Office of Workplace Safety and Health wants to remind everyone that it is still important to retain the healthy habits we’ve been practicing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly (remember the 20 second rule).
- Use a tissue or the crook of your elbow to cough or sneeze into; properly discard the tissue.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Consider alternatives to shaking hands to reduce germ transmission.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces, shared appliances, and tools often.
For more information visit the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html).
What Does Fully Vaccinated Mean?
An individual is considered fully vaccinated 14-days after the 2nd shot of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna) or 14-days after the 1st shot of a one dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).
This global pandemic has interrupted the lives of students, staff, and faculty. We encourage everyone to obtain information from your health care provider and follow any necessary health and safety precautions, including information from the Ohio Department of Health, Toledo-Lucas County, Wood County and Hancock County health departments, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Email us at COVID19@owens.edu.
