News and Notes

I was thrilled last week to be back in the classroom, teaching a course titled Pathways to Net Zero Emissions. Combating climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and Ohio State is stepping up to do its part in reducing the carbon emissions that cause extreme weather events and threaten the very future of our planet.

Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson delivered the keynote address today for the 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast. Johnson used the speech to focus on the land-grant mission of Ohio State and the role it should play in supporting access and opportunity. - via Ohio State News

The Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson shared her first safety update of the new semester, urging students to take a close look at the resources available on and off campus – and continuing to encourage COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. - via Ohio State News

Welcome to another wonderful semester together and in person. I hope each of you had the chance to recharge during the break and cheer on the Buckeyes during their record-breaking Rose Bowl victory! Whether you’re looking ahead to graduation in May, returning to the classroom to engage with our talented students (like I will be on Wednesday!) or kicking off your first — or 50th — year with us, I am excited to continue advancing our collective excellence as one Buckeye family.

A busy weekend at The Ohio State University preceded the first day of spring semester. Thousands of students moved back onto the Columbus and regional campuses Saturday and Sunday under enhanced health and safety protocols. - via Ohio State News

During a virtual town hall to discuss the university’s plans for the semester and to answer questions from the Ohio State community, President Kristina M. Johnson reiterated the health and safety of students, faculty and staff is the university’s No. 1 priority. Johnson said easy access to vaccines, booster shots, well-fitting masks and testing would allow for in-person instruction. - via Ohio State News

The nation and state are experiencing a dramatic increase in COVID-19 infections due in large part to the Omicron variant. As we prepare to start the spring semester and welcome students back to campus for in-person instruction, Ohio State continues to adjust health measures based on the latest data as well as evolving guidance from national, state and local agencies.

The Ohio State University and the University of Utah will square off in the Rose Bowl tomorrow. But today, the universities joined forces to give back to the Southern California community in conjunction with the Buckeyes’ bowl game. President Kristina M. Johnson joined Utah representatives, university leaders, students and alumni from both schools at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. - via Ohio State News

In advance of spring semester, the university is calling for another community-wide effort amid a nationwide surge of COVID-19 cases and emerging evidence about the new omicron variant, which is much more transmissible than previous strains of the virus. - via Ohio State News.