Students enrolled in YSU are being encouraged to check their portal for a class list. When they do they will get a good idea of how their class will be delivered. Some classes will be held in a traditional way in classrooms. Others classes will be taught in a hybrid manner, some on line learning and some class instruction. Other classes will be held by virtual learning only. If classes are to take place in rooms the room and building location will be entered into the portal system by July 24th. If you have concerns about class schedules call the Penguin Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at 330-941-6000.

Residence halls will be occupied at reduced capacity, and YSU is modifying some double occupancy rooms into single rooms. Students will be on a schedule for moving in to dorms and apartments on campus. On Friday YSU will be mailing students information on when they are to move on campus. First year students are either scheduled to move in Monday August 10th or Thursday August 13th. Returning students will move in either Friday August 14th, or Sunday August 16th. President Jim Tressel said, "This gives people a chance to spread out."  Students are encouraged to buy their books on line and have them shipped. 

"Our retail and dining facilities will open in late July and early August with reduced capacity, plexi-glass transaction guards, and additional hand washing opportunities. If your eating then you can have your masks off, but if your in a hallway walking by people you need to wear your face covering." said Tressel.
Students can find out more at ysu.edu/coronavirus

Questions and Answers
Tressel answered questions from a number of students. A student asked if there would be basketball in the recreation center. Tressel replied, "No."

Another student asked what will happen if someone in my dorm becomes infected? Tressel said, "We will have held back one facility if someone becomes infected. No matter what happens we have a plan for it."

A third student asked about help for assignments or questions about assignments or projects. Tressel said, "It is up to professors to hold office hours. That is an individual decision between the faculty member and class."

A fourth student wanted to know if field work would continue for classes with labs required for programs such as the dietitian curriculum. Tressel said, "It will continue to the extent that it can safely continue."

A fifth student asked if students from other states have to quarantine. Tressel emphasized, "Not at this point. Guidelines and protocol we follow are from the CDC. If it gets to the point where CDC, and the state of Ohio, or the Mahoning Health Department say it is something we need to do, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Another student asked if international students must quarantine. Tressel said, "There is a 14 day quarantine for international students that is set by the CDC guidelines. We will follow that. Guidelines for opening YSU to students on campus are from the Centers for Disease Control, and plans have been approved by the local and state heath departments."

Another student wanted to know if they could have visitors on campus, or whether they could leave campus for the weekend. Tressel said, "Yes you are allowed to have no more than two visitors. You are allowed to leave the campus for the weekend, but keep the Penguin Pledge and not be with 4,000 people in a two foot space. If the governor issues another stay at home order that will be a challenge."

President Tressel reiterated, "Masks are required. This the safest thing to do for each other, the best way to get this virus behind us. Be a leader in the community, be a leader in your family, help set the example and help reduce or flatten the curve. If someone is showing signs of COVID-19 they are supposed to stay home. They will need to contact the Office of Student Outreach and Support."

Students are also being asked to take the Penguin Pledge to protect themselves and others including staff and people in the community.

YSU President Tressel's message can be found on the university website and on YouTube. 

Tressel told students, "Begin  each day with a health assessment, take your temperature before you leave for campus. if you don't have a thermometer, we have stations set up around campus. When you arrive, wash your hands at one of ten washing stations set up around campus. They are hands free stations. Students and faculty will be responsible for wiping down or sanitizing their desk or work area before they sit down and after class ends. Students are to stay at least six Penguins apart. Desks in classrooms are set up at least 6 feet apart."

YSU has also started a campaign, "For Pete's sake wear our face coverings." Tressed said, "Employees and students, if not alone on campus or in classrooms or buildings, will be required to wear face coverings. It is not fun to wear them but, the rule is you wear your face covering as your pledge to one another." Students should wash their hands when they arrive on campus, and when they leave at one of ten automatic hand washing stations around campus in buildings or near a parking deck. He emphasized 720 YSU Penguins can wash their hands every hour at the ten hand washing stations."

Tressel added, "The message is keep your hands clean, your face covered, and keep your social distance. "