Office of Student Life

Disability Services

COVID-Related Accommodation Requests

 

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Academic Flexibility for Viral Infections

"I have COVID-19, I was told to tell SLDS."

  • The process for reporting COVID-19 infections changed as of Autumn 23.  Please read and follow the guidance below carefully.
  • SLDS does not send out academic flexibility/excuse notes for positive COVID-19 tests nor virual infection illnesses. 

"What do I do now?"

If you have been advised to stay home by a physician, testing center, or at-home test kit take these 2 steps: 

  1. Please complete a Columbus Public Health report form (Form opens in new window). 
  2. Consult with your instructor in writing to request short-term flexibility during your recovery period.  

"My instructor wants a letter, what do I do?"

Questions/Assistance:  For additional assistance in working with your instructor on an academic flexibility plan, first contact the academic department chair. If the instructor and department chair are unable to come to a resolution, please contact us at slds@osu.edu or 614-292-3307. 


Other Types of Requests 

Ohio State announced on Monday, April 24, 2023 that the university will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination for students, faculty and staff, with the exception of those who are subject to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or other professional requirements. All campus community members are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date on vaccinations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This transition coincides with the upcoming expiration of the federal public health emergency, is in response to changes in the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 vaccinations and is compliant with Ohio law.

Vaccine requirement exemption requests are NOT managed through this process.  Read more about that process on Safe & Healthy Buckeyes

For employment-related requests (including graduate assistantships): Visit the Office of Human Resources website.

The university is committed to supporting students and program participants with COVID-19 based risk factors. Student Life Disability Services (SLDS), in conjunction with the Office of Institutional Equity, will work with students who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19 to ensure that they have the necessary resources to participate in university life as safely as possible.

You may submit a request for COVID-related accommodations for having a medical condition that puts you at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. You may also submit a request if you have a medical condition or disability not included in the CDC health factors that you believe is affected by COVID-19. We may approve a wide range of COVID-19 related accommodations, including:

  • Full semester remote participation for on-campus academic requirements (Please review our Remote Participation Requests page for more information.)
  • Clinical site accommodations

Request Procedure for the Accommodations listed above:

  • For SLDS-registered students: contact your Access Specialist (no form required). If you attend a regional campus, please contact your respective Disability Services office. If we do not already have documentation on file for the relevant medical condition or disability, please include that documentation with your request. If you are requesting full-semester remote participation, please be aware of our documentation requirements.

  • For students not registered with SLDS: Complete a Registration Application. Please include documentation with your request that verifies the relevant medical condition or disability and addresses how your condition is affected by COVID-19.  After submitting, monitor your Buckeyemail account for status updates and next steps.

Disclosures: Disability Services will only share pertinent information with faculty/staff on a need-to-know basis. Medical documentation will not be shared. 

Questions/Assistance: Please contact us at slds@osu.edu or 614-292-3307. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I have tested positive for COVID-19 or I have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?

First, please take care of yourself. Follow the university’s guidance on health reporting and quarantine/isolation procedures. For more information, visit the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

Q. Is there a COVID-vaccine requirement for Ohio State students?

Ohio State announced on Monday, April 24 that the university will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination for students, faculty and staff, except those who are subject to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or other professional requirements. All campus community members are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date on vaccinations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This transition coincides with the upcoming expiration of the federal public health emergency, is in response to changes in the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 vaccinations and is compliant with Ohio law.

Q: How do I apply for an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement if my placement, residency, or professional program requires it?

These requests are not managed tthrough Student Life Disability Services . Please contact your academic advisor or placement coordinator for guidance.

 Q: Do I have to wear a face mask?

Ohio State continues to respond to changes in public health guidance. Ohio State’s guidance on face masks was last updated April 19, 2022.

  • Masks are optional in most settings on all Ohio State campuses, including general-purpose buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices, the Ohio Union, and on public transportation. Masks are also optional outdoors. (Read guidance for individuals for specific circumstances)
  • Masks are required in clinical health care settings (including at the Wexner Medical Center), COVID-19 testing locations, and child care centers.

For more information, visit the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

 

Q: What conditions are considered high-risk by the CDC?

The CDC provides guidance on health-related factors which may increase the risk of complications from COVID-19. The list of factors may evolve as information about COVID is discovered, so please visit the CDC coronavirus webpage for the most up to date and complete listing. Some of the high-risk conditions include:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
  • Dementia or other neurological conditions
  • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
  • Down syndrome
  • Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
  • HIV infection
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
  • Liver disease
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease thalassemia
  • Smoking, current or former
  • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
  • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
  • Substance use disorders