Ohio University approves updates to several policies

The Ohio University Executive Staff Policy Committee (ESPC) approved updates to several policies at its meetings on Sept. 20, 2024, and Oct. 21, 2024.

The ESPC gave approval to these policies

Use of Indoor Spaces

Policy 01.042 - This policy establishes rules for the use of indoor spaces on the University’s campuses, including the Athens campus, regional campuses, centers, and extension campuses.  The policy was given full approval. You can read the policy here.

Use of Outdoor Spaces

Policy 01.044 - This policy establishes rules for the use of outdoor spaces on the University’s campuses, including the Athens campus, regional campuses, centers, and extension campuses. This policy was given full approval. You can read the policy here.

Banning

Policy 02.002  - This policy identifies circumstances that may preclude a person’s continued presence on property owned, leased, or operated by Ohio University. Additionally, this policy establishes processes to be used for a person’s immediate removal from University property, and/or forbidding their return for a specified period of time. This policy was approved on an interim basis. You can read the policy here.

Nondiscrimination in Education and Employment

Policy 40.001 - Ohio University values respect across differences and the appreciation of diverse perspectives and cultures. In support of these values, this policy sets forth the expectations and responsibilities for maintaining a safe educational and employment environment free of discrimination, harassment, and intimidation. This policy was approved on an interim basis. You can read the policy here.

Reasonable Accommodations of Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs and Practices

Policy 40.003 – On January 3, 2023, Governor DeWine signed Ohio House Bill 353, the Testing Your Faith Act. This legislation requires the university to adopt a policy that reasonably accommodates the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of individual students with regard to all examinations or other academic requirements and absences for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system. This policy was approved for interim use on March 31, 2023 and fully approved for use on Oct. 1, 2024. You can read the policy here.

The ESPC extended these interim policies

Medical Services

Policy 21.001 - This policy promotes the public health of the academic community and provides for medical care of students. You can read the policy here.

Educational Benefits for Ohio University Employees

Policy 40.015 - This policy provides for participation in the Ohio University educational benefits program. You can read the policy here.

Educational Benefits for Qualified Dependents

Policy 40.016 - This policy provides for participation in the Ohio University educational benefits program by domestic partners, spouses, and children of benefits eligible employees who are active, on approved leave, retired, on disability retirement, laid-off, or deceased. You can read the policy here.

For additional information on updates, as well as information on other Ohio University policies, visit the Ohio University Administrative Policy Manual website.