Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 Update
In order to do our part to help stop the spread of the Omicron variant while maintaining our usual high level of student service, we are extending the temporary move of University operations, onsite classes, advising, student financial services, Library access, the Learning Commons, and events to an online format through Sunday, March 6 with onsite classes and support services resuming the week of Monday, March 7.
This is a temporary shift that will allow us to continue to assess the situation as it evolves. To help with questions, FAQs have been developed and are available on this page . Should you have any additional questions or concerns about the shift to virtual courses, please contact advising@franklin.edu.
We will continue to monitor regularly and make any necessary modifications as needed with a focus on providing a safe environment for our University community. Please check https://www.franklin.edu/coronavirus for updates and other information related to the University’s response.
Monday, Jan. 10, 2021 Update
In order to do our part to help stop the spread of the Omicron variant while maintaining our usual high level of student service, we have decided to temporarily move University operations, onsite classes, advising, student financial services, Library access, the Learning Commons, and events to an online format through Monday, Feb. 7.
This decision is effective with the close of business today, January 10, 2022. This is a temporary shift that will allow us to calmly assess the situation as it evolves. To help with questions, FAQs have been developed and are available on this page. Should you have any additional questions or concerns about the shift from on-site courses that start in January, please contact advising@franklin.edu.
We will continue to monitor regularly and make any necessary modifications as needed with a focus on providing a safe environment for our University community. Please check https://www.franklin.edu/coronavirus for updates and other information related to the University’s response.
Sept. 10, 2021 Update
On September 10, 2021, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency in the City of Columbus and requiring that face masks be worn by individuals age 6 and older while in indoor spaces accessible to the public, including but not limited to city buildings, office buildings, retail establishments, bars and restaurants, and public transportation.
The order takes effect immediately and remains in place until it is rescinded by Mayor Ginther. Exemptions to the order include those younger than 6 years of age; individuals with medical or behavioral conditions that preclude them from wearing a face covering; and anyone actively eating and drinking, engaged in sports and recreational activities, and giving a speech or performance before a live audience.
In compliance with this new mandate, all faculty, staff, students, and visitors visiting Franklin University will be required to wear masks when indoors, with the exception of when sitting at a workstation that provides social distancing.
August 26, 2021 Update
Franklin University officials have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and Delta variant to guide decisions that help protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, and the greater community. Accordingly, until further notice, all students, staff, faculty, and visitors will be required to wear face masks in areas that cannot maintain a 6’ distance or are high traffic areas where 6’ distance cannot be consistently maintained.
Designated areas where masks will be required are:
• Student Affairs advising rooms
• Student Affairs welcome center
• Learning Commons Testing area
• Learning Commons Tutoring area
The University maintains its existing policy in all other areas of campus, which strongly encourages everyone to wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccine status until further notice.
August 5, 2021 Update
In accordance with the advisory issued by Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health, Franklin University strongly encourages everyone to wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccine status until further notice.
July 15, 2021 Update
As a result of the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the subsequent changes in pandemic-related restrictions, Franklin University will resume on-site services and classes for the Fall 21 Trimester. We will continue to keep the health and safety of the campus community a top priority by adhering to current CDC and local health guidelines.
Jan. 7, 2021 Update
As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Franklin County, Franklin University has made the decision to continue online only courses through the end of the Spring 2021 term. Current students should contact their academic advisors with any questions related to scheduling courses for the remainder of spring term.
Academic support and other services will continue to be available in remote format through the end of the current term.
For the Summer 2021 term, which begins in May, Franklin University is planning to offer select courses on-site. The list of on-site courses will be published in early February and registration for summer term opens on Feb. 22.
Dec. 15, 2020 Update
Out of ongoing care for our campus community amidst continued statewide concerns around COVID-19, Franklin University plans to offer all courses, support and services in a remote format through at least January 2021. This means that all Spring 2021 courses beginning in January will remain online only. A decision regarding a return to onsite classes for course sections beginning in February or later is still being discussed and will be shared as soon as a determination has been made.
Oct. 29, 2020 Update
The health and safety of our campus community are of the utmost importance. Therefore, amid growing concerns surrounding the current surge in COVID-19 cases, Franklin University will continue to offer coursework, support and services in a remote format throughout the remainder of the Fall 2020 term.
For students who have scheduled or are considering scheduling on-site classes for the Spring 2021 term: At this time, we are still accepting registrations for these courses. As the start date approaches, we will continue to monitor the situation and our ability to provide a safe campus experience and you will be contacted by your academic advisor if your options change.
Oct. 2020 Update
Amid continued concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Fall Commencement, has been transitioned to a virtual event and will be held Friday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.
Degrees will be conferred on Dec. 31, 2020 and diplomas will be mailed on Jan. 12, 2021. Caps and gowns will also be mailed to students who ordered them, so that you will have them prior to the virtual ceremony.
July 2020 Update
Amid continued concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Summer Commencement, which was to be held on Sept. 11, has been rescheduled and transitioned to a virtual event, which will be held Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
Degrees will be conferred on Aug. 16 and diplomas will be mailed on Aug. 19. Caps and gowns will also be mailed to students who ordered them, so that you will have them prior to the virtual ceremony.
June 10, 2020 Update
Amid concerns and predictions about the spread of COVID-19, all face-to-face classes will be moved online for the Fall 2020 term. This course of action is intended to minimize disruptions to learning during the term and enable students to plan other life commitments with more certainty.
Students registered for a face-to-face course for fall will be moved to an online equivalent. Student questions or concerns about the elimination of on-site course options for fall, should be sent to advising@franklin.edu.
May 4, 2020 Update
Spring Commencement, which was to be held on May 15, has been rescheduled and transitioned to a virtual event, which will be held Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m.
Degrees will be conferred officially on May 15. On May 21, diplomas and caps and gowns will be mailed to students who ordered them, so that you will have them prior to the virtual ceremony.
Mar. 17, 2020 Update
Spring Commencement, which was to be held on May 15, has been postponed amid growing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commencement is an important milestone and as such, the decision to postpone the spring Commencement ceremony was a difficult one since we, like you, look forward to celebrating this day with you, and your family and friends.
It is our plan that the ceremony can be held at a later, yet to be determined date. In the meantime, graduates will still have their degrees conferred on May 15, and diplomas will be mailed shortly thereafter.
Mar. 13, 2020 Update
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the University continues to monitor updates and guidance provided by government and health officials. Following this advice, all access to University buildings has been restricted to select staff. We anticipate the closures of buildings to be short term and once this status changes, we will communicate to the entire campus community.
To provide continuity of support and operations, all student support services, including advising, student financial services, the Library, and Learning Commons access has been moved online.
Please visit www.franklin.edu for updates.
Mar. 10, 2020 Update
With a focus on maintaining a safe environment, the university has been closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). A task force of senior leadership and subject matter experts has convened, focused on our university’s preparations and response.
We continue to align our recommendations with and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, and the Ohio Department of Health.
While there are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19, at least three confirmed cases have been identified in the state of Ohio, and the experts predict that there will be more. Earlier today, we participated in a phone call with Governor DeWine who addressed members of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO). Following his recommendations, the series of updates below is provided related to classes, work arrangements, travel and campus events that will allow us to continue the education of our students while protecting our community. These changes are being implemented with the safety of our campus community as our top priority.
Direction for students regarding classes
- All students in face-to-face classes will be moved to an online format, effective tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11 through the end of the term, May 9. Over 90% of Franklin University classes this term are held online, limiting the amount of disruption that may be experienced.
- FAQs are being developed to help navigate these changes.
Events
- All events scheduled through the end of the term will be postponed until further notice and no new events will be scheduled. The University is reviewing options for the upcoming commencement and will provide further information when a final decision has been made.
We will provide updates and any deadline extensions for the above guidelines as more information becomes available.
Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the current situation, guidelines are subject to change as new information emerges. We will continue to monitor regularly and make any necessary modifications as needed with a focus on providing a safe environment for our University community. Please check www.franklin.edu for updates and other information related to the University’s response.
Sincerely, David R. Decker, President