51ĀŅĀ×

OHIO Makes PPE Available for Spring Semester

51ĀŅĀ× students returning to the Athens or regional campuses for spring semester can pick up a personal protective equipment (PPE) bag. Each bag includes hand sanitizer, two branded masks and a digital thermometer and is available for each student. A student ID is required to pick up the bag. Departments can direct students to pick up their PPE bags per this article, /news/2021/01/ohio-makes-personal-protective-equipment-available-spring-semester

For additional updates on returning to 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s campuses, visit .

Travel Restrictions Continue

In the July 2020 Business Matters, it was communicated that in state travel is allowable but  all other travel must be approved using the exception process outlined in the article. As of January 2021, that process remains in place as a result of COVID-19.

If you had an airline ticket that was cancelled as a result of COVID-19, and you have an outstanding credit, you can see that information in Concur. These funds can be used once travel resumes. To view any credits for airline tickets, please refer to the Business Matters article from October, 2020 to view this information in Concur.

Questions?  Contact travel@ohio.edu.

Brown Enterprise Solutions to Replace Office Depot as Preferred Supplier

In early 2021, Brown Enterprise Solutions (BES) will replace Office Depot as the preferred supplier of office supplies at 51ĀŅĀ×.  The Inter-University Council of Ohio (IUC) voted to adopt BES as the preferred supplier in the fall and OHIO will take part in the contract, making this catalog available in early 2021.  When this new catalog is enabled, BES will be the only office supply provider in BobcatBUY all other catalogs will be closed/disabled.

Software Purchase Process Reminder

As we begin the new calendar year, we wanted to communicate again, the process that must be followed before purchasing software. Most software vendors require the customer accept certain terms and conditions in order to use the software. As a public institution in the State of Ohio, 51ĀŅĀ× is required to abide by certain terms and conditions in accordance with Ohio law. As a result, before any purchase of software is made, the purchaser must first seek approval of the software from the Office of Information Technology (OIT) as well as receive approval for the terms and conditions of the software by Purchasing Contracts.

Anthem Provides Covid-19 Vaccine Update

The has been updated with information regarding the Covid-19 vaccine.

$1 million Sustainable Construction Materials grant

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced $8.7 million in awards to ā€œDevelop Emerging Carbon-Based Building and Construction Materials,ā€ with OHIOā€™s Jason Trembly receiving two $500,000 grants for two separate projects focused on addressing climate change and sustainability issues surrounding construction and infrastructure.

Professional Pathways Customer Service Skills Certificate Available

A Professional Pathways Customer Service Skills Certificate is now available. This program is designed to improve knowledge and skills associated with building, maintaining, and improving customer service connections and relationships.

BS Environmental Science & Sustainability degree program approved by Board of Trustees

The 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Trustees approved a new environmental science and sustainability degree program and discussed new strategies for scholarship and aid optimization during its meetings Jan. 14-15

UHR offers recruitment guidelines lunch and learn sessions

University Human Resources, the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office for University Accessibility, Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, and a number of other University stakeholders have partnered to establish new guidelines for recruitment and selection of faculty and staff at OHIO. 

As Families First Coronavirus Response Act expires, UHR reminds employees of other flex and leave options

The FFCRA and all related leave allowances expired Dec. 31, 2020, University Human Resources recognizes that employees will likely continue to face unique leaves and flex needs throughout the remainder of the pandemic.