Nearly 400 students arrived on campus to collect their keys and get settled into their dorms, with the university welcoming students traveling in from 34 different states. School officials say that this is usually a busy time of year but they are looking forward to welcoming back returning students as well as their incoming freshman class to their home away from home.

Instead of one weekend of moving in, it's spread out over 9 days, Friday being day 8. The check-in process has moved outdoors to safely spread out while students get health checks and information. Dorm capacity is lower this year and students are moving in spaced out so they don't move at the same time as their neighbors. Activities and classes will also look different and students won't be allowed to have visitors in their dorms.

Yesterday the governor announced guidelines for higher education institutions to return in the fall. Many schools have plans in place. Eran Hami checked in with UNOH to find out what's in store for students.

It’s the story we keep hearing from many colleges across the country--their graduation ceremonies have been canceled due to the COVID restrictions on mass gatherings. But UNOH recognizes how important graduation can be, so they’ve put together a digital media graduating experience to celebrate the nearly twelve hundred students earning their degree this spring. 

The University of Northwestern Ohio has added their name to the growing list of schools moving towards a virtual graduation experience. When UNOH began the academic year, they were looking forward to graduating their 100th class. The coronavirus and current restrictions from the state on mass gatherings has forced UNOH to make the decision to cancel this year's commencement ceremonies. Instead, UNOH will hold a virtual commencement ceremony this summer for the nearly 1,200 students that are set to graduate. While nothing can replace the excitement of walking across the stage to receive a diploma, UNOH believes they have created a memorable celebration

UNOH is now among many other universities across the state to transition their face-to-face classes to online. Starting the Spring quarter of 2020, students in the College of Business, Health Professions and Occupational Professions will be taking courses online.

Students in the College of Applied Technologies who were already scheduled for technical classes will be taking general courses online instead. Those who have completed their general courses will be scheduled for their next technical course May 11. But that date may also change depending on the Covid-19 situation.