Shawnee State University President Jeff Bauer announced plans to return to campus in a phased approach over the summer leading to the Aug. 24 start of fall semester.

“We look forward to welcoming all of our new and returning students back to campus this fall,” Bauer said. “As our state, nation and the world continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, we are taking steps to ensure that our return to campus is done safely.”

One of the youngest graduates from Shawnee State University received her degree during the Spring 2020 Commencement May 16.

Abby Keith, 17, finished the academic year earning both her high school diploma and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Despite COVID-19 shutdowns, Shawnee State University’s Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) summer enrichment program found a way to continue the annual six-week summer experience for high school students.

With social distancing the new normal, SSU planners announced UMBS’s typically residential program would be virtual. The challenge was figuring out how to provide students the tools to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience online from the comfort of home.

Shawnee State University is wrapping up a historical semester in early May with the conclusion of a transition to all remote-learning classes in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown.

In March, just as university spring break concluded, Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine issued the stay-at-home orders. Shawnee joined public institutions everywhere in moving quickly to adjust to distancing. In less than 10 days, the faculty switched courses for more than 3,300 students to a new way of teaching.

During its Board of Trustees meeting held May 8, Shawnee State University announced plans for budget reductions due to an anticipated deficit as the result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In his report to trustees, SSU President Jeff Bauer said that state funding of higher education has been cut by 20 percent for the fourth quarter of FY20 and is expected to be cut by the same amount for FY21. This reduction translates to nearly $3.5 million for Shawnee State University for the upcoming year.

The Shawnee State University spring graduating class has raised $1,111 for the Shawnee Fund within the SSU Development Foundation. The amount, reported through the foundation’s annual Senior Gift program, was raised thanks to the commitment and generosity of fifty-five seniors making gifts of $20.20 to commemorate their graduation year.

Many in our region have been impacted economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students at Shawnee State University who found themselves in need of additional support turned to the SSU Bear Necessities Pantry.