The Ohio State University-Mansfield and North Central State College are joining forces with the Mansfield-Ontario-Richland County Health Department to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students to help ward off the influenza "A" H1N1 Virus.

At Friday's OSU-Mansfield board of trustees meeting, Dean/Director Dr. Evelyn Freeman said a committee has been developed with representatives from both campuses and the health department to better plan for a surge in influence like illness.

Dr. Freeman said the provost sends out an email to faculty about the flu, about attendance issues for classes, encouraging students to seek medical assistance and to stay home if they have the flu until it has passed.