KENT, Ohio — After moving to remote learning due to the COVID-19 crisis, Kent State University announced initial guidance for students, staff and faculty to return to campus.
University leadership has been consulting with local and national authorities and its own health experts to create the plan to return to campus in order to ensure the health and safety of everyone, the university said.
Kent State University plans to resume residential living and some in-person classes beginning in August.
The university said that while there will be some in-person classes, it’s likely that most students will be enrolled in a combination of in-person and remote classes.
Kent State University will also be eliminating Fall Break and move to remote-only instruction for the remaining two weeks of the semester after Thanksgiving in order to reduce the amount of travel to and from campuses and to minimize the spread of the virus.
The university reminds students of the mental health services offered, especially with the elimination of Fall Break.
Here is a list of phases, provided by Kent State University, planned for the return of students, staff and faculty to campus:
Phase 1: June 8-July 3
- Students – Summer I and Summer II continue through remote instruction. Select student workers on campus.
- Academics – Summer I and Summer II continue through remote instruction.
- Employees – Employees needed to maintain current campus operations and to prepare for an increase in operations. Check with your supervisor. Faculty on campus with department chair or dean approval. Select student workers on campus.
- Research and Creative Activities – Researchers/Artists whose Request to Return to Research form has been approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
- Athletics – Designated staff and student-athletes.
- Events/Student Activities – No in-person events. Check the Event Calendar for virtual events.
- Visitors – Must follow state guidelines, wear cloth facial covering and maintain physical distance. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. Check with Admissions for virtual tour opportunities.
Phase 2: July 6-Aug. 14
- Students – Summer I and Summer II continue through remote instruction. A few courses, as approved by the Office of the Provost, will be delivered in person in Summer III. Select student workers on campus.
- Academics – Summer I and Summer II continue through remote instruction. A few courses, as approved by the Office of the Provost, will be delivered in person in Summer III.
- Employees – Employees needed to maintain current campus operations. Check with your supervisor. Staggered return of faculty and staff whose work directly supports the return of students. Select student workers on campus.
- Research and Creative Activities – Researchers/Artists whose Request to Return to Research form has been approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
- Athletics – Continued staggered return of staff and student-athletes.
- Events/Student Activities – No in-person events. Check the Event Calendar for virtual events.
- Visitors – Must follow state guidelines, wear cloth facial covering and maintain physical distance. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. Begin scheduled campus tours (virtual tours remain available).
Phase 3: Aug. 17-26
- Students – Begin staggered return of students to residence halls. Select student workers on campus.
- Employees – Employees needed to maintain current campus operations. Check with your supervisor. Staggered return of faculty and staff whose work directly supports the return of students. Select student workers on campus.
- Research and Creative Activities – Researchers/Artists whose Request to Return to Research form has been approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
- Athletics – Continue staggered return of staff and student-athletes.
- Events/Student Activities – Select events in accordance with state guidelines and the Flashes Safe Seven. Virtual events ongoing; check the Event Calendar.
- Visitors – Must follow state guidelines, wear cloth facial covering and maintain physical distance. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. Scheduled campus tours (virtual tours remain available).
Phase 4: Aug. 27-Dec. 20
- Students – Students on campus for fall semester classes. In-person and remote instruction through Friday, Nov. 20.
- Fall Break will be eliminated.
- No classes will be held Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27.
- Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 30, and will be held via remote instruction only.
- Information about moving out of residence halls will be forthcoming.
- Academics – Fall semester classes in session. In-person and remote instruction through Friday, Nov. 20.
- Fall Break will be eliminated.
- No classes will be held Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27.
- Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 30, and will be held via remote instruction only.
- Employees – Employees needed to maintain campus operations. Faculty and staff necessary for on-campus operations and student support. Student workers on campus.
- Research and Creative Activities – Researchers/Artists whose Request to Return to Researchform [kentstate.pr-optout.com] has been approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
- Athletics – Continue phased return to athletic activities.
- Events/Student Activities – Select events in accordance with state guidelines and the Flashes Safe Seven [kentstate.pr-optout.com]. Virtual events ongoing; check the Event Calendar [kentstate.pr-optout.com].
- Visitors – Must follow state guidelines, wear cloth facial covering and maintain physical distance. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. Scheduled campus tours.
Kent State University said the plan is subject to change as the pandemic develops.
