Kent State emailed all Kent State students Tuesday regarding what the on-campus experience will be like in the upcoming fall semester, as there will be measures taken to ensure everyone’s safety.

KSU Kickoff will continue to happen with some modifications. The university is planning to hold a Blastoff event that will have strict guidelines to ensure safety. Campus programming through the Flash Activities Board plans to host a full calendar of events through various mediums, starting with KSU Kickoff. Although limited, recreational opportunities in aquatics, fitness/wellness, adventure and intramural sports will be available.

The Student Multicultural Center will still host Kupita/Transiciones, a cultural orientation, transition experience and mentoring program for new and transferred African American, Latinx, Hispanic, Native American and multiracial students. This program will not only allow for students to meet more people, but it will also help them get to know the different support services and programs on campus. Registration is open until July 31 or until capacity is met for the event.

Residence halls will remain open and allow students to learn on campus, even if doing so in a remote format.

The residence hall population has been limited to ensure the ability to physically distance students and enhanced cleaning protocols will be put into place following the CDC guidelines. 

All hall spaces, including lounges, Tri-Rec and multipurpose spaces will be open and available for use. In these spaces, face coverings are required.

Face coverings will be required throughout all spaces in the residence halls, except for students’ individual rooms. If a student has a guest in their room, everyone in the room must wear a face covering. 

Any students that would like to cancel their housing contract must do so by July 10 and to receive a housing payment refund.

Dining halls will offer a streamlined, in-person menu as well as an enhanced selection of grab-and-go items. 

Eastway Center, Design Innovation Hub, retail locations and all of the all-you-care-to-eat facilities will be available. Hippie Chicks, the newest venue in the Kent Student Center Hub, will also be open in the upcoming fall semester. 

All students, staff and faculty are expected to follow the Flash Safe Seven Principles during any interaction, whether that be in the classroom, the dining halls or the residence halls. 

In addition to adhering to the Flashes Safe Seven Principles, all students must agree to the KSU Student Pledge to assume responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe from COVID-19.

Students who fail to follow these guidelines could be subject to the Classroom Disruption Policy or other areas of the Code of Student Conduct.

In some cases, individuals may have special circumstances that prevent them from wearing a face covering. Those individuals must submit a Pandemic Adjustment Request Accommodation Form.

Sara Crawford is the managing editor. Contact her at [email protected].