Dear Members of the Kent State University Community,

Yesterday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine banned all indoor and outdoor events with more than 100 attendees and provided the estimate that the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio will likely peak between late April and mid-May. As such, we will extend remote instruction of face-to-face courses for the remainder of this semester.

Kent Campus students are strongly encouraged to return to their homes for the remainder of the semester. For those students who vacate their room by March 30, there will be an appropriate refund of room and meal plan. Details will be provided soon. The university will work with students who are not able to return home during this time period on an individual basis. A limited number of residence halls and dining options will remain available for those students.

Decisions regarding spring commencement and May 4 50th Commemoration activities will be made at a later date.

During the remainder of the semester, overall operations of the university will continue, and the University Library will be accessible.

• Staffing of each unit will continue as currently in place; however, if reasonable employee needs so dictate, on-site staffing may be reduced.
• Faculty may continue to use their offices and labs while practicing social distancing.
• Large gatherings, meetings and events remain suspended in keeping with the governor’s executive orders
• Intercollegiate athletic events and all practices are canceled for the remainder of the semester.
• University-sponsored travel – domestic and international – remains suspended until further notice.
• No future university-sponsored travel may be booked unless approved by a dean or vice president until further notice.

Information on remote instruction for students, including access instructions and technology resources, is at www.kent.edu/keeponlearning. Remote instruction resources for faculty may be found at www.kent.edu/keeponteaching.

For technology issues, contact TechHelp by either submitting a support ticket or via Live Chat with support staff. You can also call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 330-672-HELP.

Students, faculty and staff will find additional guidance by:

• Visiting Kent State’s coronavirus information page.
• Calling Kent State’s One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000 or the student services department at the campus you attend.
• Emailing [email protected].

We recommend anyone who believes they have been in close contact (within approximately 6 feet for a prolonged period of time) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate and call your local health department or healthcare provider for further guidance. If you have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and develop symptoms such as fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough or shortness of breath, seek medical advice by calling your local health department. If you cannot reach your local health department, call ahead before going to the emergency room or doctor’s office to notify them of recent contact with individuals who have tested positive for the virus. 

Continue to Take Preventative Measures

It is imperative that we take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid large gatherings and follow social distancing recommendations of 3-6 feet.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
• Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
• Stay home while you are ill (except to visit a healthcare professional) and avoid close contact with others.
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Additional information can be found here:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Ohio Department of Health

Many thanks to our outstanding faculty and staff, for it is through their great cooperation and forbearance we will keep students on track for graduation. I know students will have a quality educational experience through this disruptive and challenging time. As Flashes take care of Flashes, remember to show kindness and respect in all we do.

Sincerely,

Todd Diacon

President