One after announcing it planned on welcoming students back this fall, Kent State University has announced its plans for doing so, as well as changes to its academic calendar. Most notably, the university says it will welcome students back to campus for living and classes for its Fall Semester in August, with students likely to enroll in a combination of face-to-face and remotely taught courses.
On March 10, Kent State suspended in-person classes due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
"Over the last several months, Kent State University faculty, staff and leadership have been consulting with local and national authorities as well as our own health experts as we work to develop a return-to-campuses plan that ensures, to the greatest extent possible, the health and safety of all members of the Kent State community," Manfred van Dulmen, Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, said in a letter to students, staff and faculty on Monday.
"Let me begin by reiterating the precepts that guide our planning. Our plans must protect the health and safety for everyone in our university community; reflect the values and mission of Kent State; and allow our students to be successful, our employees to thrive and our scholars to be innovative and creative."
Additionally, Kent State will eliminate its previous fall break from its calendar and move to fully remote instruction for the two remaining weeks in the semester after Thanksgiving in an attempt to reduce the amount of travel to and from campuses. Other fall 2020 academic calendar changes are currently under study and KSU said it will consider moving back to all remote learning based on the status of the coronavirus.
While remote learning will continue through the summer, August 17 will mark the third phase of the university's reopening, with students making staggered returns to residence halls. Phase 4 will begin on August 27, with students back on campus for Fall Semester classes.
A full list of Kent State's coronavirus resources can be found on its official website.