KENT, Ohio — Months after Kent State University shuttered its buildings to in-person learning due to coronavirus concerns, the campus is now moving toward the second stage of its reopening process.
Phase 2 of their reopening plan begins July 6, but what does that mean? Below is a portion of the letter distributed by KSU Monday detailing the next steps:
During Phase 2, Summer I and Summer II classes will continue through remote instruction. The large majority of Summer III classes, which begin July 9, will be delivered through remote instruction, although a few classes will be offered in person, as approved by the Office of the Provost.
Employees needed to maintain current campus operations will be on our campuses, and we’ll start the staggered return of faculty and staff whose work directly supports the return of students. Discuss the need for working on campus with your supervisor. It is preferred that those who can work from home continue to do so. Select student workers may also be on campus.
We’ll have more researchers and artists on our campuses for those whose Request to Return to Research form was approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs. Our Kent State University Libraries begin curbside pickup service on Monday, July 6.
Our students-athletes and athletics staff will continue their phased return to safe activities. Also, during this time, we’ll continue to assess spaces in preparation for the fall semester. We expect the final fall course schedule to be released Tuesday, June 30.
To keep our community healthy, we have enhanced our cleaning efforts across the university. Restrooms and classrooms will be deep cleaned twice daily by custodial staff using Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants for killing the COVID-19 virus.
Custodians will also clean touch points frequently throughout their shifts. In addition, during the month of July, signage will appear in buildings across campus to remind members of the university community to adhere to the Flashes Safe Seven principles, including wearing facial coverings and physical distancing.
Ensuring a Healthy Community
We realize that, even with our most diligent adherence to public health guidance, cases of COVID-19 likely will occur within the Kent State community. Be assured, the university is coordinating with local health officials and is prepared to respond with contact tracing, testing and quarantine/isolation plans. In fact, an entire residence hall on the perimeter of campus will be reserved only for use by students who are living on campus and may require isolation or quarantine.
We have established a COVID-19 Response Team to manage and trace the effects of the virus on all Kent State campuses. This team is coordinating with local authorities and developing a system for students, faculty and staff to report cases of the virus or potential exposure, and a strategy to inform the university community.
In addition, we are investing in renovations to our University Health Services building so that we have on-campus COVID-19 testing capacity. We will have self-test kits available for members of the university community who want to be tested for COVID-19 from their home through a virtual appointment with a medical provider. We have a multitude of resources available for health and wellness, and we encourage you to reach out, not just for COVID-19 concerns but for any physical or mental wellness issues as well.
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