Dear Kent Campus Students, Faculty and Staff,
Today, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a COVID-19 Risk Level 3 Red status for Portage County. The Kent Campus resides in Portage County, and as such, must adhere to the state's guidelines for counties at a COVID-19 Risk Level 3 status. We have anticipated and planned for a change in COVID-19 Risk Level status, and we are prepared to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of our campus and community.
In keeping with our Kent State University reopening plan and with the state's guidance for counties at a Level 3 Risk Level, we are implementing several changes in our Kent Campus operating procedures in order to decrease in-person interactions with others and limit gatherings. Please note, these changes do not affect in-person classes. The delivery mode of all in-person courses remains the same unless your instructor tells you differently.
Beginning tomorrow, Sept. 18, and until further notice, all Kent Campus dining locations will serve takeout only. There will be no dine-in option at any Kent Campus dining location.
In addition, and until further notice, visitors to Kent Campus residence halls will now be limited to Kent State students living on the Kent Campus. Only students living on the Kent Campus may enter the Kent Campus residence halls.
The increase of positive cases related to Kent State and the city of Kent can be attributed largely to off-campus gatherings. It is imperative that everyone follow the Flashes Safe Seven on and off campus, wear a face covering at all times, avoid large gatherings and limit in-person contact with others.
Remember: Any Kent State community member who has been exposed to, diagnosed with or shows symptoms of COVID-19 must contact the COVID Response Team at 330-672-2525. Further, any travel out of state and beyond must be reported to the COVID Response Team prior to departure.
These additional measures are aligned with the guidance of state and local health authorities, and we will continue to work in cooperation with these health experts to manage the virus in our community.
As a reminder, university-sponsored events, meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people on the Kent Campus must be held via virtual technology, including events and activities sponsored by registered student organizations and academic departments. Do not attend events or gatherings that are not on the official University Calendars. Only events on the official University Calendars have an approved safety protocol. If you need guidance about holding a virtual event or managing a current space reservation, please contact University Events and Conference Services at uecs@kent.edu or 330-672-3202.
At this time, there is no change with employees who are required to be on campus for work. If a change in on-campus staffing levels is needed, the appropriate supervisor will communicate a revised staffing plan to employees.
Visit the university's COVID-19 dashboard for more information regarding positive cases and campus status. Please remember, practicing the Flashes Safe Seven principles on and off campus is the best way for us to navigate the pandemic successfully. We urge all Kent State community members to sign up for Flash ALERTS to receive crisis communications through the emergency text system.
The ever-changing nature of this pandemic means that we must remain flexible and adjust our plans as necessary to ensure the health and safety of our community. Let's work together to protect our Flashes family.
Sincerely,
Manfred van Dulmen, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
Chair, Reopening Steering Committee