Employees: On Campus Work Procedures

We ask that you model Kent State’s core values of kindness and respect on campus, which includes being mindful of others’ feelings and respect each other's concerns.  Please remember to carry a face covering with you as we expect that as a courtesy, anyone, if asked, should be willing to wear a face covering indoors to alleviate the concerns of those less comfortable around others who are not wearing face coverings. This is how Flashes Take Care of Flashes. Let’s be considerate of those who are less comfortable around others who are not wearing face coverings. 

As our University President, Dr. Todd Diacon, noted in his email to faculty and staff on May 27, 2021 , “we are an in-person community built over the course of more than 100 years. Interacting in person – with colleagues, students and community members – is what we do. It is who we are.”

Below are some additional considerations, protocols, and requirements for you to review as we welcome you back to campus.  These protocols and requirements are consistent with State of Ohio Orders for responsible reopening and guidelines from the CDC. These protocols and requirements are subject to change based on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s orders, the CDC and the university’s business needs. These procedures are provided for the health and safety for the university community, should be viewed as temporary in nature and are subject to change based on appropriate medical advice and the needs of the university.

• Face coverings will be required inside all our buildings and will be strongly encouraged outside when at least six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.  
• There will be no physical distance requirements for events, gatherings and classes.  
• All must have received a COVID-19 vaccine and reported it to the university or must have secured an approved exemption from the university.
• Those who have an approved exemption must participate in regular screening testing.
• Those who fail to comply with our vaccine requirement will face disciplinary action.
• We believe that diligent planning and the Kent State Safety Principles will enable everyone in our university community to continue to have a vibrant campus life.
• In addition to the Kent State Safety Principles, the CDC offers additional online resources that address how to protect yourself and others.

You must self-monitor your health daily before coming to campus.  You should not come to campus if you have symptoms. If you are on campus, and begin showing symptoms, you should contact your supervisor, leave work immediately and seek medical evaluation by calling their Primary Care Physician, DeWeese Health Center  at 330-672-2322 or your local urgent care center. Always call ahead before seeking in-person medical help.

Employees who are diagnosed with probable or confirmed COVID-19 will be contacted by their local health department and will be given additional guidance and instructions.

Please note that supervisors and employees should also report to the COVID Response Team by calling 330-672-2525 (COVID Response Team).

You are expected to know and observe the Safety Principles.

COVID-19 ABSENCES

If you have been advised to self-isolate, you will be allowed to stay home and isolate per medical professional advice. Report your absence due to COVID-19 immediately to the COVID Response Team by calling 330-672-2525 and your manager.  This includes Regional Campuses and CPM employees.

You will be allowed to utilize leave time to consult with your healthcare provider, monitor symptoms, self-quarantine or self-isolate due to a possible or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.  

In general, you will be required to use your own leave time (sick or vacation) when not able to work.  There may be a few situations where this will not be the case. For example, if you are asked to quarantine at home because someone at work tested positive and it was determined that you are a close contact of the person who tested positive, then you do not have to use their own leave time. Another example would be if you must be at home, you are able to work from home and most importantly, have approval from your supervisor to work from home.

Returning to Work

If you have new or worsening symptoms you are not permitted to return to work until:

• In the case of an employee who was diagnosed with COVID-19, employees should also report to the COVID Response Team by calling 330-672-2525 (COVID Response Team) and follow the medical professional advice received regarding when the employee can return to work.

• In the case of an employee who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and does not get evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, the individual is assumed to have COVID-19 and should follow the medical professional advice received regarding when the employee can return to work.  Please note employees should also report to the COVID Response Team by calling 330-672-2525 (COVID Response Team).

Employees who have been notified by a medical professional that they have been in close contact as defined by the CDC with a person who is considered to have probable or confirmed COVID-19 may not return to work on campus until the end of their self-quarantine period as determined by the CDC, health department, or the Covid Response Team. 

QUESTIONS

Any questions regarding the duration of quarantine can be directed to the Covid Response Team by calling 330-672-2525. Please note that employees should also report to the COVID Response Team by calling 330-672-2525 (COVID Response Team). 

CHECK-INS

Your supervisor should be conducting regular check-ins with you, and we encourage you to discuss any challenges, concerns or questions you may have. Important resources below are available:

• Employee Accommodation Request
• Flexible Work Arrangement
• Telecommuting Work Arrangement
• Employee Assistance Program – Impact Solutions

• For health-related questions, contact DeWeese Health Center at 330-672-2322
• For leave and benefit information, contact Human Resources at 330-672-2901 or hrweb@kent.edu