Employees: On Campus Work Procedures for Fall

Throughout the pandemic, many Kent State frontline employees continued their work in person on our campuses,  performing duties such as cleaning buildings, managing our mail, and addressing student needs.  As we embark on a robust return to campus for all employees, we recognize that this transition period may be met with a mixture of emotions.  Many may be experiencing excitement to be re-joining their colleagues as part of a vibrant in-person community of students, faculty, and staff,  yet for others, returning to an in-person community may be a time of  uneasiness  for some

We ask that you model Kent State’s  core values of kindness and respect as we come together for the fall term.   

For the return to campus, we ask that you be 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.

All employees  are expected to be back to work in person as of Monday, Aug. 2, with faculty back on contract beginning Sunday, Aug. 22.  All employees should consult with their supervisors about when they are expected to be back on campus.

• The university is currently developing a policy regarding telecommuting. Details of this policy are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
• While the pandemic is not over, we believe that diligent planning and the Kent State Safety Principles will enable everyone in our university community to return to 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.

Starting for fall, custodial staff will return to pre-pandemic cleaning protocols.  However, during the pandemic our custodial staff have been busy cleaning buildings, classrooms, carpeting, and offices.  So, as we return for fall all offices will be clean and ready and ready for use.  However, work materials or personal items on work surfaces were not cleaned.  As such, employees may need to clean those areas before they use them.  All office suites and classrooms will have cleaning wipes  available for employee use.  The wipes can be ordered via Flashtrack, see link for Flashtrack order instructions

Supplies will be available at the entrance to each classroom for student use. 

If you or your staff need assistance reconnecting IT equipment used to work remotely, including cables and accessories, or assistance continuing to work remotely, please contact your local IT support person. Here is a list of all IT support staff by department.

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.  

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
• 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