Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D.,Vice President for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, shows off her vaccine bandaid with Flash.

Requirements and Guidelines

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  • Requirements & Guidelines

Kent State University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment in which all students, faculty and staff can live, learn and work.

Overview of Requirements & Guidelines

  • Golden Eagle Flash cartoon showing arm vaccinated with bandage

    COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

    Following the formal approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration and the expected approval of additional vaccines, Kent State University, on Aug. 27, 2021, issued a COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

    At this time, the requirement covers all students who are on our campuses, faculty and all non-represented staff. We are currently engaged in positive and productive talks with the leadership for our staff union with the intent to include them as well.

    Read more about the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

  • A student smiles and looks up from her computer, while wearing a Kent State mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Facial Covering & Distancing Guidelines

    Facial coverings are required in all indoor spaces. We also strongly encourage everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a facial covering outdoors in all large group settings, including athletic events.

    As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to base our health and safety practices on the regularly changing guidance provided by the CDC in consultation with our local health department.

    Read more about Facial Covering & Distancing Guidelines

  • COVID-19 testing takes place at Kent State.

    COVID-19 Testing Plan

    Kent State's COVID-19 testing plan extends to students and employees.

    As part of Kent State’s phased-in COVID-19 vaccine requirement, on Sept. 1, testing was expanded to include: 

    • Sample testing of unvaccinated employees.
    • Sample testing of unvaccinated students living off campus.
    • Weekly testing of unvaccinated students in the residence halls. 
    • Fully vaccinated residence hall students and those who are exempt due to having tested positive for COVID-19 within the prior 90 days will have to submit proof that they are fully vaccinated. 

    Beginning Nov. 1, 2021 the testing plan will extend to include all:

    • Unvaccinated employees will be tested once a week.
    • Unvaccinated students in residence halls will be tested twice a week.
    • Other unvaccinated students will be tested once a week. 
    • Fully vaccinated residence hall students and those who are exempt due to having tested positive for COVID-19 within the prior 90 days will have to submit proof that they are fully vaccinated. 

    Other Testing

    • Throughout the fall semester, Kent State will continue to monitor wastewater from campus housing to look for spikes in virus shed to identify possible outbreaks.

    Read more about the COVID-19 Testing Plan

  • President Diacon and Flash “flash their arms” to show they’ve been vaccinated.

    COVID Response Team

    This university's COVID Response Team is responsible for managing COVID-19 related information that includes but is not limited to: voluntary self-reporting of COVID-19 status by students, staff and faculty; confirmed cases at DeWeese Health Center; and inquiries related to COVID-19 related topics such as self-isolation, quarantine and travel. Report your COVID-19 status by calling 330-672-2525.

    Contact the COVID Response Team
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