Dear School of Fashion Students, Faculty, Staff and Supporters,
As we move forward from Governor DeWine’s announcement this afternoon and KSU President Diacon’s subsequent email message (3:18 p.m. on March 10), we will directly follow the decisions to focus on the health and safety of our students, staff, faculty and the communities we serve.
As you may know, today, as of 4:25 p.m. we ceased face-to-face classes through April 13, with the decision for remote instruction to begin March 16. Online classes will continue without disruption. This includes both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. Masters Thesis assessments can continue remotely, but no face-to-face meetings. There is no exception to this. Between now and March 16, use this time to transition to an online mode of delivery.
Students - I know you are all concerned about the times ahead and the impact on your courses and progress toward your degrees. I assure you we are working as diligently as possible to ensure the best delivery of your education in the coming weeks. Please know that all university decisions have been made to safeguard your health and safety. In order to keep you all safe, we will begin working remotely with you, so that your coursework remains continuous. Having said that, you will not have access to your studios or labs or classes in Rockwell Hall and the MACC Annex as a precautionary measure. Please know that this will not impact your time to graduation or progress in your thesis courses. The main building doors will remain open, but we recommend you do not congregate in the building per the university's current policy. The building will re-open April 16 at 6 a.m.
We are currently working with your faculty to revise syllabi so learning outcomes are still met, but with adjusted and flexible expectations. If you need to speak with your faculty advisor, please email them, as no face-to-face meetings will be taking place until further notice. Your academic advisors, Laura Caparanis, Emily Vanicek, Rylie Woods, will also advise via email or other virtual communication to ensure you are able to register for the appropriate coursework in the fall. For those of you who already have scheduled face-to-face meetings this week and next week, please call your FDM Advisor at your scheduled time so that you may keep your appointment with them.
Faculty and Staff - We recognize this is a highly unusual, unprecedented time. It calls on us as a community to use our creative energies to keep student’s learning going and keep the business of learning going at KSU School of Fashion. Staff and faculty can continue to come into work, but if you feel unsafe, the option to work remotely is offered. Our expectation is that faculty and staff will continue to do their work. All meetings will, therefore, need to happen virtually. For staff working at home, a weekly log/schedule can be kept and emailed to me. No one has to take vacation or sick time. All KSU sponsored travel is canceled. Please, do not plan to go anywhere until April 13. If any person is away at Level 2 country, please know you can currently continue. If the country you are in is recognized as Level 3, you must come back immediately.
Events will not be taking place during this time, but we will be working to consider rescheduling, if at all possible. We will continue to closely monitor the impact this may or may not have on the Annual Fashion Show, with updates provided as soon as they become available.
Regarding students studying away at our New York City Campus - The NYC Studio campus WILL be following the same schedule as shared by Main Campus in regards to remote instruction. Therefore, as of 4:25 p.m. March 10, face-to-face classes will be canceled through Friday 3/13. Students will not have access to the studio and keycards will be deactivated. All students should continue their internships and follow whatever protocols that the company has in place. Any specific internship questions should be directed to Internship Director, Hillary Stone. We advise you to stay in New York for your internship with the excepetation that face to face classes will resume as currently planned on April 13. Students will continue back in all NYC Studio classes remotely starting on Monday 3/16 and we will follow the below schedule:
- March 16-20: Classes will be held via remote instruction.
- March 23-29: Spring break will occur as scheduled.
- March 30-April 10: Classes will be held via remote instruction.
- April 13: Face-to-face classes will resume.
Please refer to your email (on March 10) from NYC Studio director, Ann Walter. Feel free to contact the NYC Studio office directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me, the School staff, or your faculty should you have any questions during this time. We will work to keep you updated on the latest information.
Please visit the Kent State website for official updates from the university.
Warmest wishes
Louise
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Louise Valentine, PhD
Professor | Director of Fashion