Coronavirus FAQs - General Kent State

Spring 2022

Our schedule follows the traditional format, beginning Jan. 18 and ending May 3, with finals week May 5-11.  Spring break will occur from March 28-April 3, 2022. The full calendar can be found here.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges, and we have met each one head-on while planning for future hurdles. Keeping Kent State University safe and healthy is reliant on a cooperative effort from all of us. We are thankful to those who have already made a faithful habit of following the Flashes Safe Eight and practicing the behaviors that will ensure that we all get to remain on campuses for the entire semester.

To practice, support and sustain accountability, please refer to the Flashes Safe Eight Accountability webpage to find a listing of relevant policies, requirements and ways to share concerns. 
 

 At Kent State University, we are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests. Our campus tours will be a modified experience with precautions taken in the midst of COVID-19. Each reservation has a limit of one student and two guests. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot accommodate more than three people in a tour reservation. 

Learn more about our tours and/or schedule a tour. Or consider our Virtual Campus Tour.

Other questions? Call the Admissions Office at 1-800-988-5368.

• All student-athletes, coaches and staff will be back on campus.
• Regular COVID-19 testing for athletes will continue according to NCAA and MAC guidance.
• Fully vaccinated student-athletes do not have to take part in routine screening/testing.

The COVID Response Team works closely with the local health departments in the area to manage outbreaks on campus.

• When there is a case that is reported on campus, the COVID Response Team and/or the local health department will follow up with the positive case and any close contacts that were identified.
  • When necessary, health alerts will be sent to students to let them know of potential exposures in classrooms or in the residence halls.
  • The health alerts will include information on next steps such as COVID testing and preventive measures you can take after a potential exposure.
• If you have any questions about the health alerts contact the COVID Response Team at 330-672-2525 or the Kent City Health Department at 330-678-8109.

Events are taking place at the university, as long as they comply with Kent State's requirements and guidelines. Access the events calendar.

Find up-to-date information on facial covering and social distancing requirements, please see Facial Covering and Physical Distancing Guidelines.

The Kent State Ice Arena is providing programming opportunities. As of Sept. 17, 2021, face coverings are required indoors for everyone, age 5 and up, regardless of vaccination status, on all Kent State campuses.

• Additional information can be found online at www.kent.edu/recservices/ice-arena.
• All hours, dates, programs and services are subject to change.
• Anyone with questions should call Jim Underwood at 330-672-1138 or junderw3@kent.edu. 

Important Numbers

• Health questions can be directed to University Health Services at 330-672-2322 or after hours to the Kent State Nurse Line at 330-672-2326. 
• Kent State employees with work-related questions, individuals may call Human Resources at 330-672-2100.
• The university's COVID Response Team has been established and can be reached at 330-672-2525.
• Or submit your question or inquiry via our online Feedback Form. 

Additional information about the coronavirus can be found on the Ohio Department of Health website.

Students may contact their on-campus counseling services. To look up the on-campus counseling services, as well additional support resources near your campus community, please visit the Step Up & Speak Out website and select your campus.

The Division of Mental Health and Substance Use also has created a list of anxiety & stress relief resources.

Faculty and staff may contact Kent State University’s Employee Assistance Program, IMPACT, at 1-800-227-6007, for live, immediate assistance.

In addition, there are several 24/7 professional support services available that can also connect you to local resources. You can reach the Crisis Text Hotline by texting 741-741. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by visiting their website for a live chat.

What safety precautions will be in place?

Awareness of the Flashes Prevention Information will be required for all members of our university community. It includes requirements on wearing face coverings and maintaining safe physical distance from others. These guidelines will be based on the current science and recommendations from federal, state and local health agencies and are subject to change.

Health guidance on wearing face coverings has been changing depending on whether people are fully vaccinated. Vaccines do not prevent a person from getting COVID-19 or spreading it. They do, however, lessen the severity of illness thereby preventing many hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccination status does not currently affect wearing of face coverings or physical distancing on campus. However, this guidance is subject to review and changing pandemic conditions.

While on Campus

• View the new enhanced cleaning guidelines here.
• Learn more about the university's COVID Response Team and its protocols for COVID-19 occurrences, reporting and testing.

General Safety

Read about Kent State's:

• Commitment to air quality and circulation, including use of needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI) units.
• Cleaning enhancements and requirements.

   

Yes, visitors are permitted on campus as long as they are aware of the Kent State's requirements and guidelines. No prior approval is required to bring visitors on campus unless this is part of a university event/activity. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. For up-to-date information on facial covering and social distancing requirements, please see Facial Covering and Physical Distancing Guidelines.

For information about the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC), please check out their FAQs about use of the facility and the facility hours webpage.

Visit Recreational Services for a detailed list of hours for all recreation activities and facilities. All hours, dates, programs and services are subject to change.

Access a full list of FAQs about the Rec Center.