How are thesis and dissertation defenses being conducted?

They are being conducted remotely through Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other platforms. For guidelines please also see https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/file/Temporary%20Guidelines%20for%20Thesis%20and%20Dissertation%20Defenses_1.pdf

How will SSIs be used this semester?

Because of the highly unusual circumstances under which everyone is operating this semester, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee has decided that we will continue to deploy SSIs; however, only instructors will receive SSI results. SSI results shall not be part of the evaluation for personnel decisions including but not limited to reappointment, tenure, promotion, renewal of appointment, and merit (hyperlink to document from faculty senate exec)

I am a pre-tenure tenure-track faculty member. Will I be able to extend my tenure clock due to the disruption of my research activities?

Kent State University recognizes that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about major disruptions in the lives of our faculty that may temporarily prevent or interrupt their scholarly productivity and achievements. This problem is especially acute for those faculty members in their probationary period who are working towards tenure. Therefore, the university is making available an extension to the tenure-clock by one academic year, for eligible tenure-track faculty members.