Student FAQs

fall 2021

Our schedule for the semester returns to a traditional format, beginning Aug. 26 and ending Dec. 12, with finals week Dec. 13-19.  Fall break returns this year from Oct. 14-17, and Thanksgiving break from Nov. 24-28. Unlike last year, students will return to campus after Thanksgiving to finish out the semester. The full calendar can be found here.

summer 2021

• See the academic calendar for session dates.

No matter how your class is delivered, you can have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience. It is not at all unusual for Kent State students taking on-campus classes to add an online course to their schedule. In fact, last fall over 50% of students did just that.

This fall, however, even if your intention was to take all of your classes on campus, your schedule may show a variety of class delivery types such as as Traditional (TR) with building and room number, TR with building listed as Remote, Hybrid, V1, V2, or V3.

Designation Definitions:

• TR with building and room number - a traditional on-campus class (These classes will be delivered remotely after Thanksgiving break)
• TR with building listed as Remote - the instructor will deliver the class through Blackboard and may deliver live class sessions at your scheduled class time through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
• Hybrid - classes converted to Hybrid, meaning that students will spend part of class time in the classroom and part of it on a computer
• V1, V2, or V3 - classes that were already created as online classes prior to COVID-19

What are all of these designations?  Why can’t I attend all of my classes in person?

COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on how classes can be delivered. Socially distancing is essential in every classroom which means fewer students can be in any classroom at one time. What is the best way to meet the educational needs and desires of students while still keeping them safe? That was the question that resulted in hours and hours of discussion and planning.

Each classroom was measured and mapped out to determine how many students could safely be in the room with their instructor. It quickly became obvious that many classrooms would not be able to hold all of the enrolled students at the same time. The search was on to find spaces that weren’t typically used as a classroom that might be able to accommodate more students at a time. These were added to the rooms available to be scheduled. Even with those extra spaces, it was obvious that there was no way to schedule all of the on-campus classes.

The next step in planning was to prioritize scheduling classes where a physical presence was most essential. All classes that could be scheduled in a classroom with the expectation of students attending all of their scheduled classes in that classroom until Thanksgiving break, show up on your schedule as TR with the building and room # listed. (These classes will be delivered remotely after Thanksgiving break.)

After those were scheduled, the next step was to schedule as many other classes into classrooms as possible even if not all of the students could attend at the same time. Classrooms were outfitted with lecture-capture software so that a professor could deliver a lecture to the students in the room while simultaneously delivering the lecture to students at home on their computer. These classes were converted to Hybrid, meaning that students would spend part of their class time in the classroom and part of it on a computer.

The remaining classes originally intended for on-campus for which there was no classroom available were reclassified as TR with the building listed as Remote. The Remote designation means that the instructor will deliver the class through Blackboard and may deliver live class sessions at your scheduled class time through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.

V1, V2, and V3 classifications are for classes that were already created as online classes prior to COVID-19.

• V1 – 100% online requiring no face-to-face or online live sessions
• V2 – 100% online with one or more synchronous online live sessions
• V3 – A blend of a minimum of 50% online sessions (asynchronous or synchronous) and requirement of one or more face-to-face meetings

Where do I find my course schedule?

To see your course schedule, log in to your FlashLine account and go to the Student > Resources > Courses and Registration and choose “View or Print Course Schedule and Purchase Textbooks.”

How do I understand my course schedule?

Access a sample schedule with explanations to help you understand how to read your class schedule. The sample schedule will clarify instructional methods, location of class deliveries, course status, special fees and more. If you have any further questions about your schedule, contact your academic advisor for assistance. 

How do I change my schedule?

To change your schedule, log in to your FlashLine account and go to the Student > Resources > Courses and Registration. If you want courses offered only in a remote instruction, select “Remote” in the location drop-down menu. If you need assistance in updating your schedule, please reach out to your academic advisor. New students who attended summer orientation will need to contact their advisor directly for schedule changes.

What should I consider before changing my schedule?

It is important when making any change(s) to your schedule that you ensure that the course(s) you are taking will count toward your program and degree requirements. You can do so by reaching out to your academic advisor to discuss any changes you are considering.  Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.

Is scheduling help available?

• If you are a current undergraduate student who has registered for the 2021 Fall Semester and would like assistance with identifying a schedule that best meets your class format (in-person, remote, hybrid) needs or classes on different Kent State campuses, please contact your academic adviser or fill out this form. The completed form will be sent to an academic adviser who will contact you within one to two business days using the phone number you’ve provided. Our goal is to help you find the same or alternative courses in the format you prefer, to help keep you on your path to graduation. 
• If you are an incoming student, you will work with an adviser during Destination Kent State (DKS) new student orientation to register. 
• If you are a graduate student, please contact your program coordinator. 

Fall classes: will they be remote or in person?

Many classes will be held remotely, while others will be in person. The number of in-person courses is dependent on how we are able to best use our campus classrooms and learning spaces in accordance with physical distancing guidelines set forth by the state, while prioritizing those courses where curriculum dictates in-person learning. Of our total course offerings, at most we expect 40% of courses will be in person and at least 60% will be remote. The percentage of in-person vs. remote courses in each individual's schedule will vary greatly depending on major, class rank and program. 

Due to this decrease in classroom capacity, remote learning will likely be a noticeable component of your schedule, even for those living on the Kent Campus. The number of in-person classes versus remote classes that you will experience will vary depending on your major, class selection, class standing and campus. However, regardless of the method of instruction, your classes will be relevant, challenging and engaging. We are upgrading our technology to support our faculty as they engage with students in real and virtual classroom experiences. New technology in each classroom will allow students who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions to participate remotely in face-to-face classes. In addition, many faculty members who will be teaching remotely are participating in summer workshops through our Center for Teaching and Learning so they can prepare the highest-quality remote learning experiences for you.

Students, you should have received an email to your kent.edu account on June 30 with your final course schedule.

Find information about Remote Courses

What on-campus experience can I expect with many of my classes being remote?

You will still have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful on-campus experience. You will benefit from the access to quiet study spaces, reliable high-speed internet, library resources including curbside pickup and opportunities for student employment.

What will the in-person classes look like for fall?

Classrooms have been rearranged to allow 6 feet in all directions between you and your classmates. For example, a classroom that typically has room for 180 students will have no more than 30 students for a fall course. In order to accommodate as many in-person classes as safely as possible, some of your courses may have you and your classmates in more than one room, with the instructor and graduate assistant rotating between the rooms. Other courses may be a combination of in-person and remote, with half of the class in the classroom on one day and the other half in the classroom on another day. With any of the scenarios mentioned, you can expect to receive a communication from your instructor before the start of the semester explaining how the course will be conducted.

During class, the instructor, you and your classmates will each be required to wear a face covering.
Kent State will provide all students with two reusable cloth face coverings.

Kent State has developed a set of principles, the Flashes Safe Eight, to ensure a healthy and protective environment for all students, faculty and staff on campus.

What happens to my courses after Thanksgiving?

The last day for in-classroom instruction is Sunday, Nov. 22. Thanksgiving break is Monday through Sunday, Nov. 23-29. Classes will then start again and be held via remote instruction. This switch to remote for all courses will reduce the amount of travel to and from campuses, which reduces the potential spread of the virus.

Will classes be in person?

• We expect our classes and classrooms to be full, with a large percentage of courses that are traditionally offered in person returning to in-person instruction. For those who are more comfortable with remote courses, this format still will be available for many courses.
• Kent State continues to adhere to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as interpreted by our local health officials. Following this guidance, classroom seating for students will be 3 feet apart for fall semester, provided we continue to keep our number of cases of COVID-19 low and continue to follow the safety guidelines of the CDC and the state of Ohio. Face coverings are always required inside the classroom. 
• While the 3-foot distance guideline does not allow all in-person classes to resume at full capacity, our in-classroom capacity has significantly increased from the spring semester and the number of courses we offer in-person is nearing pre-pandemic levels. 
• Some academic programs have more in-person classroom capacity than others. This depends largely on the facilities available for classroom use, the curriculum of the program and the availability of instructors to teach in-person. We continue to work with academic departments to increase the number of in-person classes and experiences by adding additional instructors and further maximizing the use of space.

What safety precautions will be in place in the classroom?

• Following the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as interpreted by our local health officials, classroom seating for students will be 3 feet apart for fall semester, with 6 feet of distance between students and the instructor, provided we continue to keep our number of cases of COVID-19 low and continue to wear face coverings.
• For added safety in the classroom, the university is installing needlepoint bipolar ionization units to enhance air purification and filtration in all our academic buildings. These units will help us to provide an added layer of defense against airborne viruses, as well as mold, odors and other pathogens common in inside spaces.

What is a remote course, and how is it different from an online course?

At Kent State University, the term “remote” reflects a new scheduling category created post-COVID-19. A remote course is one that was originally scheduled to be taught in an in-person format but is now being taught remotely using a web-based platform. Remote courses differ from courses formally designated as “online” in that the online category existed pre-COVID-19.

Both remote and online courses can be delivered synchronously, asynchronously or in a combination of both.

Synchronous

Synchronous learning takes place in real time; the instructor, you and your classmates are present in the same virtual place at the same time. Methods of synchronous remote or online learning include video conferencing, live chatting, virtual group or teamwork, and livestreaming lectures.

Asynchronous

Asynchronous learning has no real-time interaction; the instructor, you and your classmates engage in the exchange of ideas and information on your own schedules. Methods of asynchronous remote or online learning include lesson modules with self-guided activities, streaming video content, virtual libraries, posted lecture notes, and conversations across discussion boards or social media platforms, among others.

On one end of the teaching spectrum is fully asynchronous instruction in which your entire learning experiences typically will revolve around materials that can be accessed on your own time (though often within a set time frame with deadlines for specific assignments). At the other end of the spectrum is fully synchronous instruction with you participating in live learning experiences, lectures, discussions and/or team activities throughout the course. However, these are the extremes, and instructors teaching remote courses can use any combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction. Any synchronous learning will take place on the meeting days and times listed on your course schedule. 

Hundreds of Kent State instructors have engaged in training over the summer to enhance their ability to teach these remote courses. Individual instructors know their subject matter, and they have a strong sense of students’ abilities and challenges. Instructors are also keenly aware of their own strengths and limitations in various teaching formats and modalities. Your instructors will choose the format and modality best suited to their teaching strengths, student learning and the content of their courses.

If you are enrolled in a remote course, you can expect to receive communication from your instructor before the start of the semester indicating the amount of asynchronous versus synchronous learning activities. Faculty will be available for guidance, either by meeting face-to-face while practicing the safety principles or by scheduling to meet remotely,.

How will I know if my course is being offered in person, in a remote format or some mix of the two?

If any of your courses are being offered in a wholly remote instruction format, your schedule will indicate “remote course” under location. 

REMOTE COURSE

If any of your courses are being offered entirely or partially in person, your schedule will indicate a classroom under location. 

CLASSROOM UNDER LOCATION

You can expect to receive communication from your instructor before the start of the semester letting you know if the course will be a mix (or hybrid) of remote and in-person instruction. An example of a hybrid remote/in-person course is having half of the students attending class in person on one day and the other half attending class in person on another day. Students not attending in person on that day may still be participating through livestreaming, or they may be completing other activities, such as viewing recorded materials, working on assignments and other activities intentionally designed to meet the learning outcomes of the course.

How was the decision made to make some classes remote and allow others to be in person?

The need to practice physical distancing on campus radically reduced the capacity of our classrooms. The decision was made to move all courses with large enrollments (50+ students) to remote instruction. Kent State then identified the courses that simply could not be offered remotely given the need for special equipment (e.g., labs, studios, clinical settings). These courses were prioritized for in-person instruction and hybrid in-person/remote instruction. Individual colleges and Regional Campuses then prioritized their remaining courses for in-person instruction and, where possible, identified appropriate classrooms in which to schedule them. Therefore, the number of in-person classes versus remote classes that you will experience will vary depending on your major, class selection, class standing and campus.

Will I be charged extra fees for remote courses?

If a course was originally intended to be delivered in person and now will be delivered remotely due to COVID-19, you will not be charged an additional fee. However, if your course was always scheduled as fully or partially online, you will be assessed the usual distance-learning fee.

Why am I paying an out-of-state fee when all of my classes are remote?

The Board of Trustees approved tuition rates for the 2020-2021 year during its June meeting. There are no increases in tuition for returning students and tuition for incoming freshmen will be frozen for four years under our Tuition Guarantee. Tuition rates are available at www.kent.edu/tuition. Non-Ohio residents pay an out-of-state surcharge in addition to tuition. Residing out-of-state, non-Ohio residents do not pay taxes to the state of Ohio. Ohio residents already subsidize tuition costs at state universities via their state taxes.

Why are there days and times showing with my remote classes?

The days and times showing for your remote classes are to accommodate any synchronous learning activities planned by your instructor for the course. Synchronous learning takes place in real time; the instructor, you and your classmates are present in the same virtual place on the days and times listed on your schedule. That is different from asynchronous instruction in which your entire learning experiences typically will revolve around materials that can be accessed on your own time.

You can expect to receive communication from your instructor before the start of the semester letting you know if the course will be fully synchronous, fully asynchronous or a combination of both.

My classes are scheduled to be in person, but I am unable to be on campus because of an underlying condition or extenuating circumstance. What can I do?

Tell us about your situation via this pandemic adjustment request form. You will be contacted by a Kent State staff member to discuss and determine appropriate next steps. 

How will the remote instruction be different in the fall semester than it was in the spring semester?

The switch to remote course delivery in spring 2020, although necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was admittedly disruptive in some cases. Both faculty and students needed to quickly adjust and adapt to this new way of teaching and learning.

In preparation for summer and fall classes, hundreds of Kent State instructors participated in training through the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Office of Continuing and Distance Education and are better positioned to deliver quality instruction and engage students in that kind of remote learning environment. If you are having difficulty with any remote delivery classes, please contact your instructor for assistance.

How can I be successful in remote classes?

Kent State has provided strategies for becoming a successful online student that include having the right technology and tools, managing your time, being prepared and creating a productive workspace.

Additionally, students who need assistance learning how to navigate remote and online classes, can sign up for free coaching.

Why is Kent State proctoring exams?

Our institution and faculty rightfully value academic integrity, understanding the importance of fairness and the need to provide students with the academic credentials they have earned. The faculty at Kent State proctor exams, both in face-to-face classes and in courses delivered in a remote format. Proctored exams secure the integrity and quality of our courses and assist us in meeting the requirements, duties and responsibilities of our accrediting agencies. For more information on proctoring, visit www.kent.edu/proctoring. 

What is remote/online proctoring?

When students are taking quizzes and/or exams remotely, proctoring can occur through the use of proctoring software, such as Proctorio, Respondus Monitor or ProctorU.

• Proctorio and Respondus Monitor are automated proctoring technologies that allow students with a webcam and an internet connection to complete exams and quizzes while on camera; the service does not use live proctors but instead uses an automated algorithm to report on any exam session irregularities, which can be reviewed and interpreted by the class instructor.
• ProctorU is a “proctoring technology that includes human supervision, including a live proctored launch, continuous monitoring, active proctor intervention to stop suspicious behavior” and reporting, which can be reviewed and interpreted by the class instructor (www.proctoru.com).

What do I need to be ready for a proctored exam?

A majority of proctoring sessions at Kent State take place through the use of Proctorio.

Support Resources

Please review the Proctored Testing Support for:

• A quick-start guide for test-takers (PDF)
• Proctorio system requirements
• Additional helpful information for getting started

Access Proctored Testing Support

Can I find a quiet place to take a proctored exam on campus?

Kent Campus

At the University Library on the Kent Campus, all computers in the public space have the necessary technology to take Proctorio proctored exams; however, they’re not necessarily in quiet or private areas. Further, they are not configured to take Aleks math tests.

Many study rooms in the library are first come, first served; there are four rooms on the second floor that are reservable (see our site for details). These rooms are limited to one student and are not equipped with technology, so students would need to provide their own computer to use the space for remote proctored exams.

Regional Campus Testing Centers

• Ashtabula - Tutoring and Testing
• East Liverpool and Salem - Testing Center
• Geauga and Twinsburg - Testing and Tutoring
• Stark - Testing Services
• Trumbull - Testing Services
• Tuscarawas - Test Proctoring

What about face coverings and identity verification checks for exam sessions?

If your instructor requires that you do not wear a face covering during your proctored exam, please plan accordingly. As always, contact your instructor if you have any questions or concerns.

Face Coverings in the Kent Campus Library

In the University Library on the Kent Campus, face coverings are required; however, students have permission to remove face coverings in individual study rooms while study room doors remain closed. In the University Library computer labs, students may briefly remove face coverings to verify identities during exam pre-checks; however, face coverings then need to be worn throughout the duration of the exam period.

Face Coverings and Proctorio ID Verification

Proctorio staff may ask students to briefly remove a face covering to verify identities during exam pre-checks. If you have concerns about removing your face covering, please share that with the Proctorio staff member, who can work with you to complete your exam pre-check. Proctorio staff will not ask for religious face coverings to be removed at any time.

Can I practice first?

Yes! If an instructor utilizes proctoring through the use of proctoring software, we then recommend a practice session prior to exams so students can check things out. Please do take advantage of practice opportunities and/or ask your instructor about the possibility of including a practice session prior to your exam.

What happens if I struggle to get my proctored exam started or if I have technical issues during my proctored exam?

It is best to work with Proctorio’s support via chat, which is available from the course page in Blackboard (to access this live chat, click on the gray shield icon in the top right-hand corner of your Chrome browser) or chat directly from the Proctorio website at https://proctorio.com/support (scroll down to Start Live Chat).

Other Helpful Hints

• Keep in mind, your exam timer does not begin until after you complete proctoring pre-checks. So, even if you need a bit more time to get the technology sorted out, you will still have the full time allotted to complete your exam.
• You can also contact your instructor and let her/him know about your technical issues so they are aware of any challenges during your proctored exam experience.

Other Support for Respondus Monitor and ProctorU

• Respondus Monitor: Chat | Support Ticket
• ProctorU: Chat | Email: support@proctoru.com | Phone: 1-855-772-8678 and option 1

What happens if I lose Wi-Fi or my computer crashes during a proctored exam?

Based on your exam settings, you may or may not be permitted to reenter a proctored exam after a computer crash or a lost Wi-Fi connection. If you lose Wi-Fi or run into technical issues that prevent you for returning to a proctored exam, make a good faith effort to document this instance and contact your instructor to describe your situation.

If my webcam and screen are being recorded, where is this information stored, and who can see those recordings?

Proctorio transfers and stores information with zero-knowledge encryption (see Proctorio Privacy and Data Security). Only your class instructor will review proctoring videos for suspicious behavior, and only authorized school officials can unlock and view the exam recordings, not Proctorio.

I fidget when I get nervous, and sometimes I like to read aloud to myself when I take exams. Will I be penalized, or will the exam close for moving around?

Proctorio monitors the test environment for unusual patterns of behavior and may flag those for your instructor's review. There are some technical settings/requirements stated prior to starting your exam (e.g., do not exit full screen; no downloads) that would cause exam session to end; however, Proctorio will not end your exam based on noise levels or movements in your test environment.

It is helpful to let your professor know in advance if you think this might be a concern. If you have a disability-related concern, Student Accessibility Services can assist you.

Do I have to take a proctored exam?

As previously stated, we value academic integrity, understanding the importance of fairness and the need to provide students with the academic credentials they have earned. Additionally, faculty have the right to ensure integrity of their exams. As such, faculty may choose to require proctoring for class assessments.

If I have concerns about remote exam proctoring, whom should I contact?

As always, you may contact your instructor with any questions or concerns related to course materials and assessments. For questions about the technologies involved in remote exam proctoring, review Proctorio Privacy and Data Security. If needed, you can reach out to the Office of the Student Ombuds, which provides students confidential consultation in assisting with the possible resolution of any university-related concern, grievance or appeal.