This is an archived communication. Access the university's current coronavirus information.
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Dear Kent State University Faculty, Staff and Students,
I want to express my heartfelt pleasure over today’s decision by the federal government to rescind visa regulations that had required international students to take at least some in-person classes this fall semester in order to stay in the country legally.
The new rules had been placing undue pressure on our international students and were forcing universities across the country into potentially harmful situations regarding the physical distancing needed to keep us all protected during this COVID-19 pandemic.
We are very pleased with today’s decision. Our international students are an integral, valued part of our Kent State family. This past spring, our student body included 1,409 international students hailing from 99 countries. International students will receive further guidance from the Office of Global Education shortly.
I wish to thank our federal representatives in Washington, D.C., for listening to our concerns and taking up this cause on our behalf. Thank you, also, to our international students for their patience as we worked to overcome this challenging situation. I also offer special thanks to our global education administrators and advisors, faculty, college leaders and all Kent State staff who worked tirelessly and swiftly since July 6 to ensure our international students would be able to meet the requirements of their visas.
Sincerely,
Todd Diacon
President