Coronavirus Updates - Tuscarawas

Updated March 26, 2020:

We know this is a confusing time for many as we are staying at home as much as possible. Please know that Kent State Tuscarawas faculty and staff are continuing to support our students and local community by working remotely. To reach departments by phone or email use the contacts below. You may also contact us at infotusc@kent.edu or 330-339-3391.

TUSC ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION

• Assistant Dean’s Office: 330-308-7454, kwatt@kent.edu
• Business & Administrative Services: 330-308-7426, racox1@kent.edu
• Business & Community Services: 330-308-7434, csupers@kent.edu
• Academic Advising: 330-308-7425, ldonley@kent.edu
• Admissions: 330-308-7460, cnign@kent.edu
• Dean’s Office: 330-308-7423, crbarker@kent.edu
• Engineering Technology: 330-308-7475, pdykshoo@kent.edu
• Financial Aid: 330-308-7486, jmaure13@kent.edu
• Library: 330-308-7456, cbronkar@kent.edu
• Nursing: 330-308-7451, jelappin@kent.edu
• Network Services: 330-308-7465, helpdesk-tuscarawas@kent.edu or 330-672-HELP
• Performing Arts Center: 330-339-6400, dmitch33@kent.edu
• Small Business Development Center: 330-308-7522, dmspence@kent.edu
• Tuscarawas County Historical Society: 330-308-7494, www.tuschs.org
• Veterinary Technology: 330-308-7415, khusto4@kent.edu
• You can find specific faculty and staff members by using the online phone directory.

Virtual ServicesContacting Kent Tusc During Work from Home

KENT STATE'S MODIFIED SPRING SCHEDULE

Kent State applauds Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s proactive approach to keeping our state safe during the ongoing spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). On March 12, Gov. DeWine banned all indoor and outdoor events with more than 100 attendees and provided the estimate that the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio will likely peak between late April and mid-May. As such, we will extend remote instruction of face-to-face courses for the remainder of this semester.

To slow transmission of the virus and consistent with recommendations from state health authorities to limit large gatherings and practice social distancing, Kent State is taking the following preventative and proactive actions:

• March 10-15: Face-to-face classes canceled.
• March 16-20: Classes will be held via remote instruction.
• March 23-29: Spring break will occur as scheduled.
• March 30-End of Spring Semester: Classes will be held via remote instruction.

TUSC CAMPUS & KENT CAMPUS OPERATIONS

 
TUSC CAMPUS: 
At 5 p.m. on March 16, 2020, Kent State Tuscarawas closed until further notice. Essential services are being performed remotely. Employees should discuss their work requirements with their supervisors.

KENT CAMPUS:

• Residence halls are closed as of March 20, at 5 p.m. Access check out requirements and special arrangements.
• On March 17, most buildings were locked.
• On March 16, at 5 p.m., Kent State reduced campus operations until further notice. Only a limited number of employees will be asked to report to their campus. Areas requiring at least a minimal physical presence on campus include health services, public safety, information technology, residence services, dining services, mail services, facilities and a few research laboratories. Units designated for on-campus service will operate with limited staff in rotation.
• Employees should discuss their work requirements with their supervisors. Find information about working remotely

TUSC STUDENTS - KEEP ON LEARNING

Under unusual and difficult circumstances, your instructors and campus staff are working hard to make sure your education has as few interruptions as possible.

Face-to-face classes are being offered via remote instruction. The learning management system, Blackboard, will be the primary platform used for delivering your class remotely. Your instructor may choose to deliver synchronous (real-time) video-conferences or may post content for you to read or watch asynchronously.

• Remote instruction for students, including access instructions and technology resources, is at www.kent.edu/keeponlearning.
• In need of a laptop? Contact Cherie Bronkar at the Tuscarawas Campus Library as soon as possible. Email cbronkar@kent.edu. Equipment is limited.
• Review free internet service options.

TUSC FACULTY - KEEP ON TEACHING

• Remote instruction resources for faculty can be found at www.kent.edu/keeponteaching.
• For technology issues, contact Network Services by either emailing helpdesk-tuscarawas@kent.edu or calling 330-308-7465 and leaving a detailed voicemail.

TUSC STAFF - KEEP ON WORKING

• Remote working resources for staff can be found at www.kent.edu/keeponworking.
• For technology issues, contact Network Services by either emailing helpdesk-tuscarawas@kent.edu or calling 330-308-7465 and leaving a detailed voicemail.

TUSC ACADEMIC ADVISING

• During this time, academic advisors will assist students remotely. Schedule an appointment through KSUAdvising. Be sure to include a phone number in the comments so that your advisor can call you at your appointment time.
• For assistance, email infotusc@kent.edu.

TUSC TUTORING SERVICES & WRITING CENTER

• Online tutoring is avaible at etutortingonline.org.
• Access the Writing Center services by emailing tuscwritingcenter@listserv.kent.edu with the subject heading “Paper for OWL from...”

PASS/FAIL GRADING

Between now and the end of the semester, students may opt to take courses on a Pass/Fail basis, based on guidelines that will be updated March 30.

• This includes undergraduate and graduate courses.
• There are some situations in which a program has a grade requirement for a prerequisite course, a program course or licensure requirement, and in such cases, the course may not be taken Pass/Fail.
• Please discuss this with an advisor before taking action in order to best understand the consequences of taking a course for Pass/Fail.
• Taking a course for Pass/Fail will not impact your grade point average (GPA).
• You will receive credit for the Pass grade and no credit for the Fail grade.
• The Pass (Y) grade and Fail (Z) grade will be posted on your transcript.
• Note: College Credit Plus (CCP) students are not eligible to take courses on a pass/fail basis.
• Find additional details for pass/fail on March 30.

TUSC CAMPUS EVENTS / COMMENCEMENT

• Events scheduled for all campus locations are canceled to avoid creating large gatherings. No additional spring semester events will be scheduled. 
• Kent State is postponing all Spring Commencement ceremonies and pre-commencement celebrations. We are exploring alternate options and dates. More information will be provided at a later date.
• Updated March 23: Kent State University regretfully announces cancellation of the May 4 50th Commemoration Weekend events, scheduled to take place May 1-4, 2020. View additional details.

CONTINUE TO TAKE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

It is imperative that we take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid large gatherings and follow social distancing recommendations of 3-6 feet.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
• Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
• Stay home while you are ill (except to visit a healthcare professional) and avoid close contact with others.
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• General coronavirus FAQS, as addressed by Kent State University in response to university community

Additional information can be found here:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Ohio Department of Health

We take all of these steps to ensure the health and safety of our campus community and to be proactive in an effort to prevent illness while continuing the academic mission of the university.

We will continue to monitor the outbreak and will align our recommendations with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization and other city, state and federal agencies.

VIEW KENT STATE CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 UPDATES & FAQS

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