Message from the Dean
To Current and Prospective Students of Kent State University Columbiana County Campuses:
As your Dean, I am writing to update each of you on our plans for the fall semester. First, you must understand that there are, literally, more than 100 people considering every problem and situation you can think of to make sure we have procedures in place so that we can welcome you back to campus in the safest way possible. One way we will do this is by following the Flash Safe 7. If you are unfamiliar with those guidelines, be sure to check them out.
Second, over 250 faculty, university-wide, are spending the summer researching and learning ways to make their instruction, regardless of the environment, more interactive and engaging so that you can have the best educational experience possible. Their dedication to your learning is unprecedented and I am so proud of their efforts to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Third, the Kent State East Liverpool and Salem family is partnering with local groups and individuals to increase financial assistance to all students. We know that everyone is concerned and worried about finances right now; therefore, I have asked some of our most dedicated donors to reach into their pockets to provide even more opportunities for you to keep moving forward, in an affordable way, with your education. We are already one of the most affordable options for a four-year degree in our area, but now, during this time of crisis, we are finding ways to provide you even more financial support. For more information on financial support please visit https://www.kent.edu/columbiana/financial-aid.
We recognize that many of you or your families have suffered direct economic hardships during the pandemic. During difficult times such as these, furthering your education will provide you with the knowledge and skills for current and future jobs. With a Columbiana County unemployment rate of nearly 20 percent, now is the time to retool and/or get a start on your future career. This great economy of ours will recover. And, when it does, you need to make sure you have the educational tools to keep moving forward. Whether you are looking to retool or maybe questioning going away at this difficult time, we are a great local educational choice. To learn about our degree options, be sure to visit https://www.kent.edu/columbiana/majors-and-degrees.
Over the next several weeks, we will continue providing information on how our fall semester will look. I can tell you two things: 1) we will look different this fall than last year, but, 2) our dedication to your educational success is unwavering and this will not change, no matter what we are facing in our communities. Some classes will be face-to-face; others will use engaging interactive technologies to connect you with your professors and peers; and some classes will be online. Our goal is to have a mixture of courses that will allow you to safely continue moving towards your educational goals.
The East Liverpool and Salem Campuses of Kent State University are so proud to continue to serve our communities. For over 50 years, we have provided our citizens access to one of the top universities in the country. No matter what we face as a community and nation, we have always been here to provide the best education possible. This has not changed and will not waiver as we get through this pandemic. Please, reach out to your advisor or call the campus directly to discuss your options for the fall semester. You can also ask questions or seek information via email at infocolumbiana@kent.edu.
Stay safe and take care of yourselves. I look forward to seeing many of you in the fall.
Sincerely,
David M. Dees, Ph.D.
Dean and Chief Administrative Officer for Kent State Columbiana County
Interim Vice President of System Integration at Kent State University