Important Return to Campus Videos
All faculty, staff and students are being asked to view a series of reopening videos. Be sure to view these three important videos prior to the start of fall semester.
In the first video, sent August 5, President Todd Diacon and Vice President for Student Affairs Lamar R. Hylton, Ph.D., outline the university’s plans for fall semester classes, events and activities; changes on campus; and safety procedures for students, faculty and staff.
The second video was released August 12 and features epidemiologists from Kent State’s College of Public Health, Tara Smith, Ph.D., and Christopher Woolverton, Ph.D., provide answers to some of the most-asked questions about the COVID-19 virus, symptoms, transmission, the difference between isolation versus quarantine, and things you can do to protect yourself and others.
You will receive an email on August 19 linking to the third video with information on face coverings.
Kent State is committed to the success – and safety – of every student and everyone in our Kent State family. Keeping you informed with expert advice is an important part of that unwavering commitment. Flashes Take Care of Flashes – always.
For the most recent updates about Kent State’s health and safety measures please visit www.kent.edu/coronavirus. This page also provides links to university resources and support.
Department of Education Announces New Title IX Regulations
Dear Colleagues:
This is to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has released new regulations regarding Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the law that prohibits sex-based discrimination and harassment at schools, colleges, and universities. Kent State has reviewed and revised its policies and procedures to ensure compliance and prepare for implementation of the new rules.
The regulations are effective August 14, 2020, and Kent State’s Title IX team, along with our many university partners, has worked not only to align its compliance process with these requirements, but also with the university’s mission and values.
Consistent with the new regulations, Kent State’s revised Administrative policy regarding complaints of Title IX sexual harassment Policy (5-16.2) outlines the procedures for filing and resolving complaints and how investigations must be adjudicated under the new Title IX regulations. The revised Administrative policy and grievance procedure regarding complaints of discrimination and harassment Policy (5-16.1) outlines procedures for adjudicating complaints of gender discrimination and harassment not addressed by Title IX regulations, as well as discrimination based on other protected categories.
Kent State is committed to an environment where every person learning, living, or working within our campus system feels secure and free from harassment. The university has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and is focused on prevention of situations which violate its policies.
In light of the new regulations and policies, the Office of Compliance, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) is planning to announce opportunities for members of the university community to be updated by participating in a listening session focused on our policies; and will also launch training workshops and other informational platforms.
At Kent State, we believe it is important that individuals are aware of their options in the event they feel that our policies have been violated. Anyone who believes they have experienced gender/sexual discrimination or harassment, or has any related questions or concerns, should contact the university’s Title IX Coordinator at 330.672.2038, or titleix@kent.edu.
Sincerely,
F. Jack Witt, JD
Vice President for Human Resources
Tiffany Murray, JD
Director, Gender Equity and Title IX Coordinator
University Dining Services Has Got Good Grub
With the imminent return to campus, faculty and staff can get 10 meals for $85 per semester. Try all the tasty and healthy food choices, from home-style meals to international dishes and everything in-between.
- Get 10 meal swipes on your Flashcard for access to Eastway Fresh Food Company or DI Dining Kitchen.
- All unused swipes expire at the end of the semester.
Sign up in Flashline to use payroll deduction. Go to ‘Additional Employee Resources’ and click on ‘Employee Meal Plan’ on the right side of the screen.
For more information, please visit the Dining Services website.
Mind/Body Challenge Launches September 14
When life gets busy and challenging, it's important to keep both the mind and body healthy with a balance of physical and restorative activity. In addition to staying physically active, the practice of meditation can improve well-being by sharpening concentration, boosting energy, and reducing stress and anxiety.
The 28-day Mind/Body Challenge will help participants prioritize daily movement and add the practice of meditation to their self-care routines. Participants will earn points by tracking exercise and completing guided meditation sessions in the Wellable platform. At the end of the challenge, participants will receive resources to continue the practice of meditation on their own.
This challenge runs September 14 through October 11, and is open to all full- and part-time faculty and staff. Those actively engaged will be eligible for random prize drawings throughout the four weeks. For full time employees engaged in the wellness rewards program, completing the challenge is worth 20 Tier 2 points. Employees must earn 65% of available points in the challenge to qualify for wellness reward points.
Please register by September 9, at 5 p.m.
Additional Fac/Staff Group X Classes Added for Fall
Virtual Faculty/Staff Exercise Classes Continue into Fall with Expanded Offerings
To continue providing safe and diverse exercise options for Kent State faculty and staff, Employee Wellness and Recreational Services are expanding our live virtual exercise offerings for Fall semester. The following sessions will be available to all faculty and staff beginning Monday, August 31.
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Monday / Wednesday |
Total Body Toning |
12:15 - 1 p.m. |
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Tuesday |
Lunchtime Yoga |
12:15 - 1 p.m. *It's back! |
|
Thursday |
Cardio Kickboxing |
12:15 - 1 p.m. *NEW |
All fitness levels are welcome. You can choose the pace and intensity that works best for you. All you need to participate is comfortable clothing (shoes optional), a bottle of water, a mat if 
you so choose, and an internet connection.
With health and safety in mind, all of these sessions will be offered virtually via Zoom. During the class, you may choose to open your webcam for a more connected experience, but you can keep it closed if you prefer. Zoom also offers a chat feature, so you can interact with your fellow Flashes while breaking a sweat.
The classes are open to all full and part time faculty and staff. Employees participating in the Wellness Your Way Rewards Program will earn 10 Tier 2 points for each class. Pre-registration is required. Visit our digital wellness calendar to register for each session you'd like to attend. The link to join will come via email once you register. Make sure your Zoom display name includes your first and last name to ensure we can capture your attendance and award your Tier 2 points!
In addition to these live offerings, Recreational Services offers a robust list of virtual fitness sessions, including strength, cardio, dance, yoga and Pilates options, all pre-recorded for convenience to incorporate into your schedule. If you're looking for even more variety, visit this page to check out our top picks.
Important Information Regarding Student Registration into Classes
As we begin the new semester, the Office of the University Registrar asks for your assistance in making sure that all students are properly registered for their Fall 2020 courses.
As per University policy, only officially registered students are permitted to attend courses. Go to Faculty & Advisors / Faculty Dashboard to find the link to official class rosters in FlashLine. Students who are not officially registered within the appropriate time period WILL NOT receive a grade or earn credit for the course even if they attend the entire course and complete all required work.
Registration and schedule adjustment deadlines for courses can be found in the Detailed Class Search. To access the Detailed Class Search, visit the Registrar's website, click the Schedule of Classes quick link, and select Fall 2020, or in FlashLine, go to Faculty & Advisors / Resources / Courses and click on the Registration Deadlines and Tuition Credit Search Link.
Instructors are asked to remind students that it is important to finalize and verify their registration within the proper timeframe. After the published deadlines, adjustments in registration will require faculty and Office of the University Registrar approval.
Grades Submission Information
The deadline for submitting final grades can be found on the Registrar's website.
Incomplete Mark and NF/SF Administrative Marks:
The administrative mark SF (Stopped Attending–Fail) denotes that the student stopped attending the course and did not formally withdraw and must be accompanied by a date of last attendance in the course. If a student has stopped attending your course the SF can be entered on the Final Grade Roster along with the student’s last date of attendance.
The administrative mark NF (Never Attended–Fail) denotes that the student neither attended one class session nor formally withdrew from the course. If a student has never attended your course, mark the student as “Not Started” on the Academic Presence Verification Roster, and the NF will automatically populate to your Final Grades roster.
The administrative mark of IN (Incomplete) may be given to students who are unable to complete the work due to extenuating circumstances. To be eligible, undergraduate students must be currently earning a D or better grade and are unable to complete the required work between the course withdrawal deadline and the end of classes. Graduate students must be currently earning a C or better grade and are unable to complete the required work between the course withdrawal deadline and the end of classes. Instructors are required to complete and submit an Incomplete Mark Contract.
Incomplete Mark Contract Workflow
The instructor must create and submit an Incomplete Mark contract via the new workflow. Instructors are no longer be able to select the incomplete mark (IB+, IC+, IC-, etc.) from the final grade roster in FlashFAST (Self-Service Banner). The primary instructor must initiate and submit the contract using this new workflow process, which mimics the old paper process. Once the contract has been accepted by the student and approved by the department chair/campus dean, the student’s grade will be updated automatically. The primary instructor will be able to initiate and submit the contract for a student after the deadline to withdraw (10th week of a regularly scheduled section in fall and spring, or prorated for flexibly scheduled sections) through the end of final grading.
Access the Incomplete Mark workflow in FlashLine from the Faculty Dashboard under Grading Resources or Faculty Workflows. The incomplete mark and default grade will no longer be available to assign via the final grade roster or the Grade Push Application.
For complete information on university grading policies including Incomplete Mark and NF/SF grading policies, procedures and timelines, please visit the Grading Policies and Procedures section in the university catalog at catalog.kent.edu.