Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020
Dear students and campus community,
Today, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a COVID-19 Risk Level 3 Red status for Stark County. As a result, we must adhere to the state’s guidelines for counties at a COVID-19 Risk Level 3 status. We have anticipated and planned for a change in the county’s risk level, and we are prepared to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of our campus and community.
In keeping with our Kent State University reopening plan and with the state’s guidance for counties in red status, we are implementing changes in our Stark Campus operating procedures in order to decrease in-person interactions with others and limit gatherings.
This status change means:
- The delivery mode of all in-person courses remains the same, unless your instructor informs you otherwise.
- The Emporium Grille & Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. All menu items are available and offered in to-go containers. (updated Oct. 2)
- The library will remain open.
- The East Wing Computer Lab will remain open.
- The Recreation & Wellness Center has reopened. (updated Oct. 2)
- The Office of Student Services is unable to take in-person payments. Payments can be made online.
- Faculty and staff who can work remotely should do so until further notice.
Remember: Any Kent State Stark community member who has been exposed to, diagnosed with or shows symptoms of COVID-19 must contact the COVID Response Team at 330-672-2525. Further, any travel out of state and beyond must be reported to the COVID Response Team prior to departure.
These additional measures are aligned with the guidance of state and local health authorities, and we will continue to work in cooperation with these health experts to manage the virus in our community. Visit the university’s COVID-19 dashboard for more information regarding positive cases and campus status.
Please remember, practicing the Flashes Safe Seven principles on and off campus is the best way for us to navigate the pandemic successfully. We urge all Kent State Stark community members to sign up for Flash ALERTS to receive crisis communications through the emergency text system.
The ever-changing nature of this pandemic means that we must remain flexible and adjust our plans as necessary to ensure the health and safety of our community. Thank you for your attention to this message.
Sincerely,
Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D.
Dean and Chief Administrative Officer
Kent State University at Stark