Thursday, May 7, 2020
Dear students,
I want to check in with you and see how you are doing. There has been so much going on recently, resulting in changes that are out of your control as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finances might be a concern that are causing you to delay registering for summer and fall semesters. If you or your family have experienced a loss of income, have questions about applying for financial aid and scholarships, or would like to learn about payment plan options, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our Kent State Stark Financial Aid team to have your questions answered.
You can now schedule an appointment online to speak to a financial aid representative or VA certifying official. You’ll have the option to select a Microsoft Teams, phone or email appointment. You can still continue to email Financial Aid at starkfinancialaid@kent.edu for any questions.
Now is also a great time to check in with your academic advisor before summer break. You can email Academic Advising at ksustarkadvisors@kent.edu or schedule an appointment online.
We care about you. Your dream of a college education does not have to be put on hold. Your Hometown University is here to help.
Sincerely,
Dean Denise Seachrist
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Dear students and campus community,
As you will notice on our social media pages, we are working to share some encouraging words. Tomorrow, you’ll hear from faculty and staff members as we encourage everyone to dig deep.
I have every confidence that we are going to get through this together because, at Kent State University at Stark, we’re filled with kind and compassionate people who really do care about one another and take care of each other. We respect one another. And so, knowing that we have this community, with our best interests at heart, gives me hope.
I know that any time we face adversity in our lives, we come out stronger as a result.
I invite you to view the below short video.
Sincerely,
Dean Denise Seachrist
Monday, March 16, 2020
Dear students and campus community,
As you are aware, Kent State University has taken a very proactive measure to close in order to prevent further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio.
This move does not change our commitment to continue the academic mission of the university. Our dedicated faculty members are continuing their swift efforts to transfer classes online. Meanwhile, our staff continues to address student needs, transitioning to offering all services online and via telephone.
Together, we are rising to meet these new, unprecedented challenges every minute, every hour, every day in the weeks to come.
SOME IMPORTANT STEPS FOR STUDENTS INCLUDE:
Technology. If you do not have a computer in which you can access your coursework at home, you may borrow a laptop from our library through 5 p.m. Tuesday. Please call 330-244-3330 to set up an appointment. The library will not be open for any purpose other than to check out laptops or books already requested and on our hold shelves. All other library services are suspended.
Financial Aid. Campus Financial Aid can be reached at starkfinancialaid@kent.edu. If you have paperwork to turn in to financial aid, you can submit it directly to the Kent State University One Stop.
Academic Advising. Schedule your advising appointment online or email ksustarkadvisors@kent.edu.
Tutoring and Testing. For tutoring and other Academic Success Center services, email dmcbri10@kent.edu (Darcy McBride, tutoring) and jcervena@kent.edu (Jessica Cervenak, testing).
Counseling. For Counseling Services, you are encouraged to call our counselors directly at 330-244-5048 (Emily Ribnik) or 330-244-3408 (Kelsey Kalgreen) or email starkcounseling@kent.edu.
Spring Coursework. Continue to work with your professors electronically or via telephone for further instruction regarding your academic coursework. There are several great resources available at www.kent.edu/keeponlearning.
FOR FACULTY AND STAFF:
Campus Closure. At 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16, the campus is closed. All employees should begin working remotely Tuesday, March 17. Special arrangements will be made for faculty and staff who need building access on Tuesday. Contact Stark Campus Security at 330-244-3333 for assistance.
Resources. There are several resources available to you at www.kent.edu/keeponworking. Please be in contact via email or telephone call with your direct supervisor to discuss your next steps.
Please continue to keep each other in your thoughts during this time as we all work together, not only as a university, but as a country, to stay healthy and safe. Remember that Flashes take care of Flashes, and we will rise above these momentary challenges triumphantly.
Sincerely,
Dean Denise Seachrist
VIEW KENT STATE COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS DISEASE) UPDATES
Friday, March 13, 2020
Dear Kent State Stark students,
As you are aware by now, Kent State University and many other colleges and universities throughout Ohio have made the decision to suspend in-person classes and move to a remote instruction delivery model through the remainder of the semester. This move is in response to Gov. Mike DeWine’s call to public institutions of higher education to help stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Our faculty and staff are working hard to ensure you are able to continue your academic coursework as we move to a modified teaching system. While those of you with online or hybrid classes won’t be impacted, we know this may be a big change for some of you. Our goal is for minimal interruptions in your learning and this will not have an impact on our students who are nearing graduation.
There are several great resources available at www.kent.edu/keeponlearning. Stark Campus staff can also address questions or concerns. You should have already received information concerning advising, financial aid, and other campus resources and how to access them remotely.
If you want to learn more about the university’s efforts regarding this current situation, I encourage you to bookmark www.kent.edu/advisory for updates. Information will also be shared regularly on the Stark Campus social media platforms and on our website, www.kent.edu/stark, as well as Kent State’s coronavirus information page at www.kent.edu/coronavirus.
I want to thank you for being Flashes who take care of Flashes.
Sincerely,
Dean Denise Seachrist