KENT, Ohio - Kent State University has released a timeline to resume classes this Fall.

In an email to students and faculty, Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Manfred van Dulmen announced on Monday that the university plans to resume residential living and several in-person classes in August with marked differences from the past. Students should expect to enroll in a combination of face-to-face and remotely taught courses.

Fall Break will be eliminated and KSU will use fully remote instruction for the two remaining weeks in the semester after Thanksgiving. The idea is to reduce the amount of travel to and from campuses, which reduces the potential spread of the virus.

While other fall 2020 academic calendar changes are under study, van Dulmen notes that if the pandemic worsens, all instruction to remote learning.

Those students currently on campus or those returning are being reminded to follow safety protocols. The university plans to provide two reusable cloth masks for every student and employee.

Phases for Returning to Campuses

Phase 1: June 8-July 3

• Students - Summer I and Summer II continue through remote instruction. Select student workers on campus.
• Academics - Summer I and Summer II continue through remote instruction.
• Employees - Employees needed to maintain current campus operations and to prepare for an increase in operations. Check with your supervisor. Faculty on campus with department chair or dean approval. Select student workers on campus.
• Research and Creative Activities - Researchers/Artists whose Request to Return to Research form has been approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
• Athletics - Designated staff and student-athletes.
• Events/Student Activities - No in-person events. Check the Event Calendar for virtual events.
• Visitors - Must follow state guidelines, wear cloth facial covering and maintain physical distance. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. Check with Admissions for virtual tour opportunities.

Phase 2: July 6-Aug. 14

• Students - Summer I and Summer II continue through remote instruction. A few courses, as approved by the Office of the Provost, will be delivered in person in Summer III. Select student workers on campus.
• Academics - Summer I and Summer II continue through remote instruction. A few courses, as approved by the Office of the Provost, will be delivered in person in Summer III.
• Employees - Employees needed to maintain current campus operations. Check with your supervisor. Staggered return of faculty and staff whose work directly supports the return of students. Select student workers on campus.
• Research and Creative Activities - Researchers/Artists whose Request to Return to Research form has been approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
• Athletics - Continued staggered return of staff and student-athletes.
• Events/Student Activities - No in-person events. Check the Event Calendar for virtual events.
• Visitors - Must follow state guidelines, wear cloth facial covering and maintain physical distance. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. Begin scheduled campus tours (virtual tours remain available).

Phase 3: Aug. 17-26

• Students - Begin staggered return of students to residence halls. Select student workers on campus.
• Employees - Employees needed to maintain current campus operations. Check with your supervisor. Staggered return of faculty and staff whose work directly supports the return of students. Select student workers on campus.
• Research and Creative Activities - Researchers/Artists whose Request to Return to Research form has been approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
• Athletics - Continue staggered return of staff and student-athletes.
• Events/Student Activities - Select events in accordance with state guidelines and the Flashes Safe Seven. Virtual events ongoing; check the Event Calendar.
• Visitors - Must follow state guidelines, wear cloth facial covering and maintain physical distance. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. Scheduled campus tours (virtual tours remain available).

Phase 4: Aug. 27-Dec. 20

• Students - Students on campus for fall semester classes. In-person and remote instruction through Friday, Nov. 20.
• Fall Break will be eliminated.
• No classes will be held Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27.
• Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 30, and will be held via remote instruction only.
• Information about moving out of residence halls will be forthcoming.
• Academics - Fall semester classes in session. In-person and remote instruction through Friday, Nov. 20.
• Fall Break will be eliminated.
• No classes will be held Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27.
• Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 30, and will be held via remote instruction only.

Employees - Employees needed to maintain campus operations. Faculty and staff necessary for on-campus operations and student support. Student workers on campus.

Research and Creative Activities - Researchers/Artists whose Request to Return to Research form has been approved by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Athletics - Continue phased return to athletic activities.

Events/Student Activities - Select events in accordance with state guidelines and the Flashes Safe Seven. Virtual events ongoing; check the Event Calendar.

Visitors - Must follow state guidelines, wear cloth facial covering and maintain physical distance. Those experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should not visit campus. Scheduled campus tours.

While these plans are subject to change as we monitor developments with the virus, they will guide our continued preparations. Additional details of the plan are forthcoming, including information about contact tracing, virus testing, and quarantine and isolation protocols.

Employees currently working remotely should continue to do so until additional guidance is provided by their supervisor. Staff members will return to campus at different times, depending on their roles and responsibilities. Some employees may continue to work remotely as their role allows, possibly beyond the beginning of fall semester. Supervisors will receive additional information shortly.