Dear 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ University Students, Staff and Faculty,
Today, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Portage County’s COVID-19 Risk Level has been raised to a Level 3 Red status. The Kent Campus resides in Portage County and, as such, must adhere to the .
We must all do what’s right to stop the spread of the virus in our community. It is imperative that everyone follow the Flashes Safe Seven safety principles on and off campus, wear a face covering at all times, avoid large gatherings and parties and limit in-person contact with others. Visitors to Kent Campus residence halls will continue to be limited to 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ students living on the Kent Campus. The delivery mode of all in-person courses remains the same unless your instructor tells you differently.
The city of Kent has instituted measures to deter students and other residents from holding large gatherings and parties. Additionally, certain behaviors may be subject to discipline in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.
Additional Seating Now Available for Dining
As part of our effort to decrease in-person contact, all Kent Campus dining locations will continue to serve takeout meals only. Beginning today, University Dining Services will provide outdoor heated tents in three strategic locations across campus to offer safe, convenient seating where Kent Campus community members can enjoy their meals. While meals can be brought into these tents, there will be no food for sale in the tents.
Tents are located near dining halls in the following locations:
- Adjacent to the Design Innovation (DI) Hub — open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Adjacent to Fletcher Hall near Eastway Center — open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Adjacent to Clark Hall near Eastway Center — open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
The dining tents will be open until Friday, Nov. 20. For information about dining hall services, hours and locations, visit www.kent.edu/dining/dining-updates. These tents are to be used only for dining and not for any other purpose.
Members of the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ community are encouraged to take part in free testing through the university’s recently-announced partnership with CVS Health. This testing is for both those who have symptoms and those who do not show symptoms (asymptomatic). This testing also does not require previous authorization from a physician. Beginning Monday, Oct. 12, sample testing for selected individuals will be conducted on the Kent Campus weekdays until Nov. 20. Testing is also available at any CVS Minute Clinic that offers COVID-19 testing nationwide by appointment. In addition, testing continues to be available through the DeWeese Health Center by appointment. Our COVID-19 testing page offers additional information about these various opportunities for all 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ campuses. Visit the university dashboard for the latest information and numbers related to positive cases of COVID-19.
Let’s step up and show our community that Flashes Take Care of Flashes. Our actions can keep our community safe and healthy — Flashes Unite, Do What’s Right!
Sincerely,
Manfred van Dulmen, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
Interim Dean of Graduate Studies Chair
Pandemic Leadership Committee