KENT, Ohio — Fall semester is right around the corner for colleges statewide.

What You Need To Know

  • Kent State is opting for a staggered return by reopening in phases

  • Although the university recognizes a majority of students prefer face-to-face instruction, most classes will be remote in the name of safety

  • The university’s COVID-19 response team has safeguards in place should there be a positive case such as dedicated quarantine and isolation spaces, plus testing and contact tracing capabilities on campus

Tiera Moore is feeling hopeful about her senior year at Kent State University.

“It's not what I expected for my senior year. I'm trying to be optimistic that it's going to be a good year, you know, I love Kent and think they're doing a really good job trying to get a good experience for us all,” said Moore.

As the student body president, Moore’s had a seat at the table alongside university officials to develop a plan for the fall.

One of her main concerns is what college will look like for first year students; Moore is pushing for mentorship opportunities.

“They're dealing with things that a normal freshman would deal with like, you know, trying to figure out their classes, their schedule, and stuff like that. But they're also doing it in an environment that is way more high stress and way more difficult to navigate,” she said.

Manfred van Dulmen, Chair of the Reopening Steering Committee, said it’s a balancing act between a sense of normalcy and safety.

“We really want the best of both worlds,” said van Dulmen.

Kent State is opting for a staggered return by reopening in phases.

Phase three begins August 17 during move-in week.

Students living in residence halls will be in either a single or double room. There are no triples or quads available and visitors will be limited to only one at a time.

“The roommate, also at the beginning of the semester is asked whether they are comfortable with having a visitor in that room. And if the roommate is not comfortable with that, then there cannot be a visitor in the room," said van Dulmen.

Phase four kicks in August 29 when the semester starts with both in-person and online classes available.

Although the university recognizes a majority of students prefer face-to-face instruction, most classes will be remote in the name of safety.

Moore believes college is bigger than just earning a degree, and she’s concerned about the state of student’s mental health with fewer opportunities to be physically together.

“Socialization is a huge part of college, you know, like I feel like my whole experience of college like all the things that I love the most were the social things. Like yes, I love my classes and my major, but I love hanging out my friends. I love going to organization meetings,” she said.

The university’s COVID-19 response team has safeguards in place should there be a positive case such as dedicated quarantine and isolation spaces, plus testing and contact tracing capabilities on campus.

Kent State leaders said it’s important to be flexible and comfortable with a level of uncertainty as the ever-evolving coronavirus situation continues.

“Give them an experience where they feel connected to the campus community, while also maintaining their safety and health," said van Dulmen.

“Obviously, the classes are a huge change, but just the whole way you interact as a college student is going to change as well,” said Moore.