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Fellow Thorobreds:

In the wake of the global pandemic we currently face, Kentucky State University would like to remind and update the campus community of current protocols in place.

As good citizens and model Thorobreds, it is our responsibility to do everything we can to stem the spread of this disease.

Students: Instruction, housing and dining

• Kentucky State officials have suspended in-person classes until April 13.
• Classes are canceled from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 22 so faculty and staff can prepare for remote delivery of course instruction.
• Classes will resume remotely Monday, March 23. Students will hear directly from their respective professors soon about how to prepare for class.
• Students should not return to campus if at all possible. Housing will be made available for students with appropriate circumstances.
• To date, in-person classes will not resume until April 13. That may be subject to change during this ever-evolving, rapidly changing situation. Students are still encouraged to practice social distancing in their homes away from campus. The Housing Refund Request form should only be completed by students who do not plan to reside in the residence halls again when, and if in-person classes resume.
• If you are a returning student and plan to vacate your residence hall, you will receive a credit on your housing account next semester. Graduating seniors will be issued a prorated housing refund from the Office of the Bursar two to three weeks after graduation. If you are a returning senior, you will receive a credit on your housing account next semester.
• The dining center is closed in order to prevent crowds larger than recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Meals will be provided twice per day from the Underwood Cafeteria in the Carl M. Hill Student Center. Lunch will be available from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., and dinner will be available from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Students can pick up a meal during those times and return to their rooms to eat; no meals may be eaten inside the cafeteria.
• Please visit kysu.edu/COVID19 for important updates and in-depth frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding academic support, dining and residence halls.

Faculty and staff work options

• Non-essential employees are highly encouraged to telecommute until April 13.
• The safety and wellbeing of our campus community is of utmost importance. We appreciate employees working with us during this ever-evolving situation. Please read the Temporary Telecommuting Policy. All employees are asked to complete and submit the Temporary Telecommuting Agreement to supervisors as soon as possible. Questions and/or concerns should be communicated to your supervisor.
• Kentucky State University has created a liberal leave COVID-19 paid leave policy in ADP WorkforceNow. Effective immediately and subject to supervisor approval, Kentucky State University employees may take up to 45 hours (7.5 hour employees) and 48 hours for (8 hour employees) employees in the event of self-quarantine, quarantine or care of an immediate family member, childcare resulting from school closures, or other related scenarios. The liberal leave COVID-19 leave is available to all full-time employees.
• This temporary liberal leave COVID-19 policy can be used during the current pandemic. This decision aligns with our goal to reduce the number of interactions on campus, slow the rate of transmission, and protect and care for the wellbeing of our community.

Events

• The campus will not host any formal on-campus assemblies and convocations prior to April 13, 2020.
• Due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, access to Kentucky State University buildings are closed to the public. Only essential staff with a valid Kentucky State ID may enter University buildings. This decision by Kentucky State University aligns with our goal to reduce the number of interactions on campus, slow the rate of transmission, and protect and care for the wellbeing of our campus community.
• The campus will also suspend participation in spring intercollegiate and/or intramural athletic competitions prior to April 13, 2020.

Undoubtedly, Thorobreds will continue to rise to this occasion. Updates to this fluid situation can be found at kysu.edu/COVID19.

 

#KSUForward,

M. Christopher Brown II, Ph.D.

Eighteenth President