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Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II hosted a town hall for all students, faculty, staff and parents to provide insight on the remainder of the fall semester and the beginning of the spring semester. 

President Brown reminded campus community members that the University is currently in a red operational alert status. 

“Everyone who can stay home, should stay home,” President Brown said. “Everyone who can work from home, should work from home.”

The last day for students on campus is Nov. 20, when all students will leave for Thanksgiving break. Students shall take books, laptops, computers, etc., that are necessary for completing the fall semester. Students currently residing in housing with one of the University hotel partners will have to pack up belongings in University-provided bins, which will be taped and stored in secure storage until the beginning of the spring semester. Final exams will occur in December, so students should keep their minds crisp and alert, President Brown said. 

President Brown is highly encouraging all students be tested for COVID-19 prior to leaving for the break to ensure a healthy return to see friends and family. 

Dr. Lucian Yates III, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, reminded students that the Monday after Thanksgiving is the beginning of the final week of classes, with finals occurring the week of Dec. 5-10. 

Out of an abundance of caution, no fall commencement will take place, as it will be combined with spring commencement. As President Brown explained, a fall commencement ceremony would occur in the vortex of flu and COVID-19 cycles and would not be a safe event to conduct. 

Yates encouraged students to communicate with their professors if they have been missing class or assignments. Spring semester classes begin on Jan. 13 for Saturday classes and Jan. 19 for all other classes. Student registration begins Nov. 2 the winter term and spring semester. Classes for the spring semester will still fall under the Breds Choice model used in the fall semester, with the possibility of increased face-to-face offerings.

Candace Raglin, director of human resources, reminded employees that Thanksgiving break for staff begins Nov. 25 and winter break begins Dec. 16 and lasts until Jan. 1. 

President Brown said the University is looking at required COVID-19 testing for re-entry to campus housing and in-person learning to begin the spring semester. Students may call Student Health Services at (502) 597-6271  to schedule a flu shot or a COVID-19 test. 

President Brown also encouraged students who haven’t done so to check with the Bursar’s Office for a CARES Act check. The University received money from the CARES Act to be distributed directly to its students.