Update for Families: April 9

Dear Kenyon families,

Following the announcement by Ohio’s governor that the statewide stay-at-home order will remain in place until at least May 1, Kenyon faculty and staff continue to innovate in the face of adversity.

Administrative updates
In his latest blog post, President Sean Decatur shares insights from his introvert’s life in isolation. Although he has the good company of his family and two dogs, Skittles and Roo, he nevertheless misses face-to-face interactions and hellos exchanged on Middle Path. Our admissions office has completely reinvented the spring visit season but early response from those admitted to the Class of 2024 is encouraging. As was previously shared, the College has committed to paying student wages through the end of the semester, even for those students who are unable to work. Likewise, at this time the College does not intend to reduce the number or hours of its staff, most of whom are now working remotely.  

Novelist George Saunders addresses Kenyon writers
Assistant Professor of English Keija Parssinen thought her creative writing students, unable to enjoy springtime at Kenyon and self-isolated at home, could use extra encouragement during their first week of online learning. She reached out to various writer colleagues and acquaintances, asking them to share some encouraging words. Almost immediately, the author George Saunders, winner of the 2017 Man Booker prize for his novel "Lincoln in the Bardo," responded with this uplifting message to Kenyon writers. A version of his letter has also been published in the New Yorker, where Saunders is a regular contributor.

#FarFromKokosing
Borrowed from the much-loved Kenyon song, Kokosing Farewell, "But when we are far from Kokosing, we still shall hear a calling bell," this hashtag and website chronicle the voices of Kenyon near and far in this extraordinary time. The website includes stories from Raul Romero '22 on the campus experiences he'll miss during online learning and some of the virtual campus events currently offered.

Kenyon From Your Couch
Meanwhile in the Alumni and Parent Engagement Office, all events have shifted online. From Kenyon crossword puzzles to a virtual tour of Gund Gallery, the office is offering multiple ways to join our online community. Change up your Zoom background with our campus images and join the Kenyon Alumni Book Club. 

Grocery delivery begins for students on campus
For the 91 students who were granted permission to stay on campus, AVI has continued to provide basic meal service. This week, the College began moving students into residence hall spaces that have more access to kitchens and introduced the option for students to select groceries to prepare their own meals, in addition to the hot lunches available on weekdays. 

Inventory form due April 13
The Office of Residential Life asked that students who still have belongings on campus fill out this inventory form before April 13, even if they have filled out other forms. This will assist with planning for final shipping arrangements when Ohio’s stay-at-home order, currently in place until May 1, is lifted. The form contains space to convey shipping or storage preferences, as well as other considerations."If the couch or fridge you left is to be donated, we can take care of it and clean the room. If the TV currently in your room is to be stored until next year, we can make that happen too."

Latest information
As a reminder, we are updating our Frequently Asked Questions regularly. Please email us at covid19@kenyon.edu if you have a question that is not addressed there.

Read more about Kenyon's response to COVID-19

Read frequently asked questions

View all campus updates related to COVID-19