COVID-19 Update: Staff and Faculty Open Forum, May 14, 11 a.m.

Dear Kenyon staff and faculty,

Looking out from Cromwell Cottage on a surreally quiet Middle Path, I have never been more certain that the lifeblood of Kenyon is its people. As state and local health authorities loosen restrictions to allow for a responsible restart of many businesses and services, we have begun the careful work to assess and prepare our campus for the return of staff, faculty, guests, and ultimately students. And as the enrollment picture for next academic year comes more clearly into view, so too are the financial contingencies that will allow us to move forward with confidence in a year where the unknowns are substantial.

I know you must have many questions, and I invite you to join me and members of the senior staff on Thursday, May 14, at 11 a.m. for a faculty and staff open forum via Google Meet. You may submit questions in advance via this form or ask questions during the forum. Instructions for joining the forum and for submitting live questions will be provided in a separate message. We will post updates to our COVID-19 webpage for those who are unable to join us.

While we have yet to finalize our calendar for next academic year, we are working with state and local health authorities to establish targets for restarting campus activities so that we are ready to welcome students this fall. We plan to stage a phased reopening over the course of the summer, taking careful steps to meet new public health standards for offices (PDF) and services (PDF) and ramping up maintenance and custodial operations with each phase of activity. It is important that we remain flexible throughout this process, as we may encounter unexpected hurdles that require us to adjust our plans. Unless required to be on campus to perform essential functions, you should continue to work remotely until your office reopens or your supervisor instructs you otherwise. 

Several staff and faculty working groups are being formed to consider the many ways we will need to adapt our spaces and practices to minimize health risks, including accommodations for vulnerable members of our community. There is much to consider. From physical distancing — in work and gathering spaces, classrooms and study areas, dining and residential halls — to the steps each and every one of us will need to take to protect ourselves and others — wearing masks, sanitizing our hands and our work surfaces, checking for symptoms daily. 

There is no doubt that our new normal will take some getting used to. But I have every confidence that the kindness and care that are signatures of our community will emerge in new ways as we adapt to our changing circumstances. I continue to be moved by the strength and character of this community, and I am grateful for your support and understanding as we engage in the work that lies ahead.

Sincerely,

Sean Decatur
President

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