Quintessential Kenyon: Student Life, Uncut

COVID-19 Update

Office of Communications
June 26, 2020

Dear Kenyon students and families,

Last week, President Decatur provided an update on the College’s planning for next academic year. Many of you were able to join us last Thursday for an open forum. We thank you for the many good questions you submitted prior to and during the forum. While our website with answers to some common questions has been updated, we are writing to you today with important highlights. 

We remain committed to in-person instruction as our primary mode of delivery and to providing our students a safe residential experience. As you can imagine, it is especially important to know with precision the number of students who will be on campus this fall. Students with underlying health conditions who wish to conduct their coursework remotely should contact Dean of Students Robin Hart Ruthenbeck to explore this option or use this form to submit a request by July 15. 

As we consider the density of our residence halls, for the 2020-21 academic year only, students within reasonable driving distance may request permission to reside off campus with parents or legal guardians. Please contact Dean of Students Robin Hart Ruthenbeck to explore this option or use this form to submit your request, also by July 15. 

If you have other concerns related to your return, including the academic impact of deferring your studies for a semester or a year, please contact Dean of Academic Advising and Support Thomas Hawks

The Office of Residential Life will launch the housing selection process in early July based on updated enrollment information. This will include housing options designed to expand capacity for a reduction in density and appropriate distancing. Soon after, we will provide a precise timeline for move-in and details about COVID-19 testing. 

Thank you for your patience as we coordinate the myriad details associated with launching the 2020-21 academic year at Kenyon. Please continue to consult our online FAQs, which will be regularly updated, for answers to more specific questions. Inquiries also may be directed to covid19@kenyon.edu.

Sincerely, 

Jeffrey Bowman 
Provost-elect

Meredith Harper Bonham ’92
Vice President for Student Affairs


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