Update for Families: May 1

Dear Kenyon families,

While much of the world is on hold, the work of the College and its partners continues. Our professors are bringing fresh innovation to their remote teaching while we create new ways to support students from afar. We are also pleased to offer multiple ways for students and their families to stay connected to Kenyon and each other from a distance.

ON CAMPUS:

New editor of the Kenyon Review named
The Kenyon Review opens a new chapter in its storied history with the announcement of its 14th editor, acclaimed poet Nicole Terez Dutton. Dutton, selected through a national search that began last fall, will succeed David Lynn ’76 P’14, whose 26-year tenure as editor is the longest in the Review’s history. Dutton currently serves as poetry editor of the Baffler and as managing editor of the Du Bois Review and Transition Magazine, both affiliated with the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. She joins the Review on July 1, 2020.

Professor Hardy’s Neanderthal work earns acclaim
At this point in a typical semester, students in Professor of Anthropology Bruce Hardy’s "Neanderthals" course might be outside getting in the Neanderthal mindset as they learn how to make stone tools and build shelters. But even before the COVID-19 pandemic interruption, Hardy had a twist in store for this semester. He would discuss his own groundbreaking new research about Neanderthals, including his discovery of an ancient string fragment that is believed to be the oldest known direct evidence of fiber technology. News of the discovery and its significance spread around the world this month thanks to coverage by the Associated Press, NBC News, the New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.

FOR STUDENTS:

College offers free remote mental health services
Kenyon students now have free access to the online therapy service Talkspace. With a network of thousands of licensed clinicians, Talkspace connects users to a dedicated therapist from a secure, HIPAA-compliant mobile app and web platform. Users may send their personal therapist text, voice or video messages. Students will be able to use the service at any time throughout the year, from anywhere. Members of the Class of 2020 will have access to Talkspace until August 15, 2020, which coincides with the last date of eligibility for the College’s health insurance plan. Detailed information on how to sign-up was recently emailed directly to students. For questions, please contact Associate Director of Counseling Holly Baker at baker2@kenyon.edu.

Information on collecting belongings from campus
The Office of Residential Life released updated planning on a process for students and their families to return to campus to collect their belongings or have them stored or shipped.

STAY CONNECTED:

Kenyon from Your Couch
The Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement has shifted its focus to virtual events, from workouts to webinars and more.

Kenyon Review Online
The Kenyon Review and its student associates are continuing their work of literary excellence through social distancing. The associates are posting prompts on the Resources for Teachers page of the KR website. The May/June print issue is out now, and the web-based KROnline will continue to offer fresh writing every two weeks. The website also features new blog posts, podcasts, conversations, and — every Friday — new book reviews.

Read more about Kenyon's response to COVID-19

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