Kent State announced it will conduct more in-person classes and activities in the fall 2021 semester amid continuing protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to a letter from the Office of the Provost sent to the university community via email Wednesday, university officials plan to offer substantially more in-person classes for the fall semester. Social distancing of six feet will likely still be required for in-person learning.

In order to accommodate the physical distancing, the university is considering holding additional classes in buildings within walking distance of the Kent campus, the email stated.

An increased number of classes may also be held in the evenings and on Saturdays in an effort to expand in-person learning while maintaining a safe distance between students.

The university will require students who take in-person courses to attend class due to the anticipated smaller class sizes. Instructors will not be required to offer the same course remotely as opposed to previous semesters, the letter continued.

The schedule of courses for the fall 2021 semester will be published April 12 in FlashFAST. Course registration will begin for select students April 23, the university announced.

In addition to social distancing, the wearing of facial coverings and COVID-19 testing will continue in the fall semester.

Kent State will continue to require all students living in university housing to participate in mandatory COVID-19 testing. The anticipated frequency of the testing has not yet been released.

According to the letter, university housing is also anticipated to increase to near capacity for the fall semester.

All residence halls will be open, excluding Centennial Court E, Centennial Court F and Verder Hall. In addition to Van Campen Hall, these halls will be reserved for quarantine and isolation use, the letter stated.

Students living on campus for the fall semester will only be assigned to single or double rooms. Other residence hall policies and move-in procedures will be announced at a later date. 

At the time of the email, the COVID-19 vaccination is not a requirement for a return to campus in fall 2021; however, the university signaled this policy may be revisited based on formal approval by the Food and Drug Administration. 

The university will decide on policies for in-person activities and sporting events in the coming weeks.

Elias Shingleton is a digital content producer. Contact him at [email protected].

Alexandria Manthey, a TV2 reporter, also contributed to this report. Contact her at [email protected].