COVID-19: How Kent State Housing Is Keeping Its Dorm Rooms Safe

Students are returning to college campuses across the country for the Fall semester raise concerns over students’ living situations due to COVID-19. At Kent State, Jill Jenkins, who has been Executive Director of Residence Services for the past five years, talks about campus housing’s precautions and safety this semester.

How has Kent State housing been handling COVID safety rules, like social distancing and mask-wearing within dorm halls and dorm rooms?

Jill Jenkins: Students follow the Kent State Flashes safe seven: social distancing, wearing face coverings, and cleaning their spaces. Our staff and student staff are continually monitoring students in the dorms. We also have signage across our halls, buildings, and all across the campus to remind students.  

What precautions were there with new students moving into the dorms over the past couple of weeks?

Jill Jenkins: We have limited the number of people who can arrive at the campus with students moving in, the maximum number of people who were together was four, and we also had an elongated move-in schedule. Students were able to move in based on the last digit of their room number and the beginning letter of their last name, and they had their times based on that. The rationale for that was made sure that we did not have large groups of students on any given floor during any given time on any given day. It worked out well, we had movers and groovers who did not move people’s belongings, but instead, they passed out carts and helped sanitize the carts after every use.

What actions are there if a student in the dorms does test positive for COVID or shows symptoms?

Jill Jenkins: Anyone who shows symptoms must call the COVID response team or their health care provider to get directions and follow their guidance from a health professional. If we find a positive test, the response team will coordinate with that student to relocate them to either their permanent address or we have two different buildings where they can quarantine and relocate to another building on campus.

What has housing at Kent State done for students who need quarantining?

Jill Jenkins: We have 23 residence halls, and we have quarantine spaces identified for each one. Those include them having private rooms along with private bathrooms. So far, most quarantine scenarios are students who have come in close contact with the virus or lived in a state that was considered a COVID hotspot.

Has there been any changes in room and board rates this semester compared to other semesters?

Jill Jenkins: There are not any changes. After Thanksgiving break, the students can go home early for winter break, and if they do, they get a refund. So, the money would go on to their student account, and they either get that money back or it goes towards their spring costs.

Are there any punishments or consequences for students living in housing who are not following Kent State’s COVID rules?

Jill Jenkins: Yes, but we have not had that happen yet. Students who do not follow the rules will be documented. Following that, the hall director follows up to have a conversation with the student. If a student gets documented again, we will do what we call a hinder contract with a student to make sure they understand the policies. Then if they continue not to comply, they will go to student conduct and, or be removed from the housing.

Have there been any housing accommodations for students with preexisting health conditions that may put them at risk for COVID?

Jill Jenkins: We do not have anybody living here with extra accommodations because of that kind of risk and are likely living at home. We do approve students that do not want to partake in the mandatory housing requirement.

How many students can live in a room together this semester? Are they allowed any guests?

Jill Jenkins: We have either single or double rooms, no more than two students assigned to any given room. We want to minimize the number of people living together because of distancing. Students are allowed to have guests; they’re allowed to have an additional person in the room. When students have a guest in their room, it must be documented, and they have to be wearing face coverings.

If COVID testing numbers begin to drop in Ohio, will housing be different in the spring?

Jill Jenkins: Right now, it is the same plan, but things are changing. We have not discussed anything different, but things are changing every day, and we could potentially see something different in the future.

Are there any things students in the dorms are asked to bring with them to protect themselves and other students against COVID?

Jill Jenkins: We’ve emphasized what to bring to campus, and that is more of an emphasis on cleaning supplies and cleaning wipes. We also put welcome packages with masks, hand sanitizers, and wipes in every student room.