COVID-19 Update: Student work policies

An update from Provost Jeff Bowman and Dean of Career Development Lee Schott.

Date

Some students have made us aware that there may be some confusion about Kenyon’s COVID-related policies for student work, especially as they apply to quiet periods. We appreciate the feedback and have updated the policy to clarify the distinction between quiet periods / other temporary changes in operations and shelter-in-place orders / suspension of our residential program.

As a reminder, during quiet periods, operations are modified or reduced for a finite period of time; students may attend classes in person but on-site student work is not permitted, with exceptions for essential services and other operations phased-in as restrictions are eased. A shelter-in-place order can be enacted by a state or local authority and may extend indefinitely; courses would be delivered remotely and all but the most essential operations would be suspended. 

We understand the importance of student earnings in meeting basic needs and paying essential bills, and our policies are intended to provide students and supervisors with the flexibility needed to tailor projects and schedules around COVID disruptions. However, if students are facing financial hardship due to a loss of income of any kind, including income expected during the academic year, we encourage them to complete this Financial Aid Special Circumstances and Hardship Request to seek additional support. Those who have not already applied for financial aid and suffered a loss may contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@kenyon.edu to discuss application procedures. The financial aid staff has worked to make the process as easy as possible, and once the request is granted, students will be given the option for receiving the funds as a credit to their account, a deposit to their K-Card, or as a check.

We hope that this clarification is helpful as we navigate the rest of the semester.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Bowman
Provost

Lee Schott
Dean of Career Development