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K-State Today

June 26, 2020

A summary of university changes related to COVID-19

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has had to make several changes to operations. The following is a summary of the changes announced June 22-26.

President Myers asks for the K-State community to maintain diligence.
As restrictions start to loosen, the surrounding area has seen an increase in the spread of COVID-19. In a June 26 letter to K-Staters, President Myers praised efforts and plans to bring people back to campus.  

Precautions are needed as COVID-19-positive cases increase.
It is through a collective, cooperative effort that K-Staters can help protect our campus community from an increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases. Wearing a mask, maintaining 6 feet from others, frequently washing hands and other simple actions help to protect everyone. 

Classroom assessment and planning for fall semester changes aim to protect K-Staters' health. 
Provost Charles Taber and Cindy Bontrager, vice president and chief operations officer, outlined many changes to classrooms and scheduling, as recommended by the CDC. 

All K-Staters are required to wear face coverings on campuses.
According to the CDC, face coverings slow the spread of COVID-19. To help protect the community, K-State has updated its face-covering policy to require masks or coverings on the majority of university property.

The university revised the policy on excused absences for students.
Provost Chuck Taber wrote in a June 22 letter to faculty and staff about the recent revision to the University Handbook about university excused absences. 

The state of Kansas reduces the number of HealthQuest credits required for the health plan discount.
On June 16, the Health Care Commission voted to reduce the number of HealthQuest credits required for eligible members enrolled in the State Employee Health Plan to receive the 2021 premium incentive discount. The credit requirement was reduced from 40 points to 20 points, due to the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19.

K-State Libraries will open the second floor of Hale Library.
On July 1, patrons may enter the second floor of Hale Library between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday — except on July 3. Visitors are required to wear a face-covering over mouths and noses. 

The K-State Student Union will reopen on Aug. 3.
In order to provide a safe and welcoming place for K-Staters to return, the K-State Student Union will implement modified building hours, in-depth cleaning protocols, social distancing policies and other CDC recommendations.