April 15, 2020
Kansas State University to extend limit on face-to-face events through July 31
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Following the move to hold summer classes online, Kansas State University will extend its limit on face-to-face campus gatherings until at least July 31. The university previously announced a move to limited on-campus operations and restricted in-person, student-facing operations on all campuses.
All events until July 31 should be held remotely or be canceled, per this new guidance. Small in-person meetings of 10 or less — that are deemed essential and cannot be moved to an online format or postponed — will require implementing physical distancing techniques.
"As we look at the most current models for the pandemic, the peak for our region is expected to occur in late April and will tail into June or July," said President Richard Myers. "Our intention is to do everything we can now to allow for on-campus classes and activities to resume in the fall. We want to allow the university and our communities the opportunity to make plans ahead of the summer season."
The university is forming a special work group to develop a phased-in plan for the resumption of in-person activities. The group will develop timelines for key activities, including classes, research and events. Key factors in the reopening process will include the scope of the pandemic, the availability of widespread testing, and recommendations from federal, state, and local health officials. An additional advisory team of experts in virology and epidemiology also is being formed to provide guidance to the special work group and the senior administration.
"Our students, faculty and staff have responded to this challenge with amazing strength and resilience," Myers said. "We understand the impact this pandemic is having on our families and communities; our top priority is to protect their health and safety."