Return to Campus

As New Jersey begins a phased reopening, the leaders of Kean University are working diligently to plan a smooth and safe return to campus in Fall 2020. 

Kean University’s transition back to campus will be implemented in phases. On Monday, June 29, the University submitted its Phase 1 plan to the state's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to bring the senior management back on July 13 along with essential workers that are already reporting to work onsite. Plans for additional phases will be submitted in the coming weeks.

Phase 1 Restart Plan

The President’s Task Force, which includes staff, faculty and students, is looking at all aspects of campus life -- from classes to residence halls, athletics, offices and more -- along with CDC and state guidelines to determine the safest path forward as we look to welcome students, faculty and administrators back to an on-campus living and learning environment.

Although plans are subject to change due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to begin preparing all employees, faculty and students for their return to campus. Below you will find some general information on our current strategies. 

Please visit this page often for updates. 

Return to In-Person Instruction

Return to Work 

Campus Life

Health & Safety

Financial Support 

• The University currently plans to begin classes on September 1 as scheduled.
• Pending state guidelines, classes are expected to be conducted on campus and in hybrid formats with the exception of those courses previously designated to run solely online. 
• In-person classes will be conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines. That means faculty and students will be required to wear face masks/face coverings and will be properly distanced within classrooms or labs. 
• Campus spaces, including classrooms and labs, are being evaluated to provide for proper social distancing. 
• Signage and markers will be placed throughout campus to remind the community of social distancing requirements. 
• A washable mask will be provided for each student who needs one prior to the start of classes. Details on how to receive your mask will be provided closer to opening day. Students can also use their own masks. 
• All faculty members have been informed of the mandatory requirement to prepare for providing instruction remotely via Blackboard should it become necessary to shift to remote education because of changing health conditions.

• On Monday, June 29, the University submitted its Phase 1 plan to the state's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to bring the senior management back on July 13 along with essential workers that are already reporting to work onsite. Plans for additional phases will be submitted in the coming weeks.
• All employees will receive individual instructions on when they should return to their normal workplaces. Staggered schedules will be developed and implemented as we work through the phasing plan. Most staff and 12-month faculty will be returning to campus on a staggered schedule starting sometime in late July.
• Staff and faculty—including 10-month faculty, 12-month faculty and adjuncts—who need a special telecommuting accommodation due to specific health or childcare issues must fill out this request form for review. You must submit the appropriate medical certification or documentation verifying school or childcare closing within five business days of submitting your request. You will be asked to specify whether your request is for July and August, and/or the Fall semester. Staff members should fill out the request form as soon as possible and no later than five working days before the scheduled return date. Faculty members should file their requests for the Fall by July 15.
• We recognize that many employees are waiting for more information from their children's schools or childcare providers regarding the Fall schedule. You may fill out the form at a later date or edit your submission if your circumstances change. Please notify Human Resources and your direct supervisor of any changes as soon as possible to facilitate effective planning.
• Please note that anyone who submitted a request for telecommuting due to medical concerns in the Spring semester must do so again if an accommodation is requested for the summer and/or the Fall semester.
• Human Resources will work with employees and their supervisors to find effective  accommodations within Kean workspaces as well as develop productive temporary telecommuting arrangements where possible. Requests are not guaranteed. Assigned duties may vary from employees’ typical job responsibilities to ensure we continue serving our students effectively during this time.
• Kean employees and any vendors or contractors working on campus will be expected to wear face masks/face coverings when in the presence of others. 
• A washable face mask will be provided for each employee. Employees can also wear their own masks on campus. 
• Workspaces across the University may be rearranged, and/or new dividers and staging put in place, to provide for proper social distancing in accordance with state and CDC guidelines.

• Residential housing will be available for students who wish to live on campus in the Fall. Capacity will be reduced to maintain social distancing so students who wish to secure housing should apply by July 1. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting.
• Some communal spaces within the residence halls may be closed to limit exposure.
• Dining services will be available to students with enhanced mobile ordering and additional take-out options as well as social distancing in the dining facilities. 
• Student services and programming will be available to the extent that they can be safely conducted under state guidelines. More information will follow as the Fall approaches.

• The University’s top priority is to safeguard the health and safety of the campus community. 
• Everyone shares the responsibility to follow heath guidelines and protocols. 
• Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should seek immediate medical attention and not return to campus until they are cleared by a healthcare provider.
• There will be several noticeable physical changes to campus upon reopening, including plexiglass dividers and designated spots for distancing while waiting in lines.
• Signage will be posted throughout the campus to remind the community of health protocols.
• The University has also established enhanced cleaning, sanitation and disinfecting campuswide.
• Student Health Services is working closely with local health officials to establish tracing protocols in the event of cases on campus.

• The University recognizes that COVID-19 has placed tremendous financial strain on families and is waiving the Fall payment plan enrollment fee. Contact billing@kean.edu for assistance.
• Financial Aid staff are also reviewing FAFSA submissions for any students who have experienced COVID-related job or income loss in their families. Contact finaid@kean.edu for assistance.
• Students who were impacted by COVID-19 are also reminded that they can apply for a  CARES Act grant. More information can be found here.