Frequently Asked Questions

When the pandemic required that students complete the spring 2020 semester remotely, Kenyon responded quickly with additional support: emergency relief funds, more flexible grading policies, online mental health services, and continued payment of student workers through the remainder of the semester whether or not their duties could be performed at a distance. 

We understand the importance of supporting students’ financial needs and have taken steps to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on our students. This academic year, we extended a 10 percent tuition credit to all students, added a $2,000 personal allowance to need-based financial aid packages to offset the indirect costs of studying remotely, converted work-study awards to need-based grants during students’ remote semester, and provided supplemental aid and emergency funds to those facing financial hardship. 

Our COVID policies provide students and supervisors with the flexibility needed to tailor projects and schedules around pandemic disruptions. We have encouraged supervisors to prepare remote projects for periods when campus activities are temporarily restricted. If working remotely is not an option, supervisors work with students to schedule additional hours when the restricted period ends. Should this prove challenging and students experience a loss of income, they may request emergency relief funds by completing a brief online form.

When the pandemic required that students complete the spring 2020 semester remotely, and there would be no opportunity for in-person work through the remainder of the semester, Kenyon continued to pay student workers whether or not their duties could be performed at a distance. 

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. In contrast, a shelter-in-place order can be enacted by a state or local authority and may extend indefinitely; courses are delivered remotely and all but the most essential operations are suspended. This occurred during the spring 2020 semester.

During quiet periods, supervisors are encouraged to identify opportunities for remote work and, if those are unavailable, to work with students to schedule additional hours when the quiet period ends. Should this prove challenging and students experience a loss of income, they may request emergency relief funds by completing a brief online form.

We encourage any student who is facing financial hardship due to a loss of income of any kind, including income expected during the academic year, to request emergency relief funds by completing this brief online form. The financial aid staff has worked to make the process as easy as possible, and it is open to students whether or not they are receiving other financial aid. Once a request is granted, students will receive the funds as a check.

In August 2020, the College initiated a comprehensive review of work-study and campus work programs. Based on input from students, faculty and staff gathered last fall by Campus Senate and a special committee of the Board of Trustees, we are taking meaningful steps to strengthen these programs, including better aligning work-study expectations with typical student earnings. The College also is making administrative changes to improve and support students in the application process, provide guidance to supervisors, clarify expectations around flex time and excused absences, and build awareness about the resources and support systems available to students. 

We heard from some students that they had difficulty securing positions or sufficient hours, especially in their first year. This presents a unique challenge for students awarded work-study as part of their financial aid package. To make work-study expectations more achievable, starting in the 2021-2022 academic year Kenyon will set the work-study expectation of need-based financial aid packages at $1,000 (previously $2,000). In addition, students will receive $500 more in grants as well as a $500 credit at the Kenyon College bookstore — $250 at the start of each semester — to purchase textbooks and required course materials. We know that many students depend on work-study for these essentials, and this ensures that those funds are available as soon as they arrive on campus. 

Students may choose to earn more than $1,000 a year in campus work, and we anticipate that students who work at Kenyon over the summer or during breaks will do so. 

Like most of its peers, Kenyon has a tiered wage system that recognizes the wide range of positions available to students and the unique responsibilities and skill sets required, aligned with the cost of living in Ohio. 

- Kenyon has three pay tiers, ranging from $8.80/hour to $11.30/hour; these rates are comparable to rates paid by peer schools in Ohio. 

- Tier 1 positions reflect the prevailing state or federal minimum wage; the other two tiers are adjusted annually for inflation. 

- Over the last several years, about a quarter of positions (26%) were classified as tier 1, with the remaining classified as tier 2 and 3. 

This spring, the College will develop a process and timeline to conduct periodic audits of the pay tier system for student work, especially as it relates to work-study expectations. Many four-year liberal arts colleges have tier systems similar to Kenyon’s; however, we recognize the value of periodic reviews to ensure that the College’s financial aid goals are being met and that positions and pay tiers are appropriately aligned.

The Board and administration recognize that important issues need to be addressed when it comes to work-study and campus work experiences, but do not believe that a union of student workers is the appropriate means to address these issues. The College can fulfill Kenyon’s educational mission, preserve Kenyon’s collaborative environment, and meet students’ financial needs without students having to bargain to address these needs through a third party. In addition, the Board and administration believe that a union of student workers would impair the ability to have free and open discussions with students and other members of the Kenyon community.

Unions certainly have a place in our country, but the “industrial” model of unions does not fit students in an undergraduate college setting. Kenyon’s mission, above all, is educational. Work experiences are part of the educational mission, but they are not the primary focus of a student’s time at Kenyon. The College believes that putting a union in the middle of students’ relationships with faculty and staff would dramatically change Kenyon’s educational experience. 

We are always open to hearing from students about their concerns and how we may address them, but we are not going to re-open the question of voluntary recognition. We engaged in an open and deliberate process to review the request in the fall of 2020 — listening to the views of K-SWOC members, other students, staff and faculty — and reached a final decision not to voluntarily recognize K-SWOC. We believe that we can best fulfill Kenyon’s educational mission, preserve Kenyon’s collaborative environment, and meet our students’ financial needs without a segment of our students having to bargain through a union.

The College currently works with the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), which represents Kenyon’s 26 skilled trades workers; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents 57 custodial staff; and the International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA), which represents 16 safety officers. Kenyon currently employs about 600 total professional staff and faculty. 

Yes. We respect all community members’ rights to peacefully protest for any lawful reason. 

Yes. We are committed to ensuring that all students, including striking students, continue to receive an excellent education and enjoy the many resources Kenyon provides its students, without retaliation or discrimination.

No. Campus safety is alerted and asked to ensure safety for all students — striking or not. Consistent with our established protest policies, we ask that everyone respect students who were striking, as well as students, faculty and staff who continue to work and use College facilities during a strike.

Kenyon's Senior Staff was notified by a third party on behalf of K-SWOC of the planned work stoppage. The strike notice was just that – a unilateral notice that did not seek or warrant a response. This third party has not been recognized as a representative of our students; thus, it was not appropriate to respond.