When I enrolled at Kent State University 25 years ago, I was assured that our student email accounts would be ours to keep for life. This promise became a cornerstone of my digital presence, interwoven with numerous online accounts and professional resources. It's not just an email; it's a tool for my personal and professional life. Just like many others, I feel deceived by the sudden change in policy to deactivate our student emails.

Imagine the frustration of potentially losing access to email-linked social media, banking, billing, healthcare accounts, contacts, etc.... For alumni who depend on this promise for seamless digital networking, such a policy reversal feels like a breach of trust. My email is tied to critical accounts, and the thought of disentangling and updating every account is overwhelming and impractical.

The promise of a lifetime email was significant for many of us. It's not simply a convenience—it is a necessity. At the crux of the issue is accountability and integrity from Kent State University. Fulfilling this promise is about honoring commitments and providing stability in the relationship between the institution and its alumni community.

Research has shown that alumni relations are significantly improved when universities keep their commitments. According to 'Higher Education Today,' alumni who feel connected to their institutions are more likely to express satisfaction and contribute back to their alma mater. Breaking the promise of lifetime email could damage the invaluable alumni-university relationship.

Kent State University must reassess the decision to deactivate student emails. There are viable options to maintain these accounts. For example, introducing regular sign-in requirements to ensure emails remain active, grandfather alumni students who have been actively using their Kent State email and for new incoming students do not have the email for life program,  or offering an affordable subscription model for extended services.

By signing this petition, you're urging Kent State University to reconsider their position and uphold their initial promise. Let’s ensure the university's policies align with their commitments to past and present students. Join us in advocating for this change to safeguard our digital lives and maintain the integrity of promises made to the Kent State University community. Your signature can make a difference. Please sign the petition today.