Undergraduate Information


   

The Vacca Office of Student Services (VOSS) in 304 White Hall serves all undergraduate students, including transfer students, as well as post-undergraduates and graduate students seeking licensure. The office mission is to provide the highest level of service and support to students, faculty, administrators, alumni and the larger community. As partners in the academic success of students, the VOSS staff strives to be responsive to the needs of its students and at the same time uphold the academic standards and professional integrity of Kent State University and outside agencies and accrediting groups. The office works together as a team to be knowledgeable, helpful, efficient and consistent, yet understanding of the diversity of students they serve.

The advisors and undergraduate staff are here to help students:

  • Plan coursework.
  • Prepare for admission to advanced study.
  • Process graduation and licensure applications.
  • Evaluate transcripts.
  • Find answers to students' questions.
  • Encourage and guide students as they develop and define realistic goals.
  • Facilitate an understanding of the value of higher education and lifelong learning.
  • Assist in developing decision-making skills.
  • Help students assume ownership for their educational plans and achievements.
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In addition to the college regulations explained below, students should carefully read the Policies section of this Catalog. Pre-enrollment program advising is required of all students admitted as freshmen to the college.

Students admitted to the College of Education, Health and Human Services as freshmen must have been fully admitted to the university. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to a major and/or admission to professional coursework for a selective admission program. To be admitted directly into a teacher education program and the Community Health Education major, it is required that new freshmen have a minimum 2.75 high school GPA and 16 units of college preparatory curriculum or a 21 ACT or 980 SAT score. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements of their intended major may enroll as pre-majors for selected programs or EHHS General until which time they have the required 2.75 GPA.

Students are admitted to health and human services programs and the Educational Studies major using the university admission criteria (see the Policies section of this Catalog), with the exception of the Sport Administration major, which requires a 2.75 high school GPA for entering freshmen and a 21 ACT or 980 SAT score. Selective admission criteria are used in some programs in the college. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements of their intended major may enroll as pre-majors for selected programs or EHHS General until which time they have the required GPA. Students desiring the Human Development and Family Studies or Speech Pathology and Audiology major are admitted as pre-majors and later are accepted into the appropriate program only after specific requirements have been met. It is imperative that the student contact the individual school for detailed information.

The non-degree EHHS General category is intended for students who are exploring programs in EHHS and are not yet ready to declare a major or do not meet the criteria for their intended major. Because a degree cannot be earned while in EHHS General, it is important that students declare a major before earning 60 semester hours to facilitate timely progress toward a degree. Students will not be permitted to continue in EHHS General after accumulating 45 semester hours.

The following regulations apply to students who have had some college work either at Kent State University or elsewhere and who seek to transfer into the College of Education, Health and Human Services:

  • Students are accepted into a teacher licensure program and Community Health Education major by transfer if they have achieved a minimum 2.75 GPA in previous college coursework. They must meet with an academic advisor in 304 White Hall as soon as possible to review specific requirements for admission to advanced study.
  • Students are accepted by transfer in the following majors if they have achieved a minimum 2.50 GPA in previous college coursework:
    • Educational Studies
    • Sport Administration
  • Students are accepted by transfer in the following majors if they have achieved a minimum 2.00 GPA in previous college coursework:
    • Athletic Training
    • Exercise Science
    • Hospitality Management
    • Human Development and Family Studies (Gerontology concentration)
    • Human Development and Family Studies (remaining concentrations - pre-major only)
    • Integrated Health Studies
    • Nutrition
    • Physical Education (Human Movement Studies concentration)
    • Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management
    • Speech Pathology and Audiology (pre-major only)
  • Some programs require a higher minimum GPA to advance into the professional phase of the program. See the specific major in this Catalog for more information
  • Graduates of other colleges wanting to pursue an undergraduate education program for teacher licensure must have a minimum undergraduate 2.75 GPA to be eligible for admission to the College of Education, Health and Human Services. They must also satisfy the professional requirements for admission to advanced study. Appropriate course substitutions will be allowed within the general education and specialized education requirements. A minimum 2.75 average GPA is required for admission to advanced study, student teaching, graduation and licensure (some programs may require a higher GPA). Failure to produce a 2.75 average GPA in the first semester of registration or failure to maintain a 2.75 average GPA in subsequent semesters may result in dismissal from the post-undergraduate program.

Students transferring into the college from another university should make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor in the Vacca Office of Student Services to determine applicability of transfer credits to their program before registering for classes. In some cases, students then are referred to the appropriate department or school for a determination on specialized courses. Please be aware that most programs are highly sequential and transferring from another university may delay graduation.

Academic advising is a purposeful, developmental and collaborative teaching and learning process integral to the educational experience at all Kent State University campuses. Through relationships with professional and faculty advisors, students have access to information, resources and sustained support, which contribute to self-discovery and personal growth. Academic advisors work in partnership with students to help them develop and pursue meaningful educational plans and activities compatible with their values, abilities, career aspirations and life goals. In addition, academic advisors work within the academic community to enhance the overall learning environment.

As a requirement of US 10097 Destination Kent State: First Year Experience, students are required to meet with an academic advisor during the first semester of the freshman year to discuss requirements for their program. Students are expected to meet with an academic advisor a minimum of one time per year to review his/her file until completion of the degree program. Failure to do so may result in delay in program completion and graduation. Academic advisors are seen by appointment, which can be made online at www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss.

Academic advisors responsibilities include, but are not exclusive to, the following:

  • Provide information about policies and procedures, curriculum and graduation requirements and available resources.
  • Assist in selecting appropriate courses and complementary educational experiences.
  • Provide students with information about alternatives, program changes and the consequences of academic decisions.
  • Advocate on behalf of the student to find the best possible solutions and options within established policy.

It is the responsibility of the faculty advisor to initiate course substitutions or waiver approval, provide special information regarding coursework and provide counseling in choosing and scheduling major and professional education courses. Students also meet with their faculty advisor to discuss potential employment in their chosen field, explore career alternatives or options as they may relate to their major and find out what publications and organizations relate to their field. Regular consultation with a faculty advisor is an essential aspect of all students' personal academic management and planning. Failure to do so may result in a delay in program completion and graduation.

The College of Education, Health and Human Services views advising as an equal partnership between the students, faculty advisors and academic advisors. Although advisors provide the necessary support and guidance to students throughout a degree program, it is expected that students will take responsibility for the following:

  • Developing Skills and Abilities: Students will develop the skills and abilities necessary to navigate the university structure.
    • Understand the role of the academic advising process in the university experience.
    • Become familiar and comfortable utilizing necessary technology.
    • Check Kent e-mail account on a regular basis.
    • Create and maintain an advising portfolio to organize official documents from the university and assist in assessing progress toward academic goals.
    • Come prepared to advising appointments by bringing advising portfolio so that progress can be assessed and courses for future semesters can be selected.
    • Commit to developing and using effective academic success skills.
    • Develop life management skills, balancing school, work and other responsibilities.
    • Become knowledgeable about the Kent Core and other university requirements, programs, policies and procedures.
    • Be able to accurately read and effectively use a Student Educational Plan (KAPS/DegreeWorks) in educational planning.
    • Interact with faculty both in the classroom and at other university activities.
    • Understand the definition of good academic standing and university honors.
    • Review all requirements for graduation and understand it is their responsibility to meet those requirements as listed for their catalog year.
    • Join the Listserv.
    • Read VOSS website/newsletter.
    • Read and understand course syllabi.
  • Developing Independence: Students will develop independence as demonstrated by making effective decisions regarding their academic careers.
    • Communicate goals, needs, wants and concerns to an advisor in a respectful, professional manner.
    • Schedule appointments with an advisor once each year (once each semester for selective programs) and arrive on time to appointments. Students should call if they are not going to be able to make the appointment. Come prepared with advising portfolio.
    • Inform an advisor of changes in plans and/or circumstances that might impact academic performance.
    • Use campus resources and services to assist in achieving academic, personal and career goals.
    • Follow through when referred to appropriate campus resources and learn to accept help when it is needed.
    • Ask questions if they do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
    • Accept responsibility for decisions and actions.
    • Go to class.
    • Understand the registration process, including knowing their day to register, registering on the assigned day and knowing the withdrawal dates.
    • Make responsible decisions regarding their academic careers.
  • Developing Purpose: Students will develop an understanding of their importance within the university and society.
    • Develop and define major and career goals.
    • Develop an educational plan for successfully achieving their goals.
    • Become an active citizen in the university community.
    • Embrace intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.
    • Understand and value differences in the global society.
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This section is specifically for the following majors:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Earth Science
  • Integrated Business Education
  • Integrated Language Arts
  • Integrated Mathematics
  • Integrated Science
  • Integrated Social Studies
  • Life Science
  • Life Science/Chemistry
  • Middle Childhood Education
  • Physical Education (except Human Movement Studies concentration)
  • Physical Science
  • School Health Education
  • Special Education
  • Trade and Industrial Education

The conceptual framework for the professional education unit at Kent State University is based on the university mission that it prepares students for responsible citizenship and productive careers, broadens intellectual perspectives and fosters ethical and humanitarian values. Student learning is at the center of Kent State's framework for professional education.

Teacher candidates emerge from their programs of study as quality professional educators grounded in the following values and behaviors:

  • In-Depth Content Knowledge
    • Knows and understands discipline-specific content and pedagogy.
    • Places knowledge in a broader context and integrates it with other content areas.
    • Seeks out and uses innovative, content-appropriate teaching methods.
  • Learner-Centered Pedagogy
    • Understands how students learn.
    • Facilitates inquiry-based learning and authentic assessment.
    • Creates a learning environment that helps students build on prior knowledge.
    • Uses technology in an ethical, critical and competent manner as a means to acquire, provide, organize and communicate knowledge.
  • Informed Reflective Practice
    • Draws on research, theory and multiple fields of knowledge for the development of curriculum, pedagogy and educational programs.
    • Employs the iterative process of action, observation and reflection as the basis of improving practice.
    • Uses multiple sources of data to plan, revise and enact curriculum and education programs.
  • Ethical and Culturally Responsive Practices
    • Exemplifies the highest ethical standards of the teaching profession.
    • Values richness of human differences and understands the implications of these differences in a socially stratified society.
    • Adapts assessment, pedagogy and educational programs to individual differences, with particular attention to those differences that reflect social inequalities.
  • Professional Collaboration
    • Understands the role of other professional educators.
    • Demonstrates leadership for educating all children in collaboration with educators, agencies, families and communities.
    • Values and demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development.

During capstone student teaching experiences, teacher candidates are assessed in domains related to the above values and behaviors, specifically in domains of teaching related to content knowledge, implementation of strategies to ensure teaching for learning, establishing effective learning environments and commitment to professional practice. These domains are themselves connected to the strategic directions of Kent State University seeking to:

  • Create innovations in learning.
  • Engage the world.
  • Focus on those we serve.
  • Build and sustain partnerships.

Preparation for work in schools as teachers includes acquiring knowledge, skills and dispositions that will help all students learn. The teacher education program consists of coursework and experiences that promote and assess candidates in these three areas. The conceptual framework provides the basis of a coherent program of studies consisting of coursework and experiences in the following areas: liberal education, subject matter to be taught, professional education and field experiences culminating in student teaching.

Liberal education coursework in arts and sciences constitutes approximately 30 percent of the total program of study. The Kent Core (36-37 semester hours of coursework) is designed to broaden intellectual perspectives, foster ethical and humanitarian values and prepare students for responsible citizenship and productive careers. For teachers, this is important preparation for teaching in a complex, global society.

Teacher candidates focus on coursework in the subject(s) they will teach. The amount and scope of the coursework depends on the grade levels of the licensure and accreditation standards. Subject matter coursework also is aligned with the Ohio Content Standards for kindergarten through 12th-grade students.

Professional education coursework consists of required foundational coursework in educational technology, educational psychology, special education and education in a democratic society. In addition, teacher candidates take methods coursework in the subjects they will teach and complete field experiences with diverse groups of students, culminating in student teaching. Teacher candidates are responsible for arranging their schedules to accommodate the field experience requirements and for providing transportation to and from the school sites.

In accordance with the conceptual framework that explicitly values diversity in teacher preparation, teacher candidates are required to participate in field experiences and clinical practice within the partnership districts. These experiences include working with students with exceptionalities and students from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to, students with ethnic, racial, gender, linguistic and socioeconomic differences. Experiences with diversity are linked to course-related field experiences.

The teacher education programs at Kent State University are fully accredited through the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE).

The following majors lead to the Ohio Provisional License in Adolescence/Young Adult Education in a specific area valid for teaching in grades seven through 12.

  • Earth Science
  • Integrated Language Arts
  • Integrated Mathematics
  • Integrated Science
  • Integrated Social Studies
  • Life Science
  • Life Science/Chemistry
  • Physical Science

Students seeking admission to this program must meet all professional requirements for admission to advanced study. To be admitted to the program, students must display evidence of adequate communication skills; sound content area knowledge (language arts, mathematics, science or social studies); a basic understanding of the teaching profession; a basic understanding of adolescents; and dispositions aligned with the conceptual framework of the College of Education, Health and Human Services, including being open-minded, flexible, caring and responsible. Faculty will select the most qualified applicants based on an interview; letters of recommendation; GPA; Praxis I scores; and performance in English and communication studies coursework. Applicants to the program must have experience working with young adults in a supervisory capacity, such as tutoring, camp counseling, volunteer work or related experience. Students should contact the Vacca Office of Student Services, 304 White Hall, during the first year of study to inquire about the procedures and criteria associated with admission to the adolescence/young adult education program.

Student teaching is offered only during spring semester. Students must work closely with their faculty advisors to position themselves for spring student teaching and to plan proper course sequencing. Students must apply for student teaching a year and a half in advance.

Students in teacher licensure programs and the Community Health Education major must have a minimum 2.75 GPA to progress in their programs and ultimately graduate (some programs may require a higher GPA). Unless other factors are present, students who do not meet the prescribed conditions are required to transfer out of their declared major. An appeal of this decision is directed to the associate dean of undergraduate student services, College of Education, Health and Human Services, 304 White Hall.

Please refer to Academic Probation in the Policies section of this Catalog.

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in Secondary Education (early childhood education): Designed for exceptionally qualified persons who possess at least a baccalaureate in a discipline other than teacher education and seek initial licensure for teaching children age three through grade three. Admission to this 18-month, full-time program is highly selective. Information can be obtained from the early childhood faculty in 404 White Hall, 330-672-2580. The Praxis II is required for licensure. Information can be obtained from www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss.
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in Secondary Education (adolescence/young adult): The holder of a bachelor's degree in an appropriate content area may also receive Adolescence to Young Adult teacher licensure upon selection into and completion of the M.A.T. degree program. This is a full-time program with a minimum of 44-45 hours and is designed to be completed in a summer plus two semesters. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a master's degree and are eligible to apply for teacher licensure. The Praxis II is required for licensure. Information can be obtained from www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss.
  • Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction, concentration in Physical Education Teacher Licensure: Credit hours required for the degree vary from 32 to 40 hours. Students select either a thesis or non-thesis option in the chosen concentration. Students expecting to pursue doctoral study are strongly encouraged to select a thesis option. The Praxis II is required for licensure.

Admission to advanced study is required of all teacher education majors and minors prior to enrolling in upper-division education courses. Please note: Admission to advanced study is not required for students pursuing a major in Educational Studies, Community Health Education, Speech Pathology and Audiology or Trade and Industrial Education, or the concentration Educational Interpreter in the Special Education major. For the Trade and Industrial Education major, this applies only to those who obtained initial licensure through the Route B Education Licensure Program [teachers recruited from business and industry]). For information on requirements for the Educational Interpreter concentration in the Special Education major, see the next section.

Briefly, the professional requirements consist of the following items:

  • College Writing: Students are required to attain minimum C (2.00) grade in each freshman writing course (Integrated Language Arts majors must attain minimum B [3.00] grade).
  • Mathematics: The following courses must be completed with minimum C (2.00) grade for the majors Early Childhood Education, Middle Childhood Education and Special Education (except Educational Interpreting concentration):
    • MATH 14001 Basic Mathematical Concepts I
    • MATH 14002 Basic Mathematical Concepts II
  • Pre-Advanced Study Coursework: To be eligible for advanced study, students must earn a minimum C (2.00) grade in CULT 29535 Education in a Democratic Society and minimum C (2.00) grade in one of the following courses (please note that a minimum C grade must be earned in all of the four courses for teacher licensure programs; also see note below ):
    • EPSY 29525 Educational Psychology (course not required in the Educational Interpreter concentration in the Special Education major)
    • ITEC 19525 Educational Technology
    • SPED 23000 Introduction to Exceptionalities
  • Grade Point Average: All students must show evidence of a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA with conditions for the following majors:
    • Adolescence/Young Adult Programs: A minimum 2.60 GPA in the chosen adolescence/young adult content area is required for admission to advanced study, student teaching and graduation. A minimum C (2.00) grade is required in each course within the content area. The following majors are affected: Earth Science, Integrated Language Arts, Integrated Mathematics, Integrated Science, Integrated Social Studies, Life Science, Life Science/Chemistry and Physical Science. This requirement is effective for students entering an adolescence/young adult program as of fall semester 1995.
    • Special Education (exception Educational Interpreter concentration): A minimum 3.00 GPA in the professional coursework is required for admission to advanced study, student teaching and graduation.
    • Education Minor: Students in a program eligible to declare the Education minor must achieve a certain minimum GPA in their content area to declare the Education minor, be admitted to advanced study, participate in student teaching and be recommended for licensure. The following majors require a minimum 2.75 content GPA for the preceding activities: Art Education, Music Education, Dance (Dance Education concentration), Technology (Technology Licensure concentration) and various foreign language majors. Students in the Art Education major must achieve a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.
  • Faculty Advisor: Each student must have a faculty advisor assigned in the appropriate program area.
  • Advising Sheet: All College of Education, Health and Human Services students must have an advising sheet on file in 304 White Hall during the freshman year. The advising sheet is a formal evaluation of the student's progress toward a degree program. This may be accomplished by appointment with an academic advisor or by requesting an advising sheet by mail. The request form can be accessed through the Vacca Office of Student Services' website at www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss.
  • Professional Education Agreements: The College of Education, Health and Human Services, under the auspices of the Ohio Department of Education (Ohio Revised Code Section 3319.31), requires affirmation of the moral character of its students. Students are required to electronically sign all four professional education statements at www.ehhs.kent.edu/stuportal. Falsification of information is grounds for dismissal and non-licensure.
  • Standardized Testing: All teacher education majors and minors (exception, the Educational Interpreting concentration within Special Education major) are required to demonstrate basic competencies in reading, writing and mathematics before progressing in a degree program. Students are required to take the Praxis I if they have not adequately demonstrated the competencies through the ACT, SAT and/or COMPASS exams. Students may take the written or computer-based version of Praxis I. Information regarding Praxis I is available in the Vacca Office of Student Services, 304 White Hall, in the student services offices of the Regional Campuses and at www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss. Students must have all passing standardized test scores on file in 304 White Hall prior to submission of application for admission to advanced study. The specific competencies are listed below (note: the COMPASS placement test, administered to all incoming first-year students during the Destination Kent State: Advising and Registration program, is taken solely for placement into freshman-level courses and cannot be taken for any other purpose):
    • Reading: minimum 26 ACT reading score or 620 SAT verbal score or 93 COMPASS reading score or 174 Praxis I reading score.
    • Writing: minimum 25 ACT English score or 92 COMPASS writing score or 172 Praxis I writing score (
    • Mathematics: minimum 25 ACT mathematics score or 620 SAT mathematics score or 174 Praxis I mathematics score

Note: Early Childhood Education and Middle Childhood Education majors are required to complete additional pre-advanced study courses with specified minimum grades.

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Official advising sheet on file in 304 White Hall, This is accomplished by appointment with a professional advisor or through a written request form obtained from www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss
  • Meeting with faculty advisor
  • Signed professional education agreement
  • Minimum C grade in the following courses
    • CULT 29535 Education in a Democratic Society
    • ENG 11011 College Writing I (or ENG 10001 or HONR 10197)
    • ENG 21011 College Writing II (or ENG 10002 or HONR 10297)
    • ITEC 19525 Educational Technology
    • SPED 19201 American Sign Language I (or ASL 19201)
    • SPED 19202 American Sign Language II (or ASL 19202)

Upon completion of 30-60 hours of coursework, students should have satisfied the prerequisites for admission to advanced study. Students must complete an application for advanced study and submit it to 304 White Hall by the second Friday of the term during which all prerequisites for advanced study will be completed. The application must be submitted at least one semester before the term you plan to start upper-division professional coursework. Applications are available at www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss. Students in teacher education majors and minors must be officially admitted to advanced study to take upper-division professional coursework.

To manage enrollment and deliver high-quality programs, the faculty will select the most qualified applicants for admission based upon evaluation of standardized test scores, academic success (cumulative GPA) at Kent State and other specific program criteria. The following programs are considered selective:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Earth Science
  • Integrated Language Arts
  • Integrated Mathematics
  • Integrated Science
  • Integrated Social Studies
  • Life Science
  • Life Science/Chemistry
  • Middle Childhood Education
  • Physical Science

For field experience, student teaching and any culminating internship in teacher education that requires candidates to be placed within a school or agency ("school/agency") setting, the college requires candidates to complete Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check and submit the results to authorized personnel at their assigned school/agency before the beginning of the field experience or the first day of the semester in which the student teaching/internship will take place. Authorized school/agency personnel will determine whether a candidate may participate in fieldwork in that setting. The BCII and FBI background checks are good for one year and are mandatory for licensure application. Electronic fingerprinting is available for BCII and FBI in 221 White Hall and should be completed at least two months prior to field experience/student teaching/culminating internship. Regional campus students should contact their Regional Campus coordinator to identify fingerprinting availability at each campus. Candidates are responsible for fees incurred for this requirement. For more information on this policy, contact the director of clinical field experience in 304 White Hall. Visit the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) website at http://ode.state.oh.us for more information about background check requirements for educators in Ohio. Contact the Office of Professional Conduct at the ODE for specific information about the results of the background check.

Students who do not satisfactorily complete 12 semester hours at Kent State University in two calendar years must satisfy the requirements of the most recent Catalog. Please be aware that selective admission programs may require reapplication if postponing advanced study coursework or if withdrawn for one year or more.

Professional dispositions are values, commitments and professional ethics that influence behavior toward students, families, colleagues and communities. Learning to become a professional is far more complex than merely completing a sequence of college courses. A major component of professional teacher education (in both the Kent State classroom and field-based setting), thus, includes the development of professionalism, personal qualities and work ethic.

Professionalism refers to a commitment to working with a diversity of children, youth and their families in appropriate ways to foster student learning. Professionalism includes treating others fairly and respectfully. It means being open to a variety of learning situations, maintaining confidentiality, aspiring to high ethical standards and making professional judgments that are grounded in research-based theory and practice. It means projecting an appearance and demeanor appropriate to professional settings while in those settings.

Personal qualities related to professionalism include approaching situations with a sense of inquiry, seeking leadership opportunities in the classroom, accepting responsibility, using discretion in self-disclosure, actively engaging with others to promote learning and being willing to work with a diversity of learners. It also means the ability to work collegially with others. Work ethic is evidenced by attendance, punctuality, timely completion of work and observance of policies and procedures.

The College of Education, Health and Human Services has developed a process by which teacher candidates receive regular feedback on their dispositions and an opportunity to show growth in areas that are considered important to teaching. Assessment of student professionalism will be used in making decisions about student progress throughout a teacher education program, including admission to advanced study and student teaching, completion of student teaching and recommendation for licensure.

Procedures have been established so that students who wish to appeal an academic decision may do so. Any formal appeal must be initiated in writing through the appropriate department chairperson or school director. If satisfaction is not obtained at the department or school level, appeals are reviewed by the associate dean for undergraduate student services. For more information, please see policy number 3342-8-06 of the University Policy Register (administrative policy and procedures for student complaints). The Kent State University ombuds is available to students who wish to obtain further information regarding academic appeals procedures. The Office of the Ombuds is located in 250 Kent Student Center, 330-672-9494.

It is critical that all teacher candidates apply for student teaching online at www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss by the deadlines established by the Vacca Office of Student Services. Intent to apply for student teaching must be completed one full year before student teaching is anticipated. For fall candidates, the deadline is the second Friday of the fall semester; for spring candidates, deadline is the sixth Friday of the spring semester. Adolescent/Young Adult programs must apply a year and a half in advance; the deadline is the second Friday of the fall semester. Adolescent/Young Adult student teaching is a full-year internship, including a fall practicum and spring student teaching.

Deadlines for applications must be observed carefully, or student teaching will be delayed a semester or year, depending on the program area. Any questions about specific program requirements should be referred to candidates' faculty advisors and/or advisors in 304 White Hall.

Once the application is submitted online, all coursework, GPA, disposition standards and other criteria as specified by the program area and college are reviewed for candidate eligibility for student teaching. Please refer to program course requirement sheets for specific GPA and other program requirements. For clarification, see faculty advisors and/or advisors in 304 White Hall. After receiving written notification of tentative eligibility for student teaching, teacher candidates must attend one mandatory meeting to discuss additional student teaching information and necessary materials. The teacher candidate placement forms must be returned on or before the announced deadline. Failure to attend the mandatory meeting may result in a delay of student teaching.

The decision concerning placement sites for teacher candidates is the responsibility of the Vacca Office of Student Services. Placements are generally made within a 50-mile radius of the Kent Campus. Some placements are available in the regional campus areas. All teacher candidates are responsible for their own housing and transportation. In addition, student teaching requires that all teacher candidates follow the cooperating teachers' schedules and devote full-time effort to this final experience in their teacher education program.

To become licensed in the state of Ohio, students must successfully complete the required portions of the Praxis II Examinations. For specific testing requirements for each program area, see www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss. These include the test of Principles of Learning and Teaching and appropriate specialty area test(s). Minimum cutoff scores have been established by the Ohio Department of Education and must be achieved for Kent State University to recommend students for licensure. The Praxis II exams are offered several times each year on the Kent Campus. Students may also arrange to take the exams at any other authorized testing site and have their scores sent to the Kent Campus, Vacca Office of Student Services. Registration must be completed five weeks prior to the test date. Information about testing requirements, test dates, fees and locations can be obtained from the Vacca Office of Student Services and at www.kent.edu/ehhs/services/voss, or from Educational Testing Services at www.ets.org/praxis. There is a substantial fee for the Praxis II tests. It is suggested that when applying for financial aid, these costs be included in estimated educational expenses. It is very important that students prepare in advance for these tests. Sample question guides (Tests at a Glance) are available on the Educational Testing Services website. Additional guides for some tests can be purchased through Educational Testing Services.

Provided satisfactory scores have been achieved on the Praxis II Examinations, graduates of teacher education programs are eligible for recommendation for the appropriate Ohio license. All individuals applying for initial licensure will also be required to complete a fingerprint check with the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) and an FBI record check. Electronic fingerprinting is available for BCII and FBI in 221 White Hall. Recommendation for licensure by the College of Education, Health and Human Services and clearance of record checks by BCII and FBI will result in the issuance of the appropriate license through the Ohio Department of Education.

It is recommended that students obtain a licensure packet prior to student teaching in 304 White Hall and return it there one month prior to graduation with the appropriate fee. Fingerprints should be on file with BCII and FBI and are good for one year. Teaching licenses will not be processed by the Ohio Department of Education in Columbus until students have successfully completed the Praxis II Examinations and have been cleared for graduation. Once the licenses have been processed in Columbus, including the record check by BCII and FBI, they will be forwarded immediately to the recipients, approximately four to six weeks after being processed by 304 White Hall. If documentation is requested by a school system prior to students' receipt of the teaching license, a letter of completion will be issued by the Vacca Office of Student Services, 304 White Hall.

  • Athletic Training: Successful completion results in eligibility for certification by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (BOC) and licensure in the state of Ohio by the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers' Board.
  • Human Development and Family Studies (Gerontology concentration): Completion results in certification by the Kent State University Gerontology Center.
  • Nutrition: Affiliate membership in the American Dietetic Association is available to students who chose this program to become a registered dietician.
  • Speech-Pathology and Audiology: Meets the professional certification requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the licensure requirements of the State of Ohio Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology and the Ohio Department of Education (pupil services licensure).

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See the Policies section in this Catalog for university graduation guidelines, requirements and procedures.

Teacher licensure program majors and minors must earn a minimum C (2.00) grade in all professional coursework. All education majors must have a minimum C (2.00) grade in all major/concentration coursework. A minimum 2.75 content GPA is required for all education minors. No more than 4 semester credit hours in physical education basic (PEB) activity courses are permitted toward graduation.
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  • AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL): To provide a supportive signing environment and encourage the understanding of the culture and values of the deaf community.
  • ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN EDUCATION (AISE): Promotes intercultural communication, awareness and understanding among international and American students, faculty and staff through educational, cultural and social activities.
  • CLUB MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (CMAA): Provides a format for students interested in clubs to meet and interact.
  • DELTA PSI KAPPA: National honorary fraternity for majors in physical education and recreation.
  • GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA (GSA): To provide students with opportunities to network with professionals in the field of gerontology and be involved in community service.
  • GOLDEN KEY NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: Recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence in all undergraduate fields of study.
  • HUMAN SERVICE MANAGEMENT STUDENT ASSOCIATION: Membership is open to all students interested in careers in the field of nonprofit human service.
  • ICE CARVING CLUB: Membership is open to all students interested in developing their ice carving talents regardless of their current skill level.
  • KAPPA OMICRON NU: Students with grade point averages of 3.00 or above are invited to join this national honor society for students in family and consumer sciences.
  • KENT STUDENT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (KSEA): Student chapter of the National Education Association. Focuses on teacher quality, community service and political involvement.
  • NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION (NAME): Brings together individuals and groups with an interest in multicultural education from all levels of education, different academic disciplines and from diverse educational institutions and occupations.
  • PHI EPSILON KAPPA: National honorary fraternity for men and women in physical education and recreation.
  • PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLUB: Student organization to promote professional and social interaction in the field of physical education.
  • RHO PHI LAMBDA: National honorary fraternity in recreation.
  • SELS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION: Organization to encourage academic, professional and social interaction among the graduates of the School of Exercise, Leisure and Sport. Chartered by the Kent State Alumni Association.
  • SIGMA PHI OMEGA (SPO): The national academic honor and professional society in gerontology.
  • SPORT, EVENT and RECREATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (SERMA): To encourage the academic, social and professional development among the students of the sports and recreation management programs at Kent State University.
  • STUDENT DIETETIC ASSOCIATION: Promotes networking with professionals in the field of nutrition and involvement in community service. Students participate in activities such as delivery of meals for Mobile Meals and food drives.
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