FAQ Answers

Campus Life

How do I get a parking pass?

Parking is not complimentary for Kent State University full-time or part-time instructors. You must purchase a parking permit from Kent State University Parking Services each semester that you teach. Please contact Kent State's Parking Services Division at 330-672-4432 or purchase your permit online at http://www.kent.edu/parking/.

Where can I find information about the Kent community?

Information about the community is available at http://www.kentohio.net/

Is there an online portal for Kent State?  What can I do through it?

FlashLine

FlashLine is the University's Web portal, which can be used to check your university e-mail account and to access FlashFAST, among other things. Click on "My Courses" to get a list of the classes you are teaching, or use FlashLine to link to the university's course management system, Blackboard Vista 8.  FlashLine also includes "Policy Quick Links" for fast access to university policies on cheating, student conduct, and student academic complaints. For more information, including online tutorials and downloadable brochures, visit http://www.kent.edu/flashline. To verify your user I.D. and password, call the Helpdesk at 330-672-4357.

How often will I get paid?  How do I set up direct deposit?

Payroll

Instructors are paid twice monthly—once on the 15th of the month, and once on the last day of the month.  Direct deposit is available, and the guidelines for setting this up are on the payroll website, in addition to other information about taxation, non-resident aliens, payroll schedules, and more.

What if I lose my computer password or have computer issues?

Helpdesk 

The Information Services Helpdesk at Kent State University can assist you with a variety of computer-related problems. The office is located on the first floor of the library, and they can be reached at 330-672-HELP or by visiting their webpage. 

Helpdesk services are available 24/7 all year, including holidays.

Topics that are commonly dealt with include the following: 

• Password re-sets
• Computer problems
• Assistance using Blackboard Vista 8
• FlashFAST Faculty and Advisor Tools
• Virus assistance
• Assistance finding campus phone numbers
• FlashLine

How do I get my personal or university-provided computer set-up?

Resources and contact information can be found through Information Services:  http://www.kent.edu/is/index.cfm.

What recreational and wellness services are available?

Part-time and full-time faculty members are eligible to receive a discounted rate on membership with the Student Recreation and Wellness Center on the Kent campus. Find out more about Recreational Services at http://www.kent.edu/recservices/index.cfm.  You can get specific information about faculty-staff memberships by visiting http://www.kent.edu/recservices/memberships/facstaff.cfm.

Do I need an ID card? / What is a "FLASHcard"?

The FLASHcard is a university I.D. that doubles as a meal card and debit card. With a FLASHcard, you will receive a 15% discount at the Bookstore and can check out books at the library. The FLASHcard office is located on the first floor of the Kent Student Center next to Huntington Bank: www.­kent.­edu/­flashcard.  To obtain a FLASHcard, you must fill out a FLASHcard application (available online) and have your picture taken.

Can my spouse, kids, or I take classes at Kent?  Is there a cost?

Tuition Fee Waivers are available to full-time faculty members at Kent State University—you are eligible to have all general and instructional fees waived for yourself, your spouse, and eligible dependent unmarried children. However, you must have completed a minimum of one semester or its equivalent of 120 days as a full-time employee. Part-time instructors are eligible to have up to four credit hours worth of tuition fees waived only for themselves. The waiver must be used, however, either during the semester of teaching or the semester immediately following.

To take advantage of this benefit, you must complete the tuition benefit request form found online:  

1. Log into FlashLine from the Kent State home page:  http://www.kent.edu.
2. If you do not know your log in and password, the Helpdesk will assist you: 330-672-HELP.
3. Once you are in FlashLine, click on "My Action Items."
4. Under the heading called "Workflow," click on "Tuition Waiver Benefit Request."
5. Fill in all the fields.
6. Pay attention to the drop down menus, and be sure to select the appropriate year for the box asking which semester/year you plan to take classes.
7. Print a copy of the screen for your records.
8. You will get a receipt (via e-mail) with your workflow #. Keep this form until your tuition fee waiver is processed.

For additional information about tuition waivers and employee benefits in general, visit the Division of Human Resources website. For even more specific information, try this link.

Who do I contact if I have insurance questions?

Insurance questions are handled by the benefits department in human resources, which can be reached by calling (330) 672-3107.

Who do I contact if I have tax questions?

For tax questions, contact Human Resources by calling (330) 672-2100 or visit their website at http://www.kent.edu/hr/index.cfm.

How do I join the faculty union?

The KSU chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) serves as the faculty union.  Information about joining is available on the chapter's website at http://www.aaupksu.org/index.php. 

How do I find out who my union rep is?

This information is also available on the AAUP website, http://www.aaupksu.org/index.php.

What does the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) do?

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) offers an array of resources that provide opportunities for leadership and participation in student-initiated projects and organizations: http://dept.kent.edu/csi/

How many student organizations are there?

Over 200

Why should I refer students to the Center for Student Involvement?

CSI provides opportunities for students to connect their classroom learning and their out-of-class experiences. Attendance at speakers and cultural events could possibly be extra credit for your classes. Involvement provide opportunities for skill development that employers are looking for in combinations with a students' academic work.

What does the Sponsored Programs Office do?

The Sponsored Programs Office assists the Kent State University community in identifying and acquiring funding from outside sources for research, instructional, and public service programs. The office also authorizes and oversees administration of all sponsored projects, grants, contracts, and other agreements from government agencies, private industry, and non-profit funding agencies: http://www.kent.edu/research/sponsoredprograms/faqs.cfm

Where can I go for more information about Academic Advising? 

http://www.kent.edu/advising/index.cfm

How does a student schedule an advising appointment with a professional advisor?

http://www.kent.edu/advising/offices/index.cfm

Where can I go for more information about Professional Development opportunities that relate to academic advising? 

http://www.kent.edu/academics/resources/kasada/

Where can I learn about the Career Services Center?

http://www.kent.edu/career/index.cfm

What do I need to know about Residence Services? 

 

Who do I contact if one of my students is having trouble with his/her roommate or has a housing related concern that is affecting his/her ability to focus on his/her studies?

If you know which residence hall the student lives in, the most appropriate person to contact is the Residence Hall Director (RHD) of the hall in which the student resides.  If you do not know where the student lives, please contact Joel Bynum,  Coordinator of Academic Partnerships and Initiatives, who will discuss the situation with you and then share the information with the building RHD for follow-up.  The Residence Services staff directory is located on-line at: http://cmsprod.uis.kent.edu/about/administration/EMSA/Housing/departmentalinformation/

How does living in the residence halls at Kent State University help support student success?

Students who live on-campus do better academically and are more likely to persist. The following links provide information on the 'value added' of living in university residence halls. 

• http://www.kent.edu/housing/halls/benefits.cfm

• http://www.kent.edu/housing/communities

• http://www.kent.edu/housing/prospectiveresidents/startsmart

How much does it cost to live on-campus and what amenities are provided?

KSU has 25 residence halls offering a variety of amenities and room types. Information about on-campus housing facilities can be found at the links listed below:

• http://www.kent.edu/housing/halls/rates.cfm
• http://www.kent.edu/housing/halls
• http://cmsprod.uis.kent.edu/about/administration/EMSA/Housing/halls/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=2028957

Where can I find out about global traveling policies that affect me?

Traveling today requires specific documentation that takes time to acquire and those requirements can change regularly. These web sites below will help you get started with the most current information.

• http://www.kent.edu/ehhs/ciie/travel/index.cfm
• http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10500
• http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/eng_map.html
• http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html

What is a global perspective?

Sign up for any of our Student Development Workshops. Spring 2011 features a globalization series, "Globalizing Learning for Success." Explore your world . . . our world. Attend one or all three! These workshops will contribute to your teaching and research experiences.

• Expand your global awareness in Meet the Neighbors.
• Apply what Kent State is doing to internationalize the curriculum to your teaching and learning in Globalization at KSU.
• Are you interested in how to collaborate internationally? Learn about resources and technology that you can use today in Globalizing Collaboration.

Click here to register for one or all of these FREE events: http://tinyurl.com/gradreg

How do I find out about studying abroad?

Studying abroad is an enriching experience and is the high point of many students academic career. Alumni tell us that the experiences gained through study abroad opportunities have impacted their lives in profound ways. Kent State University has many opportunities to for you to participate in a study abroad program. Kent State also has relationships with colleges and universities throughout the world including India, Italy, China and Switzerland and additionally with Saudi Arabia, Russia, Japan, Cuba and Turkey. 

Click here for detailed information about programs and financing:

• http://www.kent.edu/oia/studyabroad/index.cfm
• http://www.kent.edu/about/centersinstitutes/InternationalInterculturalEducation.cfm
• http://www.kent.edu/ehhs/ciie/index.cfm
• http://www.kent.edu/academics/graduatestudies/gss/intergrant.cfm

 

 

Learning & Teaching

What are our guiding documents in Academic Affairs?

Undergraduate Philosophy Statement    Academic Affairs Strategic Vision    Academic Affairs Strategy Map

What do I need to know about grading policies at Kent State?

Grading and Administrative Marks

You will be required to use FlashFAST to submit grades. FlashFAST gives you the latest university policies and guidelines for grading as well as deadlines for submitting grades.

Student proficiency in coursework is recorded by letter grades.

A (4.0)  Denotes excellent scholarship
A- (3.7) 
B+ (3.3) 
B (3.0)  Denotes good performance
B- (2.7) 
C+ (2.3) 
C (2.0)  Denotes fair or average performance
C- (1.7) 
D+ (1.3)
D (1.0)  Denotes poor (unsatisfactory but passing) performance
F (0)  Denotes failure

Note:  Kent State University does not allow an A+ or D-, a policy that is common among institutions that use plus (+) / minus (-) grading scales.

IN (Incomplete) Grades 

• A grade of "IN"  can be assigned only if circumstances during the last three weeks of class (or for a workshop, during the period by which the workshop requirements are to be completed) make it impossible for a student to complete course or workshop requirements. The instructor is responsible for assessing and documenting the student's description of such circumstances.

• A grade of "IN"  can be assigned only if the student's progress is satisfactory. Graduate students must have a "C" (2.0) or better in the class in which they are requesting the incomplete, while undergraduates must be passing the course. An "IN" is never to be used to give a student an opportunity to make up for poor performance.

• A grade of "IN"  must be accompanied by a contract signed by the student and the instructor. The contract must very explicitly state the course or workshop requirements to be completed, the deadline for completion, and the consequences of failure to meet the deadline. The maximum deadline for completion differs for graduate students and undergraduate students:  graduate students have a year to complete the incomplete course work, whereas undergraduates have one semester. However, while the university policy is set for a maximum for one semester for undergraduate students and one calendar year for graduate students, the instructor has the right to set earlier deadlines, based on circumstances and other considerations.

• The university now mandates that a grade be automatically recorded should a student not complete the course or workshop requirements. The grade will automatically defer to the default grade assessed by the instructor at the time that the "IN" was taken, typically for incomplete work, a "C"  (2.0), "D" (1.0), "F" (0.0), or "U" (depending on the grade options of the course or workshop). If the default grade is not submitted by the instructor, the University will assign a default grade of "F" if the work is not completed by the student. Contract forms are available in the School offices

• The instructor is responsible for monitoring progress toward completion of requirements and for completing the grade change form.

 
NF / SF Grades

Courses:

The NF (Never Attended -- F) (0.0) course grade is issued to students who never appear or "never attend"  any class session for that course and who never withdraw from the course. The NF grade counts as an F in computing grade point averages.

The SF (Stopped Attending -- F) (0.0) course grade is issued to students who stopped attending the course and did not formally withdraw. The SF grade counts as an F in computing grade point averages.

Grade Submission Deadlines 

Please visit the Web site of the Office of the University Registrar to find out when you can begin to use FlashFast to enter the final grades for your class(es): http://www.registrars.kent.edu/home/CLASSES/sessdatesrch.cfm 

This page on the Registrar's site, "Processing Dates for Classes," will ask you to enter the five-digit call number for your class, the subject area, the five-digit course number, and the three-digit section number. All of this information can also be found on Course Schedules and on your class roster.  After you enter the required information, click on "Search," and you will be shown dates for when your grading session begins and ends.

What do I need to know about student privacy (aka FERPA) and where can I keep up-to-date on FERPA guidelines?

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law created to protect the privacy of student education records. This law governs the dissemination of student record information, and it applies to all colleges and universities, such as Kent State, that receive federal funding. Schools must have written permission from a student to release any information from a student's record. To avoid a FERPA violation, instructors should adhere to the following guidelines: 

• Do not release any personally identifiable student information or student records without student consent. This includes records in any format: handwritten, print, computer, videotape, audiotape, film, e-mail, etc.
• Do not post grades in such a way that the student may be identified (ex. Do not use social security numbers or students' last names when posting grades)
• Do not release student information to a parent or spouse, even though they may claim to be paying the student's tuition
• Use only the last four digits of a student's social security number in e-mail messages and on documents being sent external to Kent State University (letters, faxes, etc.)
• Familiarize yourself with FERPA guidelines: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Am I required to keep office hours?

Office and Office Hours  

You will be required to devote one hour to office hours for each course that you teach. Try to schedule your office hours either before or after your class time to allow the most students to see you. Some instructors schedule a half hour before class and a half hour after class. Other instructors substitute the second half hour with an "electronic" office hour. This means the instructor is available online at a given time. Ideally, it is best to be available in person to your students. However, the combination of in-person and online office hours works for many instructors.

Does Kent have guidelines on writing syllabi?

Syllabus

Your course syllabus is a contractual agreement between you and your students that outlines course objectives, grading policies, assignments, etc. Your department may require you to turn in a copy of your syllabus to be put on file prior to start of the semester. Additionally, you are responsible for making copies of your syllabus for distribution in class, but you should consider electronic alternatives to making hard copies, such as emailing your syllabus to students prior to the start of the semester or posting it on your Blackboard Vista 8 course page.  Should you still elect to make hard copies of your syllabus, it is recommended that you check with your department ahead of time to see what their copying policy is—you may be required to make the copies far in advance either as part of a policy or in order to beat the last-minute rush.

Your syllabus should include a course description and a tentative course calendar. If you know in advance that you will miss a class, please include this information on your course syllabus and tentative course calendar, and be sure to provide an alternate, educational experience or activity for your students for that class session.  Your syllabus should indicate student responsibilities and instructor policies as well as the following information:

• Course catalog number and title
• Course description
• Course objectives
• Instructor's office hours and office phone number 
• Required texts and materials
• Course requirements
• Attendance policy
• Policy on late or make-up work
• Requirements for class participation
• Grading policy

Special notes:

• Technological competencies
• Students with disabilities
• Policy on incomplete grades
• Cheating and plagiarism

To inform students and protect faculty, the syllabus should be as detailed as possible.

Where can I make copies for class?

KSU's Campus Copy Connection, located on the third floor of the Library in room 330, provides print services and solutions, including course packet printing and much more.  They will even help you secure copyright permissions in order to avoid copyright law violation.  Find out more on Campus Copy Connection's website.

Where can I find information about my courses, including rosters, links to post midterm and final grades, and other helpful information?

FlashFAST

FlashFAST, available by logging in to your FlashLine account and clicking the "Faculty & Advisor Tools" tab, is where you'll find the full Faculty Menu.  Simply click on the word "FlashFAST" in the Faculty Advisor Toolbox that comes up when you click the Faculty & Advisor Tools tab, then click "Faculty Menus." Here you'll find useful information, including your summary and detailed roster(s), links for midterm and final grade entry, and much more.

Where do I learn about the tenure process at Kent?

The Provost's office provides some information about the tenure review process on its website, available by clicking here.

How can I encourage my students to do research?

Check out the University Research Council at http://www.kent.edu/research/committees/urc.cfm for information about programs that help with funding and more for research projects with which students assist professors or take the lead themselves.

How can I improve my teaching?

Check out the wide variety of workshops, events, and discussions put on by Kent State's Faculty Professional Development Center (FPDC).  You will also find opportunities through the University Teaching Council (UTC), a partner of the FPDC, at http://dept.kent.edu/utc/.  The UTC supports teaching and curriculum development to engage faculty and students in the learning process and provide excellence in scholarship.

Where can I get information about the library and its resources for faculty?  Resources for students?

The library at Kent State boasts a comprehensive website (available at http://www.library.kent.edu) with plenty of information about its wide variety of resources; from course reserves to online tutorials to help students learn how to use software technology, the library website has you covered.

You can find information about library services, including course reserves and other faculty services here: http://www.library.kent.edu/page/13983.

How can I learn about using technology in my classes?

Kent State's Faculty Professional Development Center (FPDC) can help with both the pedagogical concerns about using technology in class and the practical how-to.  The FPDC offers both workshops and individual or group consultations.  Additional help may be available from Information Services at http://www.kent.edu/is/index.cfm.

What "Course Management" system does Kent State use? How do I learn more?

Kent State currently uses Blackboard Vista 8.  Further information can be found at Kent's e-learning home, http://elearning.kent.edu/, including information on training sessions.  Additional training and consultations can be arranged through Kent State's Faculty Professional Development Center (FPDC).

What is AQIP?

AQIP stands for Academic Quality Improvement Project.  Every college or university participating in AQIP is required to create and maintain0 a Systems Portfolio—a concise description of the organization's fundamental systems for getting its work done and its goals accomplished.  To find out more, visit http://www.kent.edu/aqip/.

What does the Writing Commons do?

The Kent State University Writing Commons helps students at any level  -- from first year students to doctoral candidates --  with any writing projects they have,  in any course, in any program.  We help with all parts of the composing and revising process -- from understanding assignments and getting started, to organizing ideas, to editing and more.  Our tutoring sessions last up to 45 minutes, and we can also work with students online , through e-mail and chat.

Are the tutors able to help my students in courses other than first-year composition?

Our tutors come from all programs in the university because all educated professionals write as part of their work.

Will the tutors do my students' work for them?

Our tutors will never do the work for students, nor will we edit their material for them.  Instead, we will coach them and support them as they learn to do the work themselves.  Over time, students who use the Writing Commons can develop into the confident writers we all want them to become.

Where can I find the organizational structure of Kent State?

The academic structure of Kent State University is available on the website of the President at http://www.kent.edu/president/organizational-chart.cfm.  There you'll find additional information about the administrative structure of the university.  

Where can I find information about Kent State's regional campuses?

Information about Kent State's regional campuses is available on the university website at http://www.kent.edu/Campuses/.

What if my students need help?

The university provides a wide range of services to help students while they're here. These include the Academic Success Center, Accessibility Services, Adult Students Center, Psychological Services, University Counseling, and the Writing Center.

How do I get/borrow tech equipment?

If you are teaching at the Kent campus, you must call AV Services at 330-672-3456 to reserve videos and AV materials. All AV materials will be checked out in your name, not in the name of the department. Videos circulate on KentLINK and OhioLINK, so please order materials early for classroom use. All materials are searchable by title, subject, keyword, and material type through KentLINK, and bookings may be placed on these materials. Twenty-four hours notice is needed for delivery of equipment orders.

More info is available on the AV Services website at: http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10398.

How do I set up my class roster?

You are responsible for accessing and printing your class roster prior to the start of your class using FlashFAST, which you can access by logging into FlashLine at http://flashline.kent.edu.  Only those students whose names appear on your roster can remain in the class. If students whose names are not on your roster wish to take your class or workshop, please refer them immediately to the Office of the University Registrar (108 Michael Schwartz Center / 330-672-3131).

What do I need to know about copyright issues? How can I learn more?

It is the faculty member's responsibility to obtain copyright permission for materials to be copied for classroom use.  If you intend to use a course packet, Campus Copy Connection can help you secure permissions.  Alternately, if you intend to place print or electronic materials on reserve, KSU Reserve Services can help with issues regarding copyright.

Reserve Services:  http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10241

How do I know if students dropped my class?

Regularly consult FlashFAST (available through FlashLine at http://flashline.kent.edu) for access to your class roster(s), including student information and your class schedule with enrollment information. This service will allow you to see if your class has been filled. The school reserves the right to cancel any course or workshop that lacks adequate enrollment.

How does Kent handle course evaluations?

During the last week of your class (prior to the final exam) and on the last day of your workshop, your students will be required to complete an evaluation form which measures their perception of your teaching performance as well as the organization of your course, the workload, and the success of the course in meeting its objectives. All instructors will be provided with evaluation forms and pencils. In general, a student should distribute evaluation forms and pencils; the instructor is not to be present in the classroom when students are completing the evaluation forms.

When are the deadlines to submit grades?

Please visit the Web site of the Office of the University Registrar at http://www.registrars.kent.edu/home/CLASSES/sessdatesrch.cfm to find out when you can begin to use FlashFAST to enter the final grades for your class(es).  On the site, you will be asked to enter the five-digit call number for your class, the subject area, the five-digit course number, and the three-digit section number. All of this information can also be found on your course schedules and on your class roster.  After you enter the required information, click on "search" and you will be shown dates for when your grading session begins and ends.  If you are teaching a flexibly-scheduled course that meets for only seven, eight, or ten weeks, you will be able to enter final course grades for your students as soon as your course ends.

How can I familiarize myself with "Kent Speak"?

You can learn all about "Kent Speak," that is, Kent-specific lingo, on the Destination Kent State web page here: http://www.kent.edu/destination/welcome/kent-state-speak.cfm.

What resources are available for faculty teaching distance courses such as online courses?

Kent State University proudly offers assistance to faculty teaching distance courses through both the Faculty Professional Development Center (FPDC) and the Office of Continuing and Distance Education.  For more information about the Office of Continuing and Distance Education, have a look at the short video below.

How can I incorporate experiential education and/or community service into my courses? What resources are available for such an undertaking?

The Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement (OEECE), housed administratively under Quality Initiatives and Curriculum, exists to assist faculty with incorporating community service and involvement into their courses.  For more information, you can view the OEECE video, Experiencing the Experiential, below.

 

How do I get to the Vista8 or e-Learning homepage?

http://elearning.kent.edu/

Where can I find tutorials on how to use Vista8 or e-Learning?

Tutorials and PDF documents for aid in learning how to use Vista8 or e-Learning are available here.

How do I reserve classroom media technology?

In order to reserve media technology for the classroom, you will need to contact Multimedia services on the third floor of the Kent State Library. You can also call (330) 672-3456 to reserve equipment for your classroom.

Where can I learn about making conference posters?

A step by step process and templates to make a conference poster can be viewed here.

How do I find and use the KSUDropbox provided by the University?

A step by step process on controlling a KSUDropbox for your class can be viewed here. There are no limits to how much the Dropbox can store; however, uploading documents over 100 MB should be done on-campus to avoid technical difficulties on the users end.

How can I create a better PowerPoint presentation?

There are many different links and resources that can help better a PowerPoint presentation.  The link provided gives many different resources and ideas that help eliminate dull presentations and give tips to better them and make your presentation more engaging. View the link.