Times of change and transition can bring a mix of emotions—especially when they involve your student starting their college journey.
That’s where we come in.
At Kent State University, our Orientation team is here to support both you and your student through this exciting next step. Destination Kent State (DKS) is our overnight orientation experience designed to help your student feel confident, prepared and at home before classes even begin.
During DKS, students participate in sessions focused on everything they need to know to get started: academic advising, course registration, financial aid, housing, health and safety and more. One of the most important parts of orientation is that your student will register for their fall classes.
Beyond the logistics, DKS is also about connection. Your student will eat in our dining halls, meet other incoming students and begin building relationships with current Golden Flashes, all while getting a feel for what life on campus is really like.
We know this transition is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times, especially for families. No matter where you and your student fall on that spectrum, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
DKS Parent and Guest Orientation
We strongly encourage parents and guests to attend DKS alongside your student. Guests can be added directly through your student’s registration form in their admissions portal (no separate registration required), and updates can be made up to 10 days before the event.
Throughout the program, we offer dedicated sessions for parents and families covering topics like:
- Health and safety
- Billing and financial aid
- Academic support and course registration
- Tips for supporting your student from afar
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with Kent State staff and get your questions answered in person. For more information on the parent and guest portion of DKS, visit our parents and guests webpage.
Student Orientation Portal
Leading up to DKS, your student will receive emails with helpful information on how to prepare and what to bring. A few days before their session, they’ll gain access to the orientation portal, where they can view their schedule and academic advising appointment (available after check-in on day one).
No matter how this transition feels for you (exciting, uncertain or somewhere in between), we want you to know you’re not navigating it alone. At Kent State, we believe that Flashes Take Care of Flashes, and that includes our families.
We’re honored to welcome you to the Golden Flash community and look forward to connecting with you at DKS.