The time has finally arrived...
Your student is headed to Kent State as a newly minted Golden Flash. Your years of preparing for this moment have finally paid off, and as parents and families, you’re probably asking, "what is next for my student?"
Research shows that the first six weeks of college may directly determine whether a student successfully graduates. To ensure your student's success, over the next several weeks, activities and events will be held throughout campus to get your student acclimated to their new home, meet new people and get involved.
Here are some highlighted events:
KSU KICKOFF – Aug. 13-17
KSU Kickoff is a multi-day pre-semester celebration and takes place after residence hall move-in. During KSU Kickoff, students can expect to participate in several engaging experiences, including:
- Dean’s Welcome
- Convocation
- Class of 2029 Photo
- First-Year Lunch
- Blastoff
- Flashes First Friday
- First Flashes 101 Class
For more information and a list of events, visit our KSU Kickoff webpage.
FLASHES FIRST FRIDAY – Aug. 15
In partnership with KSU, the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Kent, Flashes First Friday features downtown Kent businesses in an exciting atmosphere. Students will have an opportunity to participate in an incentive activity to win raffle prizes and an exclusive event shirt upon completion.
OTHER PLANNED KICKOFF EVENTS – Aug. 14-16
Several other fun and exciting events during Kickoff include:
- FAB Bingo: Aug. 14, 8-9:30 p.m.
- Late Night at the Library: Aug. 15, 8-11 p.m.
- Flashes Flourish Health Fair: Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Free Ice Skating at the KSU Ice Arena: Aug. 16, 1-5 p.m.
- Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Fest: Aug. 16, 3-5 p.m.
- RecWell-come Back Party: Aug. 16, 5-7:30 p.m.
BLASTOFF – Aug. 17
Wrapping up KSU Kickoff Week is Blastoff, our biggest campus celebration. Students will enjoy live music, delicious food, free Kent State gear and the chance to connect with students from 330+ student organizations. The night ends with a free concert on the Student Green that your student won’t want to miss.
BLACK SQUIRREL FESTIVAL – Sept. 12
A Kent State University tradition, the annual Black Squirrel Festival will take place on Friday, Sept. 12, during Parents and Families Weekend. The Black Squirrel Festival is a can't-miss event with food, music, vendors and more! Black Squirrel Festival is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the Kent community, and another perfect opportunity to branch out and make new friends.
PARENTS AND FAMILIES APPRECIATION WEEKEND – Sept. 12-13
Mark your calendar for Parents and Families Appreciation Weekend, Sept. 12-13! For more information, visit our parents and families webpage.
Your student's first few weeks at Kent will be full of smiling faces, things to do and places to visit. Please encourage your student to explore, make new friends and take every opportunity they can to branch out.
Their circle of influence has widened and a whole world of opportunities awaits!