When your student joins us on campus, they will be met with award-winning student support services, including academic support, social well-being, and mental and physical health support.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
It is important for your student to have an active relationship with their academic advisor. Whether your student has decided on a major or is exploring their options, their academic advisor is the "go-to" person for creating and developing academic goals. Advisors also help provide your students with university resources.
The Academic Success Center is a great resource if your student is struggling with their academics and includes:
- Tutoring – individual tutoring sessions for specific subjects or coursework.
- Academic coaches – students who volunteer to help their peers develop learning skills and study strategies in a supportive environment.
- Supplemental instruction (SI) – SI sessions are free, peer-facilitated group study sessions for specific courses.
If your student struggles with writing in any class, the Writing Commons is where they need to be. The Writing Commons offers peer tutoring to help students at every stage of the composing and revising process.
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is also available to provide inclusive accommodations your student may need to help them stay successful in their new academic environment.
Learn more about the Academic Success Center
SOCIAL WELL-BEING
Meeting new people is an exciting, yet often challenging task for first-year students. Encouraging your student to actively seek out different social opportunities is vital for them to create a strong social support group. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is a great place to start.
The Center for Student Involvement currently offers:
- 330+ student organizations
- Campus-wide events
- Leadership development and opportunities
- Commuter student resources
It is also important for you, as a parent or family member, to support your student and let them know it may take time to forge new friendships and make similar bonds as they did in high school. Encouraging them to seek out these opportunities, even just saying “Hi” to the person they sit next to in class, can make this shift easier.
Fortunately, with so many social opportunities available, it’s never long before students find their social niche.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Attending college for the first time involves significant life changes to students. Perhaps this is their first time living with a roommate or this is their first time being far from home. As a parent, it is important to validate this experience and encourage your student to seek help if they become overwhelmed with all these changes. At Kent State University, they never have to deal with these struggles alone.
Students can explore our mental health webpage, which serves as a hub for all mental health and well-being resources within the University and surrounding area. These services include Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Crisis, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support (CARES) Center, and Kent State of Well-being just to name a few.
Another great resource is the Office of the Dean of Students. The office coordinates services that support students through advocacy, support and well-being opportunities and tools. Visit the Dean of Students website to learn more about the office, Just Be movement and campus Relaxation and Sensory Spaces.
PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
Physical well-being plays an essential part in striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Being active may improve your student’s sleep, reduce stress, increase energy, and improve their mood and self-esteem. The Student Recreation and Wellness Center provides students opportunities to build camaraderie and discover new passions through club and intramural sports and provides over 3,000 health, wellness and adventure programs annually.
Recreation and Wellness Services and Kent State of Well-being are also available to help your student with effective methods to integrate healthy behaviors into their everyday routines.