International Student Resources

Getting Started

Thank you for your interest in Kent State University's Computer Science program!

Orientation

Fall 2025 International Student Orientation: August 13th, 2025

We look forward to welcoming all new, incoming international students to Kent State University. International Student Orientation (ISO) is mandatory for all international students as it is integral to your successful transition to KSU and contains vital information on maintaining your immigration status. International Student Orientation (ISO) is distinct from Destination Kent State for undergraduate students, ESL Orientation, and Graduate Student Orientation.

ISO is a hybrid program consisting of two components: (1) a virtual course through Canvas, Kent State's on-line learning platform, and (2) a full day of  in-person activities on campus. Participating in the in-person part of ISO does not replace the virtual ISO course. The ISO course will launch in the summer. The in-person portion of ISO will be held on August 13th, 2025, in the Kent Student Center Ballroom. Students are also encouraged to participate in KSU Kick-Off activities.

How to Get Started with ISO

Part 1: Virtual Component Launches (Summer 2025, date coming soon!)

1. Log into Canvas
2. Be sure to login using the same login information you use for FlashLine
3. If you have not logged into FlashLine, please review the steps here. If you are locked out for any reason or have issues logging in, please contact security@kent.edu.
4. Click on "Courses"
5. Click on "International Student Orientation Fall 2025"

Need help navigating Canvas? Click here to learn how to navigate Canvas. Check your due dates listed in Canvas!

Part 2: In-Person Component on (Wednesday, August 13th, 2025)

Attend the in-person portion of ISO. Details coming soon, but you can expect to spend most of the day with us!

Fall 2025 Frequently Asked Questions

How many classes am I required to take? Can any of those classes be on-line?

All F-1 and J-1 students must register for a full course of study, with no more than 1 online class counting toward the full course of study requirement. The required number of credit hours for each academic level are listed below.

1. Undergraduate students require 12 total credit hours (at least 9 of which must be in-person). 
2. Graduate students require 8 credit hours total, at least 5 of which must be in-person).
3. ESL students must have 12 credit hours, per the ESL program requirements.

How can I register for classes before coming to the U.S.?

Undergraduate students and ESL students will meet with their academic advisors during the Orientation period to plan their course selections. Please review the steps to register here. Graduate students should contact the Graduate Program Advisor in their departments. REMEMBER: Once you register for courses, you are responsible for the tuition charges. If you later decide to defer your admission, YOU MUST WITHDRAW FROM YOUR COURSES BY THE REFUND DEADLINES.

What if I plan to study remotely for Fall 2025 and then come to the U.S. in a later semester?

1. The first step is to complete our Deferral Request Form to notify us of your plans.
2. The second step is to review our Virtual Study Resources page to learn about the resources available to you while you enroll in classes virtually from outside the U.S.

The virtual component of ISO includes live video sessions, recorded sessions, and a compilation of resources to help you transition to Kent State University. All international students who have been admitted for Fall 2025, and who have received either an I-20 or DS-2019, will be enrolled in ISO. All students who started classes virtually in an earlier semester will also be added to ISO if they have an I-20 that starts in Fall 2025. The Pre-arrival modules will be available in summer.

Undergraduate Programs

Unlock the Digital Frontier: Explore our Undergraduate Computer Science Programs and embark on a journey to transform your passion for technology into a dynamic career!

Department of Computer Science Scholarships

Application to Computer Science Scholarships is available through the Scholarship Universe Portal now. 

Academic Advising for Undergraduates

College of Arts & Sciences Advising

Students will be guided by the College (Arts & Sciences) in their first year.  Department advisors are always available, and we encourage students to meet the department advisors before they register for upcoming semesters.

The college's professional advisors are the ideal resource for students who want to discuss transfer credit, AP credit, placement into Math or other courses, or graduation requirements. The Office of Undergraduate Advising and Student Services is located in 105 Bowman Hall and they can be reached by email at asadvise@kent.edu.

Department of Computer Science Advising

The department's faculty advisors are the ideal resource for students who want to discuss computer science in general, the requirements for the major, the optional concentrations, or specific courses. They can also discuss your course plan for the next semester or two, and help you select electives to meet your interests.

• Dr. Gus Samba 
  • Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM  MSB 270
  • asamba@kent.edu 
  • MSB 270   
  • 330-672-9868
• Dr. Maha Allouzi  
  • Office Hours: M,W   (9:00 - 11:30 AM and by appointment  (in-person, MSB 256)
  • Will be happy to meet virtually if you will send me an email request 
  • mallouzi@kent.edu
  • MSB 256 
  • 330-672-9102         
• Dr. Gokarna Sharma 
  • Office Hours:  Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM  MSB 268
  • gsharma@kent.edu 
  • 266 MSB 
  • 330-672-9065    
• Dr. Raiful Hasan
  • Office Hours: Monday  1:00 to 3:00 PM  (or by appointment)  MSB 252
  • rhasan7@kent.edu
  • 252 MSB
  • 330-672-9057

• Dr. Angela Guercio (Stark Campus)

  • Office Hours: to be updated
  • aguercio@kent.edu
  • Main Hall 422 on Stark Campus (Jackson Township near Belden Village Mall)
  • 330-244-3424 

   

International Student Advising

Prospective students outside the U.S. have special concerns, so we have a separate set of meeting times for international students.

International students will find more information about applying to Kent State University by visiting the Office of Global Education's page on International Admission.

Register for an online information session