Welcome Weekend, Kent State University’s four-day new student orientation, took place on Aug. 25-28. Students were able to select from approximately 50 different events held from Thursday to Sunday. The weekend event helped students transition into the university community and learn about academic and social opportunities at Kent State.
“Welcome Weekend at its core is a program designed to connect students,” said Josh Perkins, assistant director of Student Success Programs at Kent State. “This program provides another opportunity after the Destination Kent State advising and registration program for students to connect with the university, their specific academic colleges, resources, faculty, staff and peers. Ultimately, Welcome Weekend is another way we intentionally seek to make the big institution small by providing opportunities for students to build relationships.”
Move-in day began Thursday, Aug. 25, with several events that continued through Sunday, Aug. 28. Welcome Weekend was a requirement for first-year students, though students were not required to attend all events. Required events for students included:
Thursday, Aug. 25:
- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Welcome Weekend Check-In (Kent Student Center Ballroom)
Friday, Aug. 26:
- 7 to 8 a.m. – Commuter and Off-campus Students Check-In (Kent Student Center Ballroom)
- 8 to 9 a.m. – Commuter and Transfer Student Informational (Kent Student Center Ballroom)
- 9:30 a.m. – Dean’s Welcome (Various locations; students will get information at check-in)
- 10:30 a.m. – Convocation, Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MAC Center)
- 1 p.m. – First-Year Experience Course First Meeting (Various locations; students will get information at check-in)
- 2 p.m. – Common Reading Discussion (Various locations; students will get information at check-in)
Saturday, Aug. 27:
- 10 to 11 a.m. – THIS IS KENT STATE! (MAC Center; students participating in the Freshman Day of Service are exempt from this session)
An event that was not required, but students enjoyed, was the comedy hour with comedian Corey Rodrigues on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 to 11 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.
Blastoff, an event that concludes Welcome Weekend, was originally scheduled to be held Sunday, Aug. 28, but was canceled due to inclement weather. Students are encouraged to attend the Black Squirrel Festival on Sept. 9 to visit with student organizations and departments.
View a complete listing of eventsLearn about the 2016 Common Reading book