KSU Kickoff

Get Ready to Join Your Golden Flash Family at KSU Kickoff! 

All new 2022 incoming students are invited to KSU Kickoff. (This includes transfer students and students with commuter status) During this one-of-a-kind welcome celebration, you will engage in four days of activities and events that will help you become more familiar with the Kent State University community, faculty and staff, make new friends and prepare to start off the fall 2022 semester. Some events are required to ensure that you start the semester successfully, while other events are optional based on your interests and needs.

Overview

KSU Kickoff runs from Sunday, Aug. 21 until Wednesday, Aug. 24. During KSU Kickoff 2022, students can expect to participate in a safe and engaging experience.

All KSU Kickoff events and the staff and students who participate in them will adhere to Kent State’s Safety Principles. 

Information Regarding Required Events 

The following events are required for all new incoming students: (this includes first-year and transfer students with residential or commuter status) 

• KSU Kickoff Check-In | Sunday, Aug. 21 | 9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. 
• Dean's Welcome | Monday, Aug. 22 | 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 
• Convocation | Monday, Aug. 22 | 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
• Class of 2026 Group Photo | Monday, Aug. 22 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• First-Year Student Lunch | Monday, Aug. 22 | 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. 
• Common  Conversations meeting with FYE Class | Monday, Aug. 22 | 1:30-5:30 p.m. | Locations and times vary based on your college and will be provided during KSU Kickoff Check-in.
  • Students will participate in the Common Conversations shared experience during this time.
  • Transfer students not registered for FYE, are not required to attend but will be invited to an optional section. 
• This is Kent State!| Wednesday, Aug. 24 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
• Blastoff! | Wednesday, Aug. 24 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | This event is outdoors. While attendance is not enforced, it is strongly encouraged to attend this event.

All other KSU Kickoff events are optional but will play a critical role in helping you to meet new people and make connections to the university. Some events even offer cash prizes and cool giveaways! Check out the KSU Kickoff Events schedule in Early August for details. Please note, some events require advanced registration. 

Prepare for KSU Kickoff! 

To prepare for KSU Kickoff you should:

• Download DKS Mobile from your app store

• Don't sweat the rest! At check-in, Student Success Leaders (SSLs) will help you navigate all things KSU Kickoff and find your first FYE class meeting location. (Meeting locations during KSU Kickoff vary by college and are not in the same location that your class will meet during the semester.)

If you have questions at any time, please don’t hesitate to email newatksu@kent.edu or call 330-672-2014. You can email or call anytime during Move-In Week or KSU Kickoff!