KSU Kickoff Events
Check back often as new events get added!
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August 13 & 14, 2024
Movie Night(s)
- Bring your roommates and friends and come over to the KIVA Auditorium.
- August 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. to see a free movie showing.
Karaoke Night(s)
- Want to show off your vocals to friends? If this applies to you or even if it does not and you are looking for a fun time with friends before the school year starts.
- Make sure to join the Flash Activities Board (FAB) in the Rathskeller (lower level of the Kent Student Center) for open karaoke night.
- Events will run from 7-9 p.m. both nights. Follow FAB on Instagram at fab_ksu for more details.
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August 15, 2024
KSU Kickoff Check-In (Residential Students)
- Required for all first-year students living in the residence halls.
- This is your opportunity to learn about the KSU Kickoff schedule and meet with a Peer Success Mentor (PSM) to get your questions answered.
- Students should attend this event based on their personal availability between the hours of 3 - 8 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.
- Check-in times are not assigned; however, attendance will be recorded upon student arrival.
Bingo with FAB!
- Event will be limited to the first 1,000 students (no RSVPs). Prizes for winners after each round. Prizes in the past have included a Nintendo Switch, an iPad, bike, and squishmallows!
- This event is free and open for all to attend!
- 8 – 9:30 p.m. | Student Green
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August 16, 2024
KSU Kickoff Commuter Check-In
- Required for all first-year students classified as commuting to and from campus.
- This is your opportunity to learn about the KSU Kickoff schedule and meet with Kent State University staff and students to get your questions answered.
- Food will be provided. Attendance will be recorded upon student arrival.
- 8 a.m. | Kent Student Center Ballroom
- Commuter students must attend this check-in from start to finish.
Convocation
- This event is required for all new students.
- Convocation introduces incoming first-year students to the administration of the university and serves as their first academic ceremony.
- 10:30 a.m. | Memorial Athletic Convocation Center (MACC)
Make Your MarK (K Picture)
- This event is required for all first-year students.
- Class of 2028! For your class photo, follow your Peer Success Mentors (PSMs) from Convocation in the MACC to the Centennial Court Green.
- Begins promptly at 11:30 a.m.
First-Year Student Lunch
- Head to the Kent Student Center directly after the Class of 2028 photo for lunch provided by University Culinary Services.
- Make sure to have your FLASHcard on hand.
- This event will take place from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom and/or Room 218 (of the student center).
Late Night at the Library
- Kick off the school year with Late Night at The Library on Friday.
- August 16 from 9 p.m. – Midnight at the Library!
- This will be a party where you can hang out with friends over free pizza and Handel’s ice cream! Enjoy a live DJ, a dance party, games, Esports, and giveaways.
- You can also meet your friendly librarians, who are here to help you during your time at Kent State! This year’s theme is GLOW, so bring your light-up gear and join the fun!
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August 17, 2024
Kayaking and Tubing with Adventure Center
- The Adventure Center will be offering free kayak lessons and river tubing at Tannery Park (near the Farmer’s Market).
- Learn kayaking skills or take a leisurely float down the historic and beautiful Cuyahoga River on an inflatable tube.
- Friendly Adventure Center staff will be there to assist you. Enclosed shoes or sandals with a back strap are required.
- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Tannery Park- downtown Kent (100 Stow Rd.)
Haymaker Farmers’ Market Trip with the Kent State of Well-Being
- Did you know Portage County’s oldest producer’s only farmers market is right in your backyard?!
- Take a free trolley, scoot, bike or walk downtown to shop locally with the Kent State of Well-being at the Haymaker Farmers' Market.
- Stock up on yummy prepared foods, locally grown fruits and veggies, fresh-cut flowers, roasted coffee, handmade soaps, art, and more!
- Walk around to learn about the local farming community and meet friendly local makers. Free shopping bags to carry your great finds while supplies last!
- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Meet us at our blue and gold Well Hut tent between Korb and Wright Hall to hop on the free trolley, get a free Spin bike and scooter lesson or go on a guided walk downtown.
DeWeese Open House and Scavenger Hunt
- Students will have an opportunity to visit the DeWeese Health Center and complete a scavenger hunt of our facility.
- To keep up to date on DeWeese Health Center hours, services offered, and events, please visit: kent.edu/deweese.
- 1-5 p.m. at the DeWeese Health Center.
Fraternity and Sorority Life Festival
- Come meet all 30 of Kent State's Fraternities and Sororities during KSU Kickoff!
- Follow @ksu_fsl on Instagram for updates! #GoFlashesGoGreek
- 3-5 p.m. - Tri Towers Sun Dial!
RecWellcome Back Party
- Come experience lots of games, activities, prizes and fun!
- Activities include food trucks, rappelling from the indoor track, archery, rock climbing, sand volleyball, basketball, a DJ patio party, and more!
- Tours and free equipment orientations will also be available to help you become familiar with the SRWC.
- Participants will receive a passport to use for chances to win prizes including t-shirts, water bottles, hammocks, gift certificates, and more!
- 5-7:30 p.m. – Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center
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August 22, 2023
Donuts with Deans – College of Aeronautics and Engineering
- Join our Deans for donuts and discussion in the Aeronautics and Engineering Atriums and the Schwabe Lobby.
- 9-10 a.m. - Aeronautics and Engineering Atriums and the Schwabe Lobby
Academic Center Open House
- Stop by the to learn about the FREE academic support available to ALL students from the Academic Success Center.
- Grab a popsicle, meet our staff, and talk to a few of our Tutors, Supplemental Instruction Leaders and Academic Coaches.
- Check out our website and Follow us on instagram: @kentstate_asc
- Center for Undergraduate Excellence | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.