Weeks of Welcome
Kick off your fall 2026 semester strong!
After KSU Kickoff, your involvement journey outside of the classroom here continues! Through this coordinated Weeks of Welcome program that goes from Sunday, Aug. 30 through Saturday, October 3, students have the opportunity to engage in countless programs, initiatives, events, and services that:
- Find Your Sense of Belonging -- Feel a strong sense of belonging to both the campus and surrounding communities.
- Increase Community Involvement -- Familiarize oneself with the Kent and surrounding community and how to get involved as a citizen. To learn more ways to get involved in the Kent community, please check out the following events calendar: Main Street Kent Events Calendar. For volunteer/service opportunities, you can use the following link: Civic and Community Engagement.
- Enhance Academic Success -- Prepare for academic excellence.
- Learn About Campus Resources -- Introduce important student services and resources on campus.
- Develop Blue and Gold Affinity -- Generate school spirit for campus, KSU Athletics, and the surrounding community.
Weeks of Welcome Events
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Week One: Aug. 30 - Sept. 5
Sunday, August 30 -- Cuyahoga River Kayaking Trip
- Come paddle with the Adventure Center on the historic Cuyahoga River (at Kramer Fields in downtown Kent)!
- The fee includes transportation from the Rec. Center, all equipment, and instruction.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions.
- Meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at 2 p.m. This event will end at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2 -- Leaders Lunch Club
- Join the Pepsi Leadership Center for Leaders Lunch Club, a unique opportunity to connect with influential leaders from the Kent State and local community.
- Each session features an inspiring speaker sharing their personal leadership journey, insights, and actionable advice to help you grow as a leader.
- With a variety of leadership topics throughout the year, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives and valuable takeaways.
- We will host a new speaker each month!
- Spots are limited to 40 students — stay tuned for more speaker announcements and save your seat at the table!
- This event is from Noon - 1 p.m. at room 220 (Pepsi Leadership Center) of the Kent Student Center.
Thursday, September 3 -- Intro to Climbing & Belaying Clinic
- This program courtesy of the Adventure Center covers the basics of indoor climbing, including equipment, bouldering, top rope climbing, and belaying with an ATC and Gri-gri device.
- Location: Climbing Wall - Cost: $4 *All programs require a minimum participant number to run.
- Pre-registration is required for all programs.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions, unless otherwise noted in the program description.
- This clinic is from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Friday, September 4 -- Discover Fashion Day
- Hosted by the School of Fashion, stop by for the School of Fashion Prospective Day to discover the prestige of our world-class programs.
- You will attend a group informational session to learn more about programs, curriculum, and requirements.
- You will also engage in a Q&A with academic advisors and a student panel.
- The visit includes a tour of the building and facilities, including a chance to explore the Kent State University Museum!
- This event is from Noon - 1:30 p.m. at the Kent State University Murphy Auditorium.
Friday, September 4 -- Mandatory Student Organization Training
- Since Blastoff and the start of classes, have you joined a student organization or club on campus? If this describes you, make sure to join the Student Organization Support team for Mandatory Student Organization Training!
- Topics to include leadership styles, scheduling basics, funding sources, and more!
- Send a minimum of two officers and your group will qualify for a chance to win up to $250 for an organization event!
- Two groups will win this prize. Access to the Student Organization Training registration form will be shared with groups after successful re-registration in KSU Engage.
- Attendance at this event is required for Tier 2 Operating Dollars eligibility.
- For disability accommodations, please contact csi@kent.edu.
- This training is from 12:45 - 3 p.m. at the Kent Student Center Ballroom.
Friday, September 4 -- Akron RubberDucks' Game with the Adventure Center
- Join the Adventure Center on this leisure trip to the Akron RubberDucks game.
- The 7,000+ seat ballpark, located in downtown Akron, provides an interactive and fun experience for any type of baseball fan.
- The fee includes transportation from the Rec. Center and game ticket.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions.
- Pre-registration is required for all programs.
- Cost: $55 *All programs require a minimum participant number to run.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions, unless otherwise noted in the program description.
- Meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center for this event.
- This from 6:15 - 10:15 p.m.
Saturday, September 5 -- Stand Up Paddleboarding Trip
- The Adventure Center will be going to West Branch State Park for a beginner-friendly stand up paddleboard float.
- There is beautiful scenery, wildlife, and fresh air to take in while on the water.
- There will provide an introduction to paddleboarding before they get on the water, going over lake safety, paddling strokes, and more!
- The fee includes transportation from the Rec. Center, all equipment and instruction.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions.
- Pre-registration is required for all programs. Cost - $35.
- Difficulty: Level 1. No experience necessary, mild physical exertion.
- Meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at 2 p.m. for this event (goes until 5 p.m.).
Saturday, September 5 -- Cuyahoga River Kayaking Trip
- Come paddle with the Adventure Center on the historic Cuyahoga River (at Kramer Fields in downtown Kent)!
- The fee includes transportation from the Rec. Center, all equipment, and instruction.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions.
- Meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at 2 p.m. This event will end at 5 p.m.
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Week Two: Sept. 6 - 12
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 -- KENT STATE WOMEN'S SOCCER VERSUS CORNELL UNIVERSITY
- Stop by Dix Stadium to cheer on the Golden Flashes as they take on the Big Red from the Cornell University on the big pitch.
- To learn more, please use the following: LINK.
- The game will tip off at 1 p.m. at Dix Stadium.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 -- INTRO TO CLIMBING & BELAYING CLINIC
- This program courtesy of the Adventure Center covers the basics of indoor climbing, including equipment, bouldering, top rope climbing, and belaying with an ATC and Gri-gri device.
- Location: Climbing Wall - Cost: $4 *All programs require a minimum participant number to run.
- Pre-registration is required for all programs.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions, unless otherwise noted in the program description.
- This clinic is from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 -- FLASH ACTIVITIES BOARD'S FIRST KARAOKE NIGHT
- Start the year off on a high note at the first FAB karaoke of the year!
- This event is free for all to attend and to participate.
- Join FAB at 7 p.m. in the KSC Rathskeller (lower level of the Kent Student Center).
- This event will go to 10 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 -- International Student Lunch Conversations
- Come for free lunch and connection with other students about life as an international student in the U.S. and at KSU.
- Food and drinks will be provided, and the vibe will be casual and fun.
- All enrolled Kent State students are welcome.
- Lunches are co-sponsored by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Global Education.
- This event is from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. in room 313 of the Kent Student Center.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 -- BOOSTING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WORKSHOP (VIRTUAL)
- Want stronger, healthier connections? In this virtual interactive CAPS workshop, you’ll explore what makes relationships thrive, learn how to recognize red flags, and pick up practical tips for making your friendships, dating life, and campus connections more fulfilling.
- To register, please use the following: LINK.
- This workshop is from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 -- POOL KAYAK CLINIC
- This program courtesy of the Adventure Center covers the basics of kayaking.
- Participants may bring their own boats via the loading dock stairs and back entrance as long as the boats are FULLY CLEANED before entering the pool.
- If you don’t own a boat, one will be provided for you to use.
- Cost: $7.
- All programs require a minimum participant number to run.
- Pre-registration is required for all programs.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions, unless otherwise noted in the program description.
- This clinic is from 7 - 9 p.m at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 -- RECOVERY & ROUTINE WORKSHOP -- BUILD YOUR RESET PLAN
- Courtesy of the Collegiate Recovery System workshop to help students build a routine that supports their recovery, well-being, and academic goals.
- In this interactive workshop, students will create a personalized reset plan that includes time for classes, sleep, physical activity, recovery support, social connection, and fun.
- Participants will leave with a practical written schedule they can use throughout the semester.
- This workshop is in Van Campen Hall from 1 - 3 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 -- KENT STATE FIELD HOCKEY VERSUS MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
- Stop by Murphy-Mellis Field to cheer on the lady Golden Flashes as they take on the Spartans from Michigan State University in field hockey.
- Make sure to claim your free student ticket using the following: LINK.
- The game will tip off at 2 p.m. at Dix Stadium.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 -- KENT STATE FOOTBALL VERSUS WOFFORD COLLEGE
- Stop by Dix Stadium to cheer on the football Golden Flashes as they take on the Terriers from Wofford College on the gridiron for the home opener!
- Make sure to claim your free student ticket using the following: LINK.
- The game will tip off at Noon at Dix Stadium.
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Week Three: Sept. 13 - 19
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 -- KENT STATE FIELD HOCKEY VERSUS UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
- Stop by Murphy-Mellis Field to cheer on the lady Golden Flashes as they take on the Blue Hens from the University of Delaware in field hockey.
- To learn more, please use the following: LINK.
- The game will tip off at Noon at Dix Stadium.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 -- DISCOVER ART DAY
- Come tour the Center for Visual Arts and see what our School of Art has to offer.
- This information session will include an opportunity to learn about our program, explore the building, and view outstanding student art exhibits!
- Along with this, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about one of the newest programs in the School of Art, Animation Game Design!
- This event runs from 3 - 4:30 p.m. in the Center for Visual Arts.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 -- FLASH ACTIVITIES BOARD'S KARAOKE NIGHT
- Come enjoy karaoke with FAB and some savory food from Grill '72!
- This event is free for all to attend and to participate.
- Join FAB at 7 p.m. in the KSC Rathskeller (lower level of the Kent Student Center).
- This event will go to 10 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 -- FASHION IN A FLASH (VIRTUAL)
- Join the College of the Arts recruitment team from the comfort of your own home for our September Fashion in a Flash Webinar!
- Learn about what our top-ranked fashion program has to offer in the worlds of both fashion design & fashion merchandising from our world class students and faculty about their experiences in the industry, our students experiences at Kent State and throughout the world and how we can get you there!
- To register, please use the following: LINK.
- This virtual session is from 5 - 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 -- INTRO TO CLIMBING & BELAYING CLINIC
- This program courtesy of the Adventure Center covers the basics of indoor climbing, including equipment, bouldering, top rope climbing, and belaying with an ATC and Gri-gri device.
- Location: Climbing Wall - Cost: $4 *All programs require a minimum participant number to run.
- Pre-registration is required for all programs.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions, unless otherwise noted in the program description.
- This clinic is from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 -- KENT STATE FIELD HOCKEY VERSUS CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
- Stop by Murphy-Mellis Field to cheer on the lady Golden Flashes as they take on the Chippewas from Central Michigan University in field hockey.
- To learn more, please use the following: LINK.
- The game will tip off at 2 p.m. at Dix Stadium.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 -- CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK DAY HIKE TRIP
- Want to visit the nearest national park to Kent, OH? Join the Adventure Center on a day hike around Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
- The fee includes transportation from the Rec. Center, all equipment, and instruction.
- Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions.
- Pre-registration is required for all programs.
- Difficulty: Level 1. No experience necessary, mild physical exertion - Cost: $15.
- This program is from 2 - 5 p.m. Meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
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Week Four: Sept. 20 - 26
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Week Five: Sept. 27 - Oct. 3
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Week Six: Oct. 4 - 10
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Week Seven: Feb. 22 - Feb. 28
Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 — Kent Student Ambassador's Super Service Event
- Join the Kent Student Ambassadors for an impactful service event where we will write encouraging messages for refugees in Ukraine, create cards for a local care center, and write thank-you notes for Kent State donors!
- The event will also include a brief presentation on Gift of Life, as well as information on the importance of philanthropy and giving back.
- This event will be from 7 - 9 p.m. at Bowman Hall, room 133.
- To register, please use the following: LINK.
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 — Kent State Men's Basketball versus Central Michigan University
- Stop by the MACC to cheer on the Golden Flashes as they take on the Chippewas from Central Michigan University.
- Make sure to claim your free student ticket using the following: LINK.
- The game will tip off at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 — Pepsi Leadership Center's Conflict Management Workshop
- Discover your conflict style and how that influences your groupwork with the Pepsi Leadership Center!
- This event will be from 4 - 5 p.m. at the Recreation and Wellness Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 — Kent State of Well-Being's Wellness Wednesday
- Stop by the Well Hut every Wednesday evening for a quick activity, wellness education, and a prize! Follow Kent State of Well-Being on IG and KSU Engage to see where they will be on campus each week!
- This event will be from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Recreation and Wellness Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 — College Late Night Skate
- College Skate Nights are Wednesday nights at the KSU Ice Arena for Kent State college students with a current college ID.
- Cost is $5 (includes skate rental). No cash payments at the Skate Rental and Concession counters. CREDIT/DEBIT CARD PAYMENT ONLY (Visa, MC, Discover)
- College Skate Night admission sales will begin 30-minutes prior to the session start time.
- This event takes place from 10:30 p.m. - Midnight at the KSU Ice Arena.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 — Civic and Community Engagement's Dinner with Friends
- Dinner with Friends is a civic dialogue program that brings Kent State community members together over a shared meal to explore community issues in a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment.
- Each conversation creates space for curiosity, storytelling, and relationship-building across differences, helping students practice the habits of civil discourse and democratic engagement.
- By slowing down, listening deeply, and connecting with new people, students discover their own agency and build a stronger, more empathetic campus community.
- This event will take place from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Schwebel Room on the third floor of the Kent Student Center.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 — Flash Activities Board's Fantasy Trivia
- 🧝 Are you a Fantasy lover? Make sure to come to FAB's Fantasy Trivia!
- 🧙 Topics Include:
- 🪄 Harry Potter
- 🐉 How to Train Your Dragon
- 🔱 Percy Jackson
- 💍 The Lord of the Rings
- 🗺️ KSC Rathskeller (Lower Level)
- 🕖 Thursday February 26th - Starting at 7pm!
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 — Kent State Women's Basketball versus Central Michigan University
- Stop by the MACC to cheer on the Lady Flashes as they take on the Chippewas from Central Michigan University.
- Make sure to claim your free student ticket using the following: LINK.
- The game will tip off at 1 p.m. at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.
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Week Eight: March 1 - March 7
Sunday, March 1, 2026 — Gymnastics versus Bowling Green State University
- Join your peers for Senior Day as the Golden Flashes take on BGSU and honor the senior gymnasts and their familys before the meet!
- The meet will start at 1 p.m. at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 — Flash Activities Board's Dinos & Dragons Stuff a Plush Event 🧸🐉🦕
- Join FAB for their annual Stuff-a-Plush event!
- They will have an assortment of plushies to choose from, including dinosaurs, dragons, and unicorns.
- This event will have Build-a-Bear vibes where you pick a stuffed animal and put its stuffing in.
- Will also have snacks, crafts, and LARPers!
- While supplies last.
- Make sure to stop by the Kent Student Center Ballroom from 7 - 9 p.m. for this event.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 — Kent State of Well-Being's Wellness Wednesday
- Stop by the Well Hut every Wednesday evening for a quick activity, wellness education, and a prize! Follow Kent State of Well-Being on IG and KSU Engage to see where they will be on campus each week!
- This event will be from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Recreation and Wellness Center.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 — College Late Night Skate
- College Skate Nights are Wednesday nights at the KSU Ice Arena for Kent State college students with a current college ID.
- Cost is $5 (includes skate rental). No cash payments at the Skate Rental and Concession counters. CREDIT/DEBIT CARD PAYMENT ONLY (Visa, MC, Discover)
- College Skate Night admission sales will begin 30-minutes prior to the session start time.
- This event takes place from 10:30 p.m. - Midnight at the KSU Ice Arena.
Friday, March 6, 2026 — Kent State Men's Basketball versus Western Michigan University
- Stop by the MACC to cheer on the Golden Flashes as they take on the Broncos from the Western Michigan University.
- This will be the team's senior night. So, come out to support!
- Make sure to claim your free student ticket using the following. LINK.
- The game will tip off at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.
Saturday, March 7, 2026 — Kent State Women's Basketball versus Western Michigan University
- Stop by the MACC to cheer on the Lady Flashes as they take on the Broncos from the Western Michigan University.
- This will be the team's senior day. So, come out to support!
- Make sure to claim your free student ticket using the following. LINK.
- The game will tip off at 1 p.m. at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.

Explore KSU Pathway
Want to get more involved in Weeks of Welcome activities and have a chance at $500 and $250 merit-based scholarships (to be awarded for the spring 2027 semester), in addition to winning one of 25 Flash Plushes (pictured above)? If this describes you, then try out the Explore Pathway in KSU Engage. Through completing various activities on campus and in the Kent community, and recording them in the pathway in KSU Engage by October 12, students will be entered for a chance to win the aforementioned prizes. To learn more, go to the Pathways module in KSU Engage, or reach out to the Center for Student Involvement at csi@kent.edu and/or 330-672-2480.