KSU Kickoff Events

 KSU Kickoff Check-In (Residential Students)  

• This event is 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 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the Kent Student Center Ballroom. Check-in times are not assigned; however, attendance will be recorded upon student arrival.  
• For only first-year, Kent State University students living on-campus, in a residence hall. Commuting students will be required to attend a different check-in session on August 16, 8 AM-9AM (more details can be found in the app and KSU Kickoff website). First-year, Kent State transfer students will be required to instead attend the Transfer Student Welcome on August 17, 3 PM-5 PM (more details can be found in the app).

Bingo With FAB!

• The 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, and Squishmallows!
• This event is free and open for all to attend!
• 8 – 9:30 p.m. | Student Green

KSU Kickoff Commuter Check-In

• This event is 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.  
• Students should attend this event based on their personal availability between the hours 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  
• Location is room 306 ABC of the Kent Student Center (third floor of building).
• Check-in times are not assigned; however, attendance will be recorded upon student arrival.  
• Student guides will be present on the first floor of the Kent Student Center at 9:15 a.m. after this check-in concludes to take students to their Dean's Welcome location, which starts at 9:30 a.m.

Escort to Dean’s Welcome

• Need assistance locating your Dean's Welcome location? Stop by Risman Plaza right in front of the Kent Student Center between 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Here, Peer Success Mentors (PSMs) will escort students to their specific Dean's Welcome location by college.
• Dean’s Welcome
• Come together with other students in your college to meet your Dean.  
• You'll build some pride for your major and new academic home before going to Convocation together. All new students are required to attend the Dean's Welcome for their respective college.
• These events will take place from 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. at various locations.
• Check out the KSU Kickoff app in the event schedule for more information. Please search by college.

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. This event will take place at the MACC and will begin at 10:30 a.m.
• Make Your MarK (K Picture)
• This event is required for all first-year students. Class of 2029! Follow your Peer Success Mentors (PSMs) from Convocation in the Memorial Athletic Convocation Center (MACC) to the Centennial Court Green for your class photo! The “K” picture will promptly begin at 11:30 a.m.

First-Year Student Lunch  

• This event is required for all first-year students. Head to the Kent Student Center directly after the Class of 2029 photo for lunch provide by University Culinary Services.  
• Make sure to have your FLASHcard on hand.  
• This event will take place from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom and/or Room 218 (of the student center).

Flashes 101

• On Friday, August 15th you will participate in your Flashes 101 class! Your room location for this first session is determined by your Fall Flashes 101 course section.
• Your room location for this first section is determined by your Fall Flashes 101 course section.  
• To locate your specific section, time, and location, please use the following: Flashes 101 Room Locator  
• To find your location/time using the above room locator, use one of the following search criteria below (Course Section UC-10097-XXX <-- Must enter only all three digits OR Faculty name) found on your Fall schedule.  
• All students will be walking downtown to Flashes First Friday, a required KSU Kickoff event, with their class sections after their first Flashes 101 session on Friday, August 15. More details about the Flashes First Friday event can be found in the KSU Kickoff app and will be communicated during this first class section.

Flashes First Friday

• All students are welcomed to an event in downtown Kent where students can get to know the area and the shops/services available to them as members of the Kent community.
• Also, come for raffle prizes, food, music, and much more!
• Will have an incentive activity on hand for students to participate in that will have them explore the different businesses downtown in order to possibly win raffle prizes and the exclusive event shirt upon completion.
• This event will take place starting at E. Erie Street where you will check in at anytime between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., to N. Water Street, where you will turn in the completion of the incentive activity by 5:30 p.m., to all of downtown Kent in between.
• Students participating in Flashes 101 on this date will walk down to this event after their first-class session!  

Late Night at the Library

• Kick off the school year with Late Night at The Library on Friday, August 16 from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 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!  

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.)

Flashes Flourish Health Fair

• Get to know your health and well-being resources on and around campus. Gather with your friends to board the trolley or SPIN downtown to the Haymaker Farmer’s Market or the Adventure Center trip. Attend and you will have the chance to win $50 for the Haymaker Farmer’s Market!
• Also, DIY First Aid Kits! Build and decorate a first-aid kit with DeWeese Health Center!  
• Visit the DeWeese Health Center parking lot on Saturday, August 16th between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm at the Flashes Flourish Health Fair. DIY first aid kits will be available while supplies last!

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, scooter, 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 at the DeWeese Health Center.

Open Skating at the Ice Arena

• Stop by the Ice Arena to enjoy some ice skating on the main rink. Skates will be available to rent at no charge on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• This event occurs from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Festival

• Fraternity and Sorority Life Festival (FSL Fest) is an opportunity for ALL STUDENTS to come meet all 30 of our fraternities and sororities here at KSU!
• FSL Fest is from 3pm-5pm at the Tri Towers Rotunda.  
• There will be giveaways and fun prizes!  
• Follow FSL on Instagram at @ksu_fsl for more information!

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, 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

Dive-in Movie 

• Join your peers for an evening of fun at the RecWellcome Back Dive-in Movie at the SRWC Natatorium.  
• Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience. You will not want to miss the excitement as we project the movie, creating a magical atmosphere in the water.  
• Swim, float, and relax while enjoying this box office hit!  
• Fantastic snacks will be available to add to the fun.  
• Be a part of our world for this special evening and invite your friends.  
• Share the excitement on social media and let us make a splash together at the RecWellcome Back Dive-In Movie.  
• This event is limited to the first 400 people.
• Event from 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at the Rec Center pool. 

 Transfer Student Welcome

• University Orientation and Visit Experience and the Center for Student Involvement invite all new transfer students to a special welcome reception.  
• Reconnect with the TKS Ambassadors you met at orientation, meet and mingle with other incoming transfer students, get some KSU swag and play some games all while enjoying some Handel's ice-cream and other treats.
• Please note that if you are a transfer student new to Kent State University, checking in to this event is required.
• This event will take place from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in room 218 of the Kent Student Center.
• Students can attend at any point during this period. Please note for students that stay to the end of this event, are free to join a walking group that will go to Blastoff directly afterwards.

Blastoff  

• Meet us at the Risman Plaza and Student Green on Sunday, August 17 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm for a chance to meet student organizations (over 200), learn about ways to get involved on campus, play games, win prizes, snag exclusive giveaways, talk with various campus departments and services, and create new friendships!  
• Make sure to stick around at 7:00 PM at the Student Green for a special, free concert sponsored by Undergraduate Student Government!