Grad Chronicle: October 2021


Student Events and Programs
 

Compete for Cash Prizes at Three Minute Thesis

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Three Minute Thesis competition flier

The seventh annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition at Kent State University will be held in person this year! Participants will be allotted three minutes and one PowerPoint slide to present their research in an engaging and concise manner. 

The trademarked name of this event is Three Minute Thesis, but students may present research they are conducting for a thesis, dissertation, terminal project or any other research project in which they are engaged. Students may also present on research that is in progress. All currently enrolled graduate students are eligible to participate. Develop you academic, presentation and research communication skills, while competing for cash prizes!

The Three Minute Thesis will feature two preliminary rounds on October 28 & 29. The top presenters from each preliminary round will advance to the 3MT Finals on Friday, November 5 at 11:30 a.m. in the Kiva. During the finals, a panel of judges will award cash prizes to the top three presenters. Audience members will be able to vote for the People's Choice Award. 

  • First Place: $500
  • Second Place: $300
  • Third Place: $200 
  • People's Choice Award: $200

The deadline to register is 11:59 p.m. on October 18.

 

Take a Coffee Break

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Graduate Student Parent Affinity Group Coffee Break flyer

If you’re a graduate student parent, join our affinity group on Wednesday, October 13 to meet other graduate student parents and enjoy a free cup of coffee. We hope to see you at 10 a.m. in 122 Cartwright Hall! We will also be hosting coffee breaks on Wednesday, November 3 and Wednesday, December 1.

 

Welcome New Staff

 

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Kent State Division of Graduate Studies logo

Welcome to our new staff members in the Division of Graduate Studies and Division of Academic Affairs!
 
Becky Broghammer – Graduate Assistant, Division of Graduate Studies
Shelby Burkhart – Coordinator, Operations & Special Projects, Provost Office
Alexxus Sidney – Administrative Clerk, Division of Graduate Studies

 

First Generation Graduate Student Affinity Group
 

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Graduate student on campus

The Division of Graduate Studies sponsors affinity groups for first generation graduate students to help graduate students who are first generation build a community with one another, share experiences and learn about available services and resources that could be coordinated to support these students.

First Generation Graduate Student Affinity Group Meeting Dates for Fall Semester 2021:

  • Friday, October 15 from 2–2:45 p.m. 
  • Friday, November 19 from 2–2:45 p.m.

If you are interested in joining, please contact Kyle Reynolds at kreynol3@kent.eduClick here to join the Teams meetings.

 

Graduate Student Parents Affinity Group
 

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Graduate student parent with child

The Division of Graduate Studies sponsors an affinity group for graduate students who are parents to help individuals who are both graduate students as well as parents to build a community together, share experiences and learn about available services and resources. We hope you will also join the Kent State Graduate Students with Families Facebook group to connect further.

Graduate Student Parent Affinity Group Meeting Dates for Fall Semester 2021:

  • Wednesday, October 20 from 10–10:45 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, November 17 from 10–10:45 a.m. 

If you are interested in joining, please contact Kyle Reynolds at kreynol3@kent.eduClick here to join the Teams meetings.

 

First Generation Scholars' Circle
 

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Graduate student chatting on campus

The First Generation Scholars’ Circle brings graduate students, faculty and administrators together to share their research with one another in a casual environment. If you are interested in attending or discussing your research at the November Scholars’ Circle on Friday, November 12 from 4-5:30 p.m., please complete this brief registration form. This program is part of I Am First Week, the university's annual celebration of first generation students, which will be held November 8-12. Find a full schedule of events.

 

Textures Exhibit Tour
 

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Textures Exhibit at the Kent State Museum

Join the Division of Graduate Studies and other graduate students to tour the Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair exhibit at the Kent State University Museum. We will meet outside the museum at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 22. You can complete a brief registration form to let us know if you plan to attend. Admission to the KSU Museum is free for students. Hope to see you there!

 

International Travel Award
 

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Graduate Student Senate logo

Kent State's Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is accepting applications for their International Travel and Award. The International Travel Award is a competitive award offering financial support up to $1,500. The deadline to apply for the International Travel Award for Spring and Summer 2022 is Monday, October 18, 2021.To learn more about the awards, COVID-19 updates and to apply, please click here.

 

Kent State Farmers' Market
 

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Kent State Farmer's Market

Kent State University and Haymaker Farmers’ Market have partnered to bring a farmers’ market to the Kent campus. Stop by the Risman Plaza at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 to shop for fresh produce and handmade crafts and enjoy performances and educational workshops.
 
Rain or shine, the Kent State Farmers' Market will be held on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, 4-7 p.m. on the Risman Plaza - Student Green
  • Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2022, 4-7 p.m. at the Design Innovation Hub
  • Tuesday, Apr. 26, 2022, 4-7 p.m. at the Design Innovation Hub

 

Graduate Gerontology Certificate
 

Have you ever thought about using your graduate education to pursue research, teaching or applied work in the multidisciplinary field of aging? If so, please consider the interdisciplinary Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program offered jointly by Kent State and the University of Akron. Regardless of your academic discipline, this certificate can:

  • Be tailored to meet your individual career or educational goals.
  • Be achieved by applying courses from your current degree program.
  • Give you a huge advantage in the job market.

Please contact Dr. Gregory Smith at 330 672-9993 or gsmith2@kent.edu to discuss how this program can best benefit you. Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology.

 

Follow us on social!
 

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social media apps displayed on phone

Follow the Division of Graduate Studies’ social media accounts to stay up to date on Kent State events and opportunities as well as things going on in the local area. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @KentGradStudies.

 

Equity, Identity and Success Recognition Week
 

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Equity, Identity and Success Recognition Week flyer

During the first-ever recognition week, Kent State will honor exceptional efforts by faculty and staff who promote inclusion and student success for populations served by the Equity, Identity and Success pillar within the Division of Student Affairs.
 
The Equity, Identity and Success pillar consists of the Center for Adult and Veteran Services, LGBTQ+ Center, Office of International Student Affairs, Student Accessibility Services, Student Multicultural Center and the Women’s Center.

Students can nominate a faculty or staff member who has influenced their Kent State journey by removing barriers, providing a welcoming environment or supporting their identity as a student of color, LGBTQ+ student, student with a disability, an adult or veteran student, an international student, and/or a woman or non-binary student.
 
Please submit your nomination for 2021 honorees by October 15, 2021.

 

Graduate Student Resources
 

Career Planning Essentials and Research Fundamentals
 

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Building on Kent campus

The Division of Graduate Studies is dedicated to preparing you for your career. We are providing all graduate students the opportunity to earn a certificate in Career Planning Essentials and Research Fundamentals. Visit our library of research fundamental videos to learn more about grant writing, systematic reviews and software support. Check out our career planning videos to learn about topics such as interviews tips as well as creating a résumé and LinkedIn profile. Once you have watched at least three videos from either category, you can complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the content.

Upon answering 80% of the assessment questions correctly, you will be awarded a certificate of completion that you may display on your résumé or CV. You can access the library of videos as well as the assessment on our website.

 

Health and Wellness
 

Counseling and Psychological Services
 

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Counseling and Psychological Services flier for Group Counseling

Counseling and Psychological Services is offering several mental health workshops throughout fall semester. Click here for more information and to register for groups or workshops.

  • Anxiety Toolbox Group – Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. beginning Oct. 12
  • Art of Coping – Wednesdays from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Empowering Students in Recovery – Tuesdays 5-7 p.m.
  • Letting Go of Perfectionism – Mondays at 4 p.m. from Oct. 18 - Dec. 6
  • Mind Full or Mindful? Being Present in the Space You're In – 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 28
  • Thought Hacking: Unlocking a Better Frame of Mind – Nov. 1 from 3-5 p.m.
  • Sleep 101
    • Monday, Oct. 11 from 2-3 p.m.
    • Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 3-4 p.m.
    • Tuesday, Nov. 2 from 3-4 p.m.
    • Monday, Nov.15 from 2-3 p.m.
       

Resources for Mental Health
 

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Campus scene with flowers

We know that as a graduate student, managing your stress and juggling your responsibilities can feel overwhelming. That's why we have put together a comprehensive list of mental health resources that are available here at Kent State University. To view the list, click here.

Group Counseling
 

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Group of students in counseling session

Counseling and Psychological Services offers group counseling services to all Kent State University students, free of charge. Group sessions focus on managing anxiety and stress as well as learning and incorporating useful skills like mindfulness, stress management and self-compassion into your everyday life.

If you're interested in participating in a group counseling session, please visit the website to fill out a one-time registration form. Days and times for fall semester sessions will be announced.
 

COVID-19 News and Updates
 

Stay Informed About COVID-19 Procedures
 

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COVID-19 banner

Stay up to date with Kent State University news, procedures, Flashes Safe Eight and updates regarding COVID-19 such as preventative measures, emergency fundingtestingvaccine distribution and more.
 

COVID-19 Testing Locations
 

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Student in mask using laptop

Widespread COVID-19 testing is available to you as a graduate student, free of charge, at the Ice Arena, Eastway Lounge and the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MACC) third floor loge (10 am.–4. p.m. every day). Testing will continue to be available at the DeWeese Health Center as well. Members of the Kent State community are encouraged to be tested often, especially if you are displaying any of the classic symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. To schedule an appointment at the DeWeese Health Center, please call 330-672-2322. 
 
Visit the Division of Graduate Studies in Cartwright Hall (suite 145) to pick up a self-test kit free of charge. Test kits are also available at any of the following Kent Campus locations:

  • Henderson Hall, Room 216
  • Moulton Hall, Room 131
  • University Libraries first floor circulation desk
  • Kent Student Center information desk
  • Beverly J. Warren Student Wellness and Recreation Center welcome desk 
  • Center for Visual Arts, Room 240
  • Center for Performing Arts, Room B141
  • Bowman Hall, Room 105
  • White Hall, Room 408

Kent State’s regional campuses also offer self-test kits. To view a list of pick-up locations, visit Kent State’s Coronavirus Prevention page.
 

Kent State's Vaccine Requirement
 

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information desk

Kent State University is implementing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement, with exemptions for medical or religious/personal reasons. Guided by our Flashes Take Care of Flashes ethic and the desire to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all, this requirement will be phased throughout the fall semester to give everyone in our community the opportunity to get vaccinated.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective tool to prevent serious illness, the best path out of the pandemic and will allow Kent State to continue to provide vibrant and valuable in-person learning, events and campus experiences. All students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated by December 20. If you have any questions, contact vaccine@kent.edu or 330-672-8227.

Remember to upload your vaccine information for the chance to win awards through the university’s incentive program. Vaccines are available weekdays on the Kent campus and at numerous other locations throughout the state.
 

Resources to Combat Food Insecurity
 

As a result of the pandemic, food insecurity has affected many people who are part of the Kent State community and the surrounding area. The following link contains information about available food resources in Kent.