GRAD CHRONICLE: FEBRUARY 2, 2024
GRADUATE COLLEGE OFFERINGS
Spring 2024 Graduate College Programming
Check out the fun and educational events we have planned for you this Spring. We hope to see you there!
- The Write Place - Tuesdays from 12-3 p.m. in University Library 314 from January 23 through April 30
- Graduate Career Peer Drop-In Hours - Thursdays from 12-3 p.m. in University Library 314 from January 25 through May 2
- Research Writing Retreat for Graduate Students - February 9 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and February 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in University Library Garden Room
- FlashPitch Competition Registration Opens - March 1
- FlashPitch Competition Registration Closes - March 15 at 11:59 p.m.
- Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) Kickoff - April 1 from 4-6 p.m. in Kent Student Center (KSC) 218
- End of Year Celebration - April 29 from 4-6 p.m. in Oscar Ritchie 250
*We are commited to accessibile and inclusive events. If you need disability accommodations, please contact the Graduate College at graduatecollege@kent.edu.*
Graduate College February Programming
Check out the fun and educational events we have planned for you this February. Hope to see you soon!
- The Write Place - Tuesdays from 12-3 p.m. in University Library 314 from January 23 through April 30
- Graduate Career Peer Drop-In Hours - Thursdays from 12-3 p.m. in University Library 314 from January 25 through May 2
- Research Writing Retreat for Graduate Students - February 9 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and February 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in University Library Garden Room
*We are commited to accessibile and inclusive events. If you need disability accommodations, please contact the Graduate College at graduatecollege@kent.edu.*
The Write Place
The Graduate College is offering the Write Place! Join your fellow graduate students for weekly writing accountability groups. The sessions will be held from 12-3 p.m. on Tuesdays in University Library 314. In collaboration with the Writing Commons, a Graduate Writing Consultant will be present during every session to assist students as needed. Students are welcome to join whenever they are able!
Graduate Career Peer Drop-In Hours
In partnership with Career Exploration and Development, we are excited to offer Graduate Career Peer Drop-in sessions. These sessions are a way for you to get help with quick questions about programs and careers, resume and cover letter critiques, accessing and navigating Handshake, increasing your networking skills, learning interviewing tips, and more!
Sessions will be offered on Thursdays in University Library 314 from 12-3 p.m. Join us as your schedule allows and know we are here to help you with all of your career needs!
Each drop-in visit will typically last about 10-15 minutes. You are welcome and encouraged to attend multiple drop-in sessions throughout the semester.
Graduate College Awards and Fellowships
We provide several scholarship opportunities for academically high achieving graduate students who are currently enrolled at Kent State University, and we are now accepting applications and nominations for the 2024-2025 academic year. The following awards opportunities are available. To learn more about the award criteria and to apply, please reference the links below:
- David B. Smith Scholarship – Presented annually to recognize exceptional scholarship and teaching.
- Lillian Friedman Scholarship – Awarded to an outstanding graduate student contributing to the field of mental health.
- Reuter Fellowship in Developmental Sciences – Provides recipients with an academic year non-service appointment to allow for full-time work on their dissertation.
- Mary Ann Stephens and John R. Graham Award – Presented annually to a doctoral student underrepresented in their discipline.
Additionally, we are now accepting nominations for the University Fellowship. Graduate students must be nominated by their program or department, and nominations should be submitted via Qualtrics no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 15. Nominees will be reviewed by a committee of faculty from varying ranks and disciplines. We encourage you to review the award criteria and application process on our webpage at https://www.kent.edu/graduatecollege/awards. If you have any additional questions, please contact Alexxus Sidney at asidney@kent.edu. We encourage you to apply or seek nomination for one of these opportunities!
Research Writing Retreat for Graduate Students
The Graduate College is committed to doing whatever it takes to help you succeed. In doing so, we’re excited to offer Research Writing Retreats for Graduate Students during the academic year. Our program has been developed to help provide you with a quiet space so you can remain focused on your writing as well as network with other colleagues. Plus, we will be providing you all of your meals in one place, so you don't have to break your focus by leaving to eat. Our next Retreat is on Friday, February 9 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 10 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the University Library Garden Room. Payment is $30 for two consecutive days of Retreat or $20 for one day of Retreat. You can sign up for the retreat via Qualtrics. For more information, visit the Graduate College website.
Graduate Teaching Badging Program
You are working hard to become a better instructor, and we want to recognize you for it! The Graduate College and Center for Teaching & Learning are proud to present our new College Teaching Badging Program . Each badge asks you to complete a series of tasks to explore evidence-based teaching practices and apply them to your own teaching. Self-register for the Canvas course here!
Graduate College Podcast
We are excited to launch the Graduate College podcast this month hosted by our very own, Dr. Sarah and Alexxus. This is a podcast dedicated to our graduate community at Kent State University where we explore tips and tricks for navigating student life and interview campus partners and students. If you’re interested in being involved or there is someone you want us to interview, reach out to us! Stay tuned for our first episode!
The Graduate College is Hiring!
Interested in working with us in the Graduate College? Check out our new Student Success Manager position on the Human Resources website for more information.
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY OFFERINGS
Black History Month
Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S history. Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life, which initiated the first variation of Black History month, titled, Negro History Week in 1926 during the second week of February. In 1970 according to the Kent Stater, Kent State University began observance of Black History Month, however, it was not until 1976 that every president designated the month of February as Black History Month. This year's theme is Black Excellence in every Aspect, Shade, and Expression. Àse is a Yoruba term that represents the power that produces change. Defining Black excellence can be challenging because Black people have, and continue to demonstrate the power that produces change through culture, arts, talent, business, innovation, or by just overcoming challenges. This theme allows us to recognize and celebrate both the achievements and the adversity throughout the Black community, inclusive of all the diverse identities and unique expressions within. Similar to when spoken in community Àse is call to uplift the power that produces change. For additional information about Black History Month events, visit the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center website.
First Generation Graduate Student Symposium
Join the Boston University Newbury Center, Duke University First-Generation Graduate Student Network, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Carolina Grad Student F1RSTS, along with the cooperating sponsor, the Center for First-generation Student Success, for the 7th annual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium on February 2 from 1- 5 p.m. via Zoom. To learn more and register, visit the BU website.
Elect Her Conference
This year's Elect Her Conference will be taking place this Saturday, February 3 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the May 4th Visitor Center in Taylor Hall. The daylong training educates students about the importance of a variety of voices, experiences, perspectives in leadership. Students learn how to create campaign messages and communicate them effectively as well as how to reach out and mobilize voters on campus. To learn more and apply here, visit the Women's Center website.
I Heart Travel Week
Join the Office of Global Education in celebrating education abroad and international education at Kent State University during February 12-16! I Heart Travel Week will be packed with opportunities to learn more about education abroad, celebrate our current and past students who have studied abroad, and engage with international activities on campus! To view the full calendar of events, visit the OGE website.
Equal Access Academy
The Equal Access Cooperative is excited to publish their Spring 2024 Equal Access Academy. All trainings are open to students, staff, faulty, and guests. To learn more or register for trainings being offered in February, visit the Equal Access website.
| February 5 | 12:15-12:45 p.m. | Accessiblity in a Flash: Headings and Labels |
| February 8 | 1-2 p.m. | Making PDFs Accessible |
| February 13 | 1-2 p.m. | Managing My Disability for Kent State Students |
| February 15 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Creating Accessible Courses in Canvas |
| February 19 | 12:15-12:45 p.m. | Accessibility in a Flash: Adding Alt Text to Images |
| February 20 | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Creating Accessible Marketing and Social Media |
| February 22 | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Accessibility for Webmasters 101 |
| February 27 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Disability in the Classroom |
| February 29 | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Accessibility for Webmasters 201 |
Student Academic Hearing Officers
The Office of Student Conduct is looking for undergraduate and graduate students that are interested in serving as hearing officers for academic hearings.
Academic hearings are convened for students that have been found responsible for violating the cheating or plagiarism policies of Kent State University. They are scheduled around the availability of the instructor, student, and hearing officers and last approximately one-hour via Zoom. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Stephanie Evans at sevans31@kent.edu or 330-672-4054.
International Student Lunch Conversations
Join the Office of Global Education and Counseling and Psychological Services for International Student Lunch Conversations on February 8 from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in Kent Student Center 313. This event provides a meal and a chance to meet new people.
Family Friendly Study Hours
Bring your kids over to the Family-Friendly Corner on the 6th floor of the University Library. You can study while your kids play with the toys they have there or they can join in a group activity led by a student volunteer. Please RSVP at least 24 hours in advance.
Kent Farmer's Market
The Kent State Farmers' Market is back this semster to provide students with opportunities to learn about the local farming community, select fresh produce and connect with the broader Kent community in addition to creating a community around food with a warm, friendly and fun environment. The market will include selling crafts (photography, prints, glass, fiber) and educational workshops related to food as well as performances (music, dance, theater). These markets will also happen rain or shine.
- February 20, 4-7 p.m., DI Hub
- March 19, 4-7 p.m., DI Hub
- April 16, 4-7 p.m., DI Hub
Health Insurance Enrollment Process
The Spring 2024 Graduate Assistant student health insurance open enrollment period is scheduled to close on February 16, 2024. During this time, eligible GA’s may enroll for the subsidized health insurance with United Healthcare Student Resources. Students can enroll using the GA enrollment link. All Graduate Assistants who are eligible for the subsidized health insurance coverage must use this specific enrollment website link for the subsidized premium. International GA’s will have a waiver applied to their KSU account when we can verify a successful payment has been made to UHCSR.
Policy information and premiums can be found on the Deweese Health Center website.
Lavendar Graduation
Are you an LGBTQ+ student who is graduating in the spring, summer, or fall 2024 semesters? Join the LGBTQ+ Center for Lavender Graduation on Thursday, May 2 from 6-8:30 p.m. This event is a university sponsored pre-commencement event that celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ students, as well as faculty/staff and community members during the awards portion of the event. All are welcomed to this no-cost dinner event, but registration is required. For more information, visit the LGBTQ+ Center website.
A Graduate Student's Guide to the Grievance Process
Have you run into an incident that you aren't sure how to handle? The Graduate Student's Guide to the Grievance Process may be able to help! At Kent State University, there is both a formal and informal process. Please use the flowcharts as a reference whenever you are in need. These can be found on the Graduate College website as well.
Flashes Food Pantry
The Flashes Food Pantry will be available by appointment on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3-5:30 p.m. The pantry will be taking walk-ins from 5:30-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. For more information, visit the CARES Center website.
Counseling and Pyschological Services (CAPS) Workshops
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is pleased to share with you the Spring 2024 workshop and group offerings. This semester they'll continue to offer the same workshops as last semester, plus two new workshops:
- Navigating Social Spaces is a 4-session skills series that addresses concerns such as social anxiety, dating, making social connections, and loneliness. Students can come to as many or as few of the sessions as they wish.
- Therapeutic Journaling is a 1-session workshop that teaches students how to use journaling to better understand themselves and their lives.
For more information, please visit the CAPS website.
Mental Health Support
The new Mental Health Resources and Support website is live! Here you'll find all mental health and well-being services that support the Kent State University community across any of our campuses and abroad. This site will help you identify support for yourself or others and empowers you with educational resources. Additionally, we have compiled a list of graduate student support resources. Please click here to view the list.