First Year Experience

Your first year of college should be an enjoyable experience filled with plenty of opportunities to get involved and meet new people.

Attending college for the first time is a big step for everyone. From acceptance through your first weeks of classes, we provide several programs to ensure that your transition is a smooth one. We want you to feel at home here at Kent State Stark. 

FIRST STEP - FRESHMAN REGISTRATION & ADVISING

Realizing that college is an exciting and challenging time for you and your family, First Step is a registration program focused on helping you make a smooth transition to your life as a college student. First Step is required of all recent high school graduates (within the last two years) and includes first semester course placement, meeting with an academic advisor and registering for fall classes. First Step students also receive their FLASHcard student ID. 

UC 10097: DESTINATION KENT STATE FYE

This one-credit course is required of all new Kent State University students and serves as an introduction to college life. The seminar format of the class allows for group discussions while exposing students to topics such as time management, navigating the university, choosing a major, advising, registration and much more.

OPEN HOUSE

At our Open House, new students will have the opportunity to meet our great faculty, staff and students as we help you find your classrooms, register you for your parking permit, purchase your textbooks, get your FLASHcard student ID, meet our student organizations, and so much more! This event is designed as a self-guided tour experience to help you explore campus on your own and accomplish the remaining items on your New Student Checklist.

WELCOME TEAM

The Kent State Stark Welcome Team is a dynamic group of student leaders dedicated to making the transition to college a smooth one. They regularly participate in the planning and facilitation of all first year programs.