Welcome to Common Conversations - a shared experience built for students by students

What is “Common Conversations”? 

Common Conversations is a shared experience designed for first-year and transfer students to connect through common dialogue, and engage in activities that will create a deeper connection to Kent State University. Common Conversations will challenge you to think critically, engage in reflective dialogue with one another, and connect with faculty and staff across campus.

Who participates in this experience?

  • Common Conversations is a required experience for all incoming first-year students. 
  • Transfer students enrolled in a Flashes 101 course for Fall 2023 are required to participate in Common Conversations.

How do you participate in this experience?

The Common Conversations program will serve as your platform to speak about topics you are interested in. You will create a video reflection using Flip.com on one of the three topic areas given. Submitting a video reflection and responding to your classmates' videos will be the beginning of a much larger conversation when you meet with your Flashes 101 course classmates during KSU Kickoff in August.

If you experience any difficulty completing Common Conversations, email ssp@kent.edu.

Common Conversations can be completed in five easy steps!
 

Step 1: Log into Flip

  • Visit www.flip.com to log in using your Kent State email and password OR use the join code provided  in the email sent to your Kent State email address with the subject line "Common Conversations - Action Required"
  • If you are logging in for the first time and not using the join code:
    • Select "sign up"
    • After selecting, "sign up," select "Sign up with Google"
    • Enter your Kent State email and password. This is the same username and password you use to log in to Flashline!

Step 2: Begin your experience!

  • After successfully logging in, select the first topic area in your list called "Start Here - Read Carefully".
  • After selecting "Start Here - Read Carefully".
    • Watch the Common Conversations how-to video.
    • Complete the Common Conversations Initial Self-Assessment. This is linked in the "Start Here" topic area.

Step 3: Select your Common Conversations prompt

  • Review the prompts and recommended resources listed below and select the prompt that inspires you!
  • Common Conversations prompts:
    • My Point of View
    • Innovate
    • Interconnect
  • Scroll down on this page to learn more about each prompt and review recommended resources to consider while crafting your response.

Step 4: Create and submit your video reflection in Flip.com

  • Using your Kent State credentials, log in to Flip.com and select the topic area of your chosen prompt.
  • Record and submit your video reflection directly on flip.com. In Flip, you have the freedom to upload a pre-recorded video or film your reflection right on the spot! 
    • Your reflection should be no shorter than 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes.
    • Your reflection video should include an introduction and responses to at least 2 of the 6 available questions associated with your prompt. 
    • Your video should also include a brief explanation of why you chose this prompt.

Tips for Success:

  • Before submitting your reflection, you are encouraged to review some of the recommended resources associated with your prompt to help guide your reflection. You are not required to read or view all of the suggested media.
  • This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to your Flashes 101 class! Before you dive into your reflection, introduce yourself in your video. 
    • Include your name, major, and hometown. Share a fun fact or some of your favorite hobbies!
  • Use the Google Chrome browser when accessing Flip.com for the best user experience. 

All video reflections are due by August 1, 2023!

Step 6: Reply to your Flashes 101 classmates 

  • On August 1st, you will be prompted to log back into Flip.com to respond to two of your Flashes 101 classmates’ posts. Your response to each of your classmates’ posts should not exceed 1 minute in length.
  • You will respond to one classmate who chose the same topic area as you.
  • You will respond to another classmate who chose a different topic than you.
  • In your responses to your classmates, please make sure to introduce yourself by providing:
    • Your name
    • Major
    • Hometown
    • Fun fact about you!
  • Please Note: All responses to your classmates must be respectful, even if you have a different opinion on the topic. If your video response is disrespectful, your video may be taken down. The goal of Common Conversations is to share your reflection in an open-minded and respectful space.

Resiliency

My Point of View

If you chose this topic area, read the prompt below and answer the following questions in your reflection video.

You have your own personal story, which gives you a unique point of view. As you approach one of the biggest transitions of your life, explore how your experiences have shaped who you are as a person.

Choose a minimum of 2 of the 6 questions below to respond to in a 3–5-minute video reflection. 

  1. What makes you ‘you’ and why?
  2. If you were creating a ‘Museum of You,’ which 5 objects would you choose to represent you?
  3. What are you passionate about?
  4. What experiences have influenced how you see the world?
  5. How do you think others perceive you? How are they right? How are they wrong?
  6. Picture yourself on graduation day. Where do you think Kent State will take you?

Before you begin to respond to the questions below, be sure to introduce yourself in your video. Please include your name, major, hometown, fun fact/share some of your favorite hobbies, and WHY you chose this particular topic!

My Point of View: Recommended Resources

Books
  • The Question Book - What Makes you Tick by Mikael Krogerus & Roman Tschäppeler
    • The Question Book was created to guide people (individually and in groups) to learn more about themselves and each other.
Articles
Videos

Advocate

Interconnect

Welcome to the Kent State University community! As you transition to life at KSU, it is important to consider the power of building positive relationships. For this prompt, reflect on your personal values, beliefs, and experiences. 

Choose a minimum of 2 of the 6 questions below to respond to in a 3–5-minute video reflection. 

  1. What does it mean to be a good friend?
  2. What does community mean to you?
  3. What does your ideal Kent State community look like?
  4. What does it mean to be a good member of a community?
  5. How do you support a community that you’re not a part of?
  6. Who are your biggest role models and why?

Before you begin to respond to the questions below, be sure to introduce yourself in your video. Please include your name, major, hometown, fun fact/share some of your favorite hobbies, and WHY you chose this particular topic!

Interconnect: Recommended Resources

Books
  • Community - The Structure of Belonging  by Peter Block
    • Author Peter Block discusses the power of community building to bring people together across differences.
Articles

 

 

Videos
Campus Resource

Finding You

Innovate

Digital technology has become an essential part of our daily lives. What does technology mean to you? Consider your personal experiences, as well as your general reflections on what it means to have a digital presence in 2023.

Choose a minimum of 2 of the 6 questions below to respond to in a 3–5-minute video reflection. 

  1. What boundaries should technology have in different areas of life, if any?
  2. Do you believe technology connects people or separates people? If so, how?
  3. How do you use social media to influence others? How does social media influence you?
  4. How does technology shape trends? How do trends shape technology?
  5. How do you portray yourself in different online spaces?
  6. What is your personal brand? How does your online life affect the way you live offline?

Before you begin to respond to the questions below, be sure to introduce yourself in your video. Please include your name, major, hometown, fun fact/share some of your favorite hobbies, and WHY you chose this particular topic!

Innovate: Recommended Resources

Books
  • Mirage - How Social Media Affects the Way We Think, Feel, and Behave by Tyler Hendon
    • Mirage encourages readers to critically question their relationship with social media and develop an understanding of how their online life affects their offline life.
Articles
Videos

 

Websites
  • Wired Magazine
    • Browse Wired Magazine’s articles to learn about current events in technology, science, and culture.
  • BBC News Technology
    • Browse BBC News’ Technology page to find articles aligned with your personal interests or future major.