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We recognize that you may have come with your families from home. The following information will help you and your families settle in as smoothly as possible. A
Brief Kent History In 1827 the Cuyahoga House was built on the corner of Mantua and Cuyahoga for use by a stagecoach company. It later gained some fame as a canal tavern. An important development was the completion in 1840 of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal Aqueduct, which resulted in a period of prosperity for the village. The next major development occurred in 1863 when the shops of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad were established in Kent through the efforts of Marvin Kent. And in 1863 the community was renamed Kent in recognition for Marvin’s efforts. Today the City of Kent has 30,000 residents not including Kent State University students. Among the famous persons in Kent’s past: Perhaps the most famous person who lived in Kent as well as in nearby Hudson, Richfield and Akron was John Brown. John Brown was an anti-slavery crusader. In 1859, a group led by Brown, raided a federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, (now West Virginia). The purpose was to secure weapons to arm others to carry on the fight to abolish slavery. The raid failed and perhaps ironically, it was Robert E. Lee who later would command the confederate army in the Civil War, who captured Brown. Brown was hanged in Virginia. The only Kent native to be an Ohio governor (1935-39) was Martin L. Davey, Sr. He was also president of the Davey Tree Expert Tree Company. Captain Brady crossed the Delaware River with George Washington after joining the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He later went to work for the Army and according to some accounts jumped across the Cuyahoga River in Kent. The Robin Hood Tea Room was built in 1910 and became Brady’s Café in 1930. The Kent Historical Society Museum is located at 152 Franklin Avenue above the Pufferbelly Restaurant. Hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm., telephone: 678-2712. Visit their website for more Kent history. In the United States you will have to make transactions in cash, by check or debit card, or with credit cards. In situations where there is a large sum of money, checks or credit cards are more convenient. Do not carry large amounts of money or keep money in your room or apartment. Money lost or stolen is seldom recovered. If you deposit a check in your U.S. account, drawn on a bank in your home, it may have to go through a collection process. This means that the money will not be available to you until the U.S. bank has collected it from your bank. It may take several weeks before the money is credited to your account. You may want to consider having money wired to your account. In countries with restrictions on foreign exchange, you may need to provide your sponsor or your family with a letter of certification of enrollment to receive money from your home country. Visit the Registrar's Office, 122 Michael Schwartz Center to obtain a letter verifying your enrollment. Allow at least one week for processing. To open an account, you will need two pieces of identification, such as a Kent State University FLASHcard ID, Ohio State Identification, or passport. You do not need a Social Security Number to open an account. Some banks and credit unions will request a Social Security number. Filling out an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W-8 Form will prove to the bank that you are exempt from this requirement. This form is available at banks and credit unions. Credit unions may have lower monthly fees and higher interest rates for checking or savings accounts. They may also offer car loans and credit cards with lower interest rates than other banks.A savings account is designed to hold money in a bank or credit union for long periods of time so it can earn interest. You may wish to establish a savings account if you have a large amount of money, which you will not need to draw upon regularly, or if you wish to save money by depositing an amount each month. Interest is paid either monthly or quarterly. The interest paid on a savings account is usually low. Although you can withdraw money from your savings account, this service is limited. Ask about the number of monthly withdrawals that are permitted without penalty. In some cases, if you maintain a certain balance for the month, that month's service fee will be waived. Certificate of Deposit If you will be depositing large sums of money you may wish to consider a Certificate of Deposit (CD). They have higher return yields than savings accounts. However, if you withdraw money before the agreed time (any where between 3 - 24 months), a penalty is assessed. The cost of a checking account is based either how much money you keep in your account or on how many checks you write. Often there is a fee for printing you checks. Discuss with the people at the bank the kind that is best for you You do not earn interest on a regular checking account. Interest bearing checking accounts combine the features of both a checking account and a savings account. This means that you may write checks and also collect interest on the money in your account. This type of account usually requires you to maintain a high minimum balance at all times. Large banks offer debit cards. A debit card is connected to your checking account. It is used like a regular credit card, except that the charges made are deducted from your checking account. It is not a necessary item and we do not recommend it.Temporary Checks When you open a checking account the bank will give you temporary checks. These temporary checks are provided until the checks printed by the bank with your name on them are sent to you. It is highly recommended that you wait until the bank sends these to you before you begin writing any checks. Some stores may not accept the temporary checks that banks issue to new account holders. To write a check to pay for a purchase you will be asked for identification. The primary piece of ID will probably be your passport. A State of Ohio ID is useful for cashing checks. Some stores will cash a check for you if you shop there regularly and have a proper ID. After a credit check, the supermarket will issue you a check cashing card. If you write a check to receive money you will endorse it by signing your name on the back of the check.Balancing your Checkbook Keep accurate and detailed records of your deposits, withdrawals, and service charges. Do not write checks, which are not fully covered by your deposits. In your checkbook you should record the date, the amount and the person or office to which the check was written. Your canceled checks and a list of all account activity for the proceeding month are sent to you in a monthly statement. When you receive the bank statement at the end of the month you should reconcile it with the amount in your checkbook. Your should also record every withdrawal, each deposit, and transaction fees to avoid having a check “bounce.” This is also called an overdraft. “Bouncing” a check, means writing a check for more money than you have in your account. A returned check will cost you money, is a great deal of trouble and can harm your credit rating. Bouncing a check is a major expense and a great deal of trouble. Through some banks, you can apply for a line of credit attached to your checking account that provides overdraft protection. Do
not close an
account without
ensuring that all checks you have written have cleared through the bank.
Protect yourself from Check Fraud
Bank Cards (called ATM cards) Many banks issue cards that you can use to make a deposit and withdraw money. This service is available 24 hours a day at an automatic teller machine (ATM). These machines, are located outside the bank, and are very convenient. You can avoid waiting in line at the bank. You have access to cash when the bank is closed or in an emergency. Banks that are members of a national ATM network allow you to withdraw your money with your bank card at selected ATMs throughout the country. Your bank will charge $1.50 - 2.50 per ATM transaction (cash withdrawals, deposits, obtaining your account balance) when you use another bank's ATM. Some banks may charge a fee to non-account holders for using their ATM. This means you have been charged twice. Please check with your bank. Cautions when
using your
ATM Card Sometimes the machines do not work. Do not panic! Call your bank if you have a problem with an ATM. If you lose your checkbook or your bank card, call the bank immediately. The bank will temporarily close your account. If you do not find your missing items, you may close the account. The bank will then open a new account for you. They will also issue new checks and a new bank card. You should also call the police department. Alert them to the loss of these items. If anyone should illegally try to use them, the police maybe able to take action. ATM security is a serious issue. You should only use ATM's during daylight hours. If a situation arises that makes it necessary to use the ATM during the evening hours, have a friend accompany you. Select a machine that is in a well lit and well trafficked area with limited foliage. Before approaching the machine, check for any suspicious person loitering nearby. If you see such a person, do not approach the machine. In any situation,
day or
night spend as little time as possible near the ATM. Do not count
your money near the machine. Wait until you are in a safe
place.
Do not leave your receipt at the ATM. Take it with you. Finally
and
perhaps the most important words of advice NEVER REVEAL YOUR PIN to
ANYONE
for ANY reason even if the individual represents himself or herself as
a bank employee. Try to memorize you PIN. Credit cards are convenient, especially if you have major expenses. You can pay medical fees, airplane tickets and car repairs with a major credit card. Most credit companies charge an annual fee of $20 to $40. If you have a balance owe money), the company will send you a statement at the end of the month. If you pay the full balance, you will not have to pay a finance charge. The finance charge is usually 18%. If you are not able to pay the full balance, you must pay the minimum amount due, usually a percentage of your balance. The credit card company will assess a finance charge on the next month's statement. Credit cards are seductive. It is very easy to charge items on your credit card and sometimes difficult to pay for them at the end of the month when you receive the bill. Be sure that you understand all of the terms of your credit card. When making a purchase review the bill carefully before charging the items to your credit card. Stay within your budget when making credit card purchases. Avoid using a credit card for routine purchases. If you lose your credit card, immediately call the credit card company so that your account can be frozen. They will be send you a new card with a new account number. Also call the police department, so that they may have the information needed in case of any illegal activity on your old credit card. A credit card can make everyday living easier, but it may also leave you vulnerable to crime. It is to your advantage to assume a protective attitude to ensure that you will not become a victim of crime. There are certain things that you can do to lessen your chances of becoming a victim. These include the following:
Selecting a Credit Union or Bank Credit unions may have lower monthly fees and higher interest rates for checking or savings accounts. They may also offer car loans and credit cards with lower interest rates than other banks. Each bank offers different services, so it is important that you compare these services. Choose the bank that offers the services, which are important to you. On campus the Kent State Student Credit Union with a full range of services is located on the second floor of the Student Center. Their fees and services are equal to or more economical than banks. A branch of the Huntington Bank is located in the lobby of the Student Center. There are other banks to choose from in Kent. A few are: These are suggestions about your checking account, checking account statements and ATM cards.
Money Scams Most Americans receive telephone calls from salespersons. This is a nuisance. Do not give the telephone solicitor any personal information. Telephone solicitors only waste your time. Hang up the phone. Be careful of door-to-door salespeople who come to your room or apartment to sell you books, magazine subscriptions, insurance, or any number of other items. Not all salespeople are honest, candid, or ethical. If you are not interested in what the person is selling, do not be hesitant to tell him/her and to ask him/her to leave. Do not sign any sales contract or make any payment until you have read the contract thoroughly and carefully (including the very fine print) and understand it completely. Do not sign a contract until at least the next day to give yourself time to examine it carefully. Do not let the salesperson pressure you into signing the contract. If the salesperson pressures you consider it a sign that he/she is afraid you will change your mind and, and that there are objectionable conditions hidden somewhere in the contract. We recommend you not waste time with door-to-door salespeople. You should be aware of "swindlers" who will try to “con” you out of your money. There are many schemes that “con artists” use to try to steal your money. These include the "bank examiner" scheme. Someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer or an officer of a financial institution approaches the customer. The person will claim that an employee of the institution stealing funds. This "phony" officer then asks the customer to withdraw money so that the officer can redeposit the funds to create a trap to catch the employee stealing money. Unfortunately, if you fall for this scam you may never see your money again. If an employee of a financial institution is being investigated, the authorities do not need nor will they solicit your help. Another popular scam is called the "pigeon drop." A stranger will engage you in a casual conversation. A second stranger will join the conversation, and claim to have found an envelope full of money. They decide you should keep the money for a period of time. After that period of time is over, all three of you will share the money. As a sign of trust, you are asked to withdraw funds from your account to split with the two strangers. After the period of time is up, the strangers promise to return your money. This is supposedly to convince the strangers that you will indeed share the contents of the envelope. Unfortunately, there is no money in the envelope and you will never see the two "strangers" again. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. A good rule of thumb is to never withdraw any money either to give to or to show to someone you do not personally know. Telephone Scam
"I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service technician who was conducting a test on telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine (9), zero (0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number. I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons. I have also verified this information with UCB, Telecom, Pacific Bell, MCI, Bell Atlantic and GTE." Undergraduate Student with no Dependents Generally, single undergraduate students who are less than 21 years of age, and have less than 60 earned semester credit hours (freshman or sophomore class standing) are required to live in an on-campus residence hall and participate in a food plan until they have completed fulfilled those requirements. However, there are exceptions, and in these cases the Department of Residence Services should be contacted, telephone: 330 - 672 - 7000. Housing is a very important area that requires careful thought and research before you make a decision about where you and your family will live. ISSS recommends that students with dependents strong consider living in Allerton Apartments. These apartments are part of Residence Services and are the most cost-effective option for the majority of young families. The Allerton Office is located in Apartment 1150, Building F of the Allerton Apartments. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, Telephone: 330 - 672 - 2595. Most students live in off-campus housing and many of those are still living at home with their parents. Should you desire to also live off-campus, please consider the following when making your choice of an apartment.
To obtain a list of apartments for rent, we recommend you contact the Commuter and Off-Campus Student Organization (COSO) Office in the Kent Student Center. They publish the Apartment Guide, which lists the apartment complexes and their location, amounts for rent and security deposit, utilities that are included, and addresses and telephone numbers. This is a very helpful publication. Other listings can be found in the newspaper, the telephone directory and other apartment guides. Apartment guides are usually available near the entrance of grocery stores and are free. Newspapers also advertise apartments for rent: The Daily Kent Stater , Akron Beacon Journal , and Record Courier. As an international student, you need to be extremely careful when you consider an off-campus apartment, because there are usually “hidden” costs that are not readily apparent. Some of these are listed below: First, when you rent a room or an apartment, you will be required to sign a lease. Most leases require you to pay a security deposit equal to one month's rent. This security deposit is refundable at the end of the lease period if there are no damages to the apartment. Landlords may also require additional rent if you have any pets. If you have any questions about your lease, contact COSO before you sign it. It is very important that you understand all of the terms and conditions of your lease. It is a legal binding contract. Also, if you feel that you have been discriminated against or that any policies or practices are unfair, contact COSO, which will in turn refer you to a legal advocate (some of whom offer their services at no cost to the student). Second, leases are normally issued for 12 months. If you decide to spend time away (for example, the summer), you are still responsible for paying the rent money for each month. Third, in addition to paying rent each month, you are expected to arrange for your utilities. These are gas, water, electric, and telephone. Some rental contracts include the cost of some utilities, and some do not. Often the utility company will demand a security deposit for new customers, and this deposit may be more than $100. If your relationship with the company has been good and there are no damages, this deposit will be refunded to you after a certain period of time or when you close the account. Utilities Water - Kent City Water Company, 325 South Depeyster, Telephone: 678 - 8104. Contact two to three days before service is needed. Must complete an application for service. No deposit required. Electric - Ohio
Edison Company,
155 East Main Street, Gas - East Ohio Gas Company, 330 - 794 - 0790. Contact one week before service is needed. Deposit depends on service address. On-Campus -
Residence
Halls Off Campus Services - Most students choose:
SBC provides local service, Telephone: 1 - 800 - 660 - 1000 When you
contact SBC
they will tell you the following: You will need two pieces of
identification
with your name and picture. A photocopy of your passport and Kent
identification card will be sufficient. They may mention a social
security
number, but not every student has one. You will have to fax this
identification to them at: The connection fee will be about $40 for basic service. If you select basic service the telephone will be connected in two to three days. You may pay the connection fee in installments over 3 months with your monthly phone bill, or in a one-time payment on your first phone bill. When you speak to a telephone company representative they will try to sell you several services. These are summarized below. Additional services cost money, adds to the cost of the installation fee and the time it takes to connect your telephone. If you select a variety of telephone options it may take as long a ten days for telephone service. Service Plans
Long Distance
Service Long distance service plans are complex. You should compare the rates of the companies for telephoning your home country. To select a long distance company you can tell the representative who establishes you local service. This person cannot recommend a company. You can also call the company you select to establish the service. Be sure the company you select provides service to your home country. You can cancel your long distance carrier or cancel your calling plan at any time, for any reason. Large long distance telephone companies are AT and T, US Sprint , and MCI - WorldCom. The telephone directory's yellow pages list the telephone number, address and items sold or provided by stores, businesses, and services. Shopping can often be done in one store because the store sells a variety of items. For example, a department store may sell clothes, personal items, household goods, medicine, and furniture. There are several department stores, grocery stores, small shopping malls and pharmacies in the Kent area, many of which are within walking distance of the campus. On the east and west sides of Kent, about five minutes by car and on the Campus Bus route, are small shopping malls each with several stores. Closer to campus are several convenience stores. These stores sell a few personal items, beverages, bread, a few foods, and snacks, such as potato chips. In our experience the best value for food is Aldi in the Kent-Stow Shopping Mall. You can get to this store via the Campus Bus. The best value for clothes and household items is Gabriel’s in the Acme Plaza. This Plaza is on east Main Street and slightly east of the campus. If you are not satisfied with what you purchased or the service you received, you should return the item immediately. All stores require a sales receipt to make a cash refund or credit your credit card account. Some “'sale” and personal items are almost always not returnable. Return policies will differ among stores so check this out when making a purchase. Alcoholic
Beverages Most stores accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Usually stores will list the names of the credit cards they accept on the front door. Convenience stores and small restaurants do not accept personal checks. It is always convenient to carry money in small bills, such as $5, $10 and $20 because large bills, such as $100 may not be accepted in some small stores. To make purchases with a personal check, you are required to provide an identification card with your photo. The best identification is an Ohio driver's license or a State of Ohio Identification (ID) card. Major credit cards or student ID cards can also be used as identification, although student ID cards may not be accepted away from campus. You should ask a clerk if the store accepts personal checks. In the US, it is very common to purchase items with credit cards, especially when buying expensive items. Credit cards have the advantage of being safer than carrying a large amount of cash. When you make a purchase with a credit card you receive a bill once a month. Read the credit card instructions carefully; pay close attention to the interest that will be charged if you do not pay the total amount due. Some businesses extend credit or allow customers to purchase items to be paid for in monthly “installments.” Businesses offer credit in a variety of ways, such as “no money down, 90 days to pay,” “no interest for the first 90 days,” and so on. Remember that though credit is a useful device to allow you to buy things that you cannot pay for at once, you must pay interest on unpaid balances. It is easy to buy too much and to get yourself over committed on monthly payments. Taxes The best ways to save money are:
When shopping for food use coupons. Using coupons will save you money especially on food and daily necessities. You can get coupons from newspapers and you may also receive coupons in the mail. Check the expiration date on coupons and make sure that you are buying the same items shown on the coupons; some require you to buy two or more items in order to receive a discount. Many stores offer
customers "advantage
cards” or “bonus cards” that enable them to buy certain items at a
discount. You can sign up for these at the store. Every time you
present
your items at the counter, present your card to the cashier. If any of
the items have a discount you will pay less. Also study the special advertisements in the newspaper for “specials, and sales." Sales often are at the end of the season or a certain times of the year. For example, items that were sold for the full prices before Christmas are usually “on sale” after Christmas. Large “discount” stores that sell a variety of items, such as clothing and household goods can reduce your costs. Because prices differ from one store to another compare prices in different stores before you make a purchase. While we are not providing a recommendation regarding Target, you may wish to review its website to get a general idea of prices. You may wish to visit the website of Target. This is a large department store with many stores in the U.S. Their prices may be higher or lower than other stores in the area, but you will get some idea of the cost of items. Large Malls
We would appreciate your recommendations so we can improve this section of our website. Among the places suggested in the past to purchase international food have been the following: The Giant Eagle,
4300 West
Main Street in Stow Shopping Center. The Mustard Seed in Solon has sushi, organic produce, fruits, organic meats, taboule, nuts, mixes, waffles, ice cream, seaweed wrap, sesame oil and organize breads. West
Point Market, 1711 West Market Street, Akron Schools - General Requirements The following are the general requirements for admission into the public schools in Ohio:
School
Adjustment You should observe the child when he or she comes home from school. If the child appears tense and uncomfortable when asked about school, then you should contact the school and your child’s teachers to discuss the situation. General
Information There are also day-care centers and pre-schools. Students attending a public school usually attend the one closest to their home. These schools are funded with property (homeowner) tax money. Parents do not pay for tuition, books or transportation, per se. Schools are for both boys and girls (co-ed). Classes are from Monday through Friday for about 5-7 hours a day. Most children attend public schools All public schools are required to offer “English as a Second Language” to students who need to improve their English skills. If your child needs to improve his or her English skills, make sure it is offered in the school. Private schools are financed by donations from individuals and tuition paid directly by parents’ fund these schools. If you are interested in enrolling your child in a private school review the heading, “Schools” in the “yellow pages of the telephone directory. Summer school is not a requirement, but it may offer your child an opportunity to practice English or any other subject taught during the regular school year. Day Care
Centers Each center will have specific activities and programs. Lunch is provided at these centers. You should visit day care centers before you choose one. This will enable you to evaluate their facilities and services. Important steps to take when evaluating a day car centers are:
This is usually for children between the ages of 3 and 4. Pre-school is before kindergarten and focuses on reading and socialization of children of the same age. Pre-school may increase the child's confidence before they enter kindergarten. Parents pay for the cost of the pre-school. Kindergarten
In kindergarten children learn basic elementary education, reading, and socialization (social skills), writing and language. This offers a good foundation for the first grade. Individual kindergartens may need additional information. Students usually
attend the
school closest to where they live. For more informatoin contact the public
schools in the city of Kent: Administration
Offices Some of the other
public
schools in Portage County include:
In addition to the Akron schools some of the larger Summit county schools are:
Freedom of worship is one of the most fundamental rights in the United States. The diversity of religious life in the university community reflects the commitment of all religious groups on campus to respect this right. Across the street from the campus are the following churches: Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Newman Center and the Hillel Jewish Center. There are numerous other churches as well as a Mosque in Kent, easily accessible from the Campus. There are Russian and Greek Orthodox communities in nearby Akron. Mr. Steve Bortner, a leader in the Campus Ministers (CMO) Organization can put you in contact with a place of worship for any faith. His email address is chialpha.kent.edu. Telephone: 330 - 678 - 7898. The Portage Area Regional Transit Authority (PARTA) serve the campus and have routes to Akron and Cleveland. You can ride the bus free of charge on campus with your FLASHcard and at a reduced rate with that card to Akron and Cleveland. The buses also provide transportation from Kent to Brady Lake, Ravenna, Robinson Hospital Windham, Garrettsville, Mantua and other nearby communities. Visit their website for schedules and other information. The Metro Regional Transit Authority serves Akron and Summit County. Telephone: 330 - 762 - 7267. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority also serves Stark County. Telephone: 330 - 454 - 6132 The Regional Transit Authority serves Cleveland. The Greyhound Bus Line in Cleveland provides transportation throughout the U.S. Telephone: 1 - 800 - 231 - 2222 The major airports are: Akron-Canton Regional Airport, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The Kent Student Center has a full service post office on the lower level. The Kent city post office is located on 626 Franklin Street. You can obtain news summaries from several on-line websites on the Internet for international newspapers, such as Global Media Index. The Kent Free Library has many popular books and magazines not found in the university library. It also has a good selection of recorded music (record, cassette, CD) and video films. As a student you may apply for a library card to borrow books and other library materials. If you have a child, the library has numerous special collections and activities for the young reader. Near Kent The Akron Beacon Journal is an excellent guide to events in the region, and northeastern Ohio. Among the special events is the popular Portage County Randolph Fair held in mid-August. The Fair has rides, games, and food, live entertainment and exhibits of animals. Each evening events such as demolition derby, rodeo, truck and semi truck “pulls, and tractor “pulls.” are held before the grandstand, Ravenna is about a 15-minute drive east of Kent. It is the site of the annual Balloon-A-Fair. This colorful event features hot air balloon flights and races, as well as crafts, and food. It is held in mid-September at the Sun Beau Valley Farm, 3229, Route 59. The city has a population of 12,000 and is the home of Portage County governmental offices. Akron is in Summit County and about a 20-minute drive from Kent. The city is the home for the University of Akron as well as the Inventure Place Museum, which is The National Inventors Hall of Fame. The Goodyear Blimp is stored in Akron when it is not being used at sporting events in the U.S. The Aeros is a minor league baseball team, and the Racers, a women's fast pitch softball team, also play in Akron. Canton is about 45 minute drive south of Kent. It is known for the Professional Football Hall of Fame. South of Canton is Amish Country in Holmes, Wayne and Tuscarawas counties. This area and this group are popular attractions. Ohio has the largest Amish population in the world. The Amish prefer a simple way of life. They do not use any modern appliances, such as cars, tractors or electricity. They are often seen in their farm fields or riding in their horse drawn buggies. The Holden Arboretum is located in Kirtland, twenty-five miles east of Cleveland; it encompasses more than 3,400 acres and is the one of the largest arboretums in the United States. Six Flags: Aurora, Ohio, 1060 Aurora Rd. (St. Rte. 43), Amusement Park Metro Parks: 975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron,:Features 11 developed parks and a 26-mile biking and hiking trail. Hale Farm & Village: 2686 Oakhill Road, Bath: Visit and observer artisans such as glass blowers, candle makers, potters and blacksmiths who demonstrate the industries of the mid -1800s. Blossom Music Center: 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls: Summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra and site of many concerts by pop and rock musicians, this beautiful amphitheater sits within an 800-acre woodland. The pavilion seats more than 5,000; the lawn area accommodates thousands more. Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort 7100 Riverview Rd. Peninsula. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Built from 1911 to 1915, the Hall is a fine example of English Tudor and Revival architecture. It has 65-rooms and there are 70 acres of tailored gardens and grounds. It is listed on listed on the National Register of Historic Places. West Branch State Park, 5708 Esworthy Road: 8,000 acres of woodlands and water; activities include boating and hiking. The park is about a 25 minute drive from Kent. First Night Akron, Downtown Akron: This is a New Years Eve celebration on the streets of downtown Akron, with live entertainment and no-alcohol. This is a very popular alternative celebration that is focused on families and children. Admission “pins” go on sale in late October. Cleveland is an active city on the shore of Lake Erie. The landmarks include the tall Terminal Tower and the Public Square located in the center of the city. Severance Hall is an important landmark and is the home to the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra. Cleveland is also known throughout the world for the Cleveland Clinic. The active theatre district is located in the revitalized Playhouse Square. The city has a rich and varied cultural heritage from the ethnic groups who founded the community as well as a wide-range of restaurants, theatre, and cultural attractions. Cleveland is a city of museums. These include:
“Clevelanders” are fans of their professional athletic teams. These are: Cleveland is a one-hour drive and the Campus Bus Service provides service to the city. The Regional Transit Authority, known as the RTA, provides public transportation in the city.The movie theatre in Kent shows first run films and is within walking distance of the campus: University Plaza Theatre, 152 Cherry Street..
Laws concerning the purchase, possession, and use of alcohol are strictly enforced in Ohio and on campus. In order to purchase alcoholic beverages, you must be 21 years old, and show identification to prove your age. Drinking alcohol in public places other than at a bar and some restaurants is prohibited. Students who are 21 years old and live in some residence halls may drink alcohol in their rooms. If you have a question about this, you may ask the floor Resident Advisor or the hall Resident Director. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a crime and endangers your life and the lives of others. It can result in the loss of driving privileges, higher insurance costs, fines and/or a jail term. If you find yourself having had too much to drink and need a ride, please call a taxi or phone a friend. Non-drivers can be issued a State of Ohio picture ID card at a Deputy Registrars Office of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The Office nearest the campus is on 1597 South Water Street #C, telephone 330 - 673 - 1820. This ID is available only to individuals who do not have a driver's license. The fee is $8.50. You must present two forms of identification with your date of birth: Passport, with photograph with appropriate Department of Homeland Security documentation. Documents must be original and valid. The State of Ohio ID card is an accepted form of identification throughout Ohio. It is valid for four years. It can be used for identification when cashing a check or when opening a bank account and in many other situations where identification documents are required. Obtaining an Ohio picture ID card requires that you be a resident of Ohio. Social Security Office, 145 N Chestnut St., Suite 201, Key Bank Building, Corner of Chestnut and Cedar Streets, across from the Post Office, One block North of Main Street, Ravenna, Office hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Telephone: 330 - 296 - 7427. A Social Security Number (SSN) is on a Social Security Card and is intended to record your earnings in this country. The Social Security Administration does not issue a social security number (SSN) to a non-resident alien unless that person has some type of official work authorization. ISSS recommends you apply for a Social Security Number for children born in the United States. For details about getting a Social Security Number and other important documents for children born in the U.S., contact an ISSS advisor or the Social Security Administration. Although you are not eligible for benefits under the U.S. Social Security Program and will not normally be paying Social Security taxes, you must have a social security number if you are employed on or off campus, and/or receive any salary or stipend from the University. For students with an assistantship, ISSS will assist you in getting an SSN during the orientation program. Application forms are available in ISSS. In order to obtain a SSN you will need an application, work authorization letter, your passport and immigration documents. When you receive a Social Security Number, you should change your records at the Registrar's Office and get a new FLASHcard. Ideally, your social security number will also be your student number. Students not on assistantship or otherwise authorized to work, will use the student number assigned by the Registrar’s Office to register for classes. The number begins with "999." This number will be adequate only for your needs on-campus. It is NOT a Social Security Number. If you need a number for tax purposes, but don't meet Social Security's requirements to be assigned a number, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). F and Visa holders do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account. The bank may ask F and Visa holders to complete an Internal Revenue Service W-8 to prove that they are exempt from the requirement of providing a social security number. Social Security Tax Students maintaining F-1 or J-1 status and who are authorized to work are exempt from Social Security taxes during their first five years in the U.S. J - 2 and H - 1 visa holders must pay Social Security tax. Your employer will deduct this tax from your paycheck. Income Tax Tax forms and publications you will need are available in the Library at no charge and you can get them available from both the Internal Revenue Service and State of Ohio websites as listed below Federal Tax (Internal Revenue Service) publications and forms you may need:
State of Ohio you may need are:
Cars on Campus - Parking Services, 123 Michael Schwartz Center Faculty, staff and students who desire to park their cars or motorcycles on campus are required to register them and buy a parking permit in the Office of Parking Services. A parking permit does not guarantee you a parking place. Parking lots are full most of the time. You may only park where your permit allows you to park. For example, if you receive an S-37 permit, you may only park in S-37 lots. If you are parked illegally, you will receive a ticket and be required to pay a fine. If you receive several tickets and do not move your car, it will be towed and you will have to pay all associated expenses. It is illegal to use another student's parking permit. The unauthorized use of parking spaces reserved for others such as disabled students will result in a fine. For information on parking permits and fees visit the Parking Services website. New Resident
from another
state or country In the State of Ohio you will need to have an international driving certificate and a foreign license to drive here. If you are tourist that license is honored for one year. However, you are considered a resident once you have taken a job, signed a lease, bought a home, registered to vote, enrolled children in school, etc. Procedures for obtaining a license can be reviewed on the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles website. Getting Your
First Driver's
License Procedures for obtaining a license can be reviewed on the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles website. Driving in the United States is a convenient way to travel. Purchasing and maintaining an automobile is very expensive. Some of the estimated costs of owning an automobile are as follows:
E-Check Station locations are listed on the Environmental Protection Agency website. Special Days Celebrated in the U.S. Some of the special days celebrated in the U.S. are the following: January 1, New Years Day. New Years Eve, December 31st, is more important to Americans than New Year’s Day. On New Year’s Eve friends and family gather to “ring out the old and ring in the new,” an expression that reflects the old custom of ringing church bells to greet the New Year. New Year’s Day is an official holiday and schools, offices, banks, and stores are closed. January 15, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday. Martin Luther King, Jr. organized and led the civil rights movement in America during the 1960’s. His leadership was characterized by peaceful dissent in the tradition of Gandhi. A wonderful orator he is often quoted for his “I Have a Dream” speech. His birthday is an official holiday, celebrated on the third Monday in January. February 12, Lincoln's Birthday. Abraham Lincoln was President during the Civil War (1861-1865) a period that had a profound effect on the history of the nation. He said, A house divided against itself cannot stand, and acted to free the slaves and bring the seceded states back into the Union. This is an official holiday in many states, often celebrated as President's Day in conjunction with Washington's Birthday. February 14, Valentines Day. A romantic holiday celebrated by sending cards and giving candy to friends. This is not an official holiday. Third Monday in February, Washington's Birthday. This day commemorates George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army, and the first President of the United States. The Revolutionary War resulted in America becoming free from the colonial rule of England. This is an official holiday. April 1, April Fool’s Day. This day is marked by the custom of playing practical jokes on one’s friends. This is not an official holiday. Easter - One
Sunday in
April. This is a religious holiday for Christians. Many
traditions
are now connected with Easter, including the decoration of brightly Second Sunday in May, Mother's Day. On this day Americans honor their mothers by sending them flowers, giving them small gifts and taking them to a restaurant for dinner. This is not an official holiday. Third Sunday in June, Father's Day. Father’s are honored on this day. Children give them cards and gifts. This is not an official holiday. Last Monday in May, Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the day on which Americans remember those who died in the service of their country. Many families visit graves and decorate them with flowers. The day is also marked with patriotic parades. This day is an official holiday. July 4,
Independence Day.
Independence Day is the U.S. national day. It commemorates the day the
Declaration of Independence, signed in First Monday
in September,
Labor Day. This official holiday was established in
recognition
of the contribution of labor unions to the country. It is the last
holiday
of October 31,
Halloween. Children
dressing in costumes and visiting the neighbors to receive treats of
candy,
fruit and cookies mark this holiday. November 11,
Veterans’
Day. This day is to honor American men and women who have
served
in the military services of the United States. It is an official Fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day. The first Thanksgiving Day was observed by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts in 1621 to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and their triumph of survival over the wilderness. Now it is a day when Americans give thanks for the life they enjoy and celebrate by gathering with family to eat traditional foods such as turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is an official holiday. December 25, Christmas. Many people regard this as the most important holiday of the year, wit the holiday season extending from a few days before Christmas to New Year’s Day. The origins are religious in nature, but is has become a day celebrated by almost everyone in the U.S. Family members travel great distances to be together for this day. Gifts are exchanged and a traditional dinner is shared. Even families who do not have strong religious convictions decorate a Christmas tree and join in the festivities of the season. Christmas is an official holiday. December 26 to
New Years
Day, Kwanzaa. This seven-day celebration is based on African
principles
of family, community and spirituality with an emphasis on Currency. Please view this site for currency conversion rates. Clothing Sizes Women’s Sizes
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