Academic Advising
Your academic adviser can help you with academic matters. Your adviser is responsible for providing you with information about coursework, programs of study, degree requirements, academic progress, and academic support services and policies.  It is your responsibility to consult with your adviser and we strongly recommend you do so every semester prior to registering for classes.

Graduate students are advised through their department.  

Tutors in other subjects can be referred to you by the Academic Success Center, professors or departmental offices.  A student who has earned a good grade in a class is not automatically a good tutor.  Good tutors have received some training in tutoring techniques.

The Academic Writing Skills Center staff will assist you if you have problems adjusting your style of writing academic papers to the requirements of an American university.  The staff will review your papers with you and offer suggestions on your style and provide recommendations on improving your writing skill.  Services are free.

There are trained counselors in the Office who will assist you if you have a discrimination complaint or concern.

Books can be purchased at the University Bookstore in the Student Center or at DuBois Bookstore on Lincoln Street across from McGilvrey Hall. You may purchase new or used books, and other supplies at these stores. If you have any questions or need help to find what you need ask any of the staff in the bookstore for assistance.  They will be glad to help you.

You can purchase your textbooks “on-line” from the University Bookstore. 

If you are returning a textbook or supplies for a refund you must have the original receipt.  You may discover that the professor will inform the class that he or she does not plan to use the book. You can return the book to the bookstore, but you must have the receipt.

Both the University Bookstore and DuBois Bookstore buy books back at the end of the semester.   These stores may buy back your textbooks for up to 50% of what you paid for them.  Their offer depends on the condition of the book and the need for the textbook in future semesters. If an updated edition of your textbook is used for the next semester, your book will not be repurchased.

A valid KSU ID is required to return your your books.

In addition to the bookstores, there are several Internet sites where students can purchase textbooks sometimes at a savings. To find the sites conduct an Internet search using the keyword ‘textbooks’. You will also see ads posted on campus and in the Daily Kent Stater that have web addresses for the sites. You will need to know the exact title, authors, and the edition of the textbook you are shopping for. Please note that the companies may not get you the textbooks as quickly as you need them, so plan ahead! Also, please note that you will need an accepted credit card number in order to make the purchase. Most of the companies have return policies if you want to return the textbooks or ordered the wrong one, but they may charge a fee. The best advice is to ask friends and other students who may have purchased books through these sites before.  Be cautious when purchasing books over the Internet.

The Career Services Center is a one-step resource center for job searches, on-campus and off-campus employment, internships, preparations for job interviews, and general career counseling.  Professional counselors are available to assist you in making important career choices and in helping you find the right job. Career counseling appointments are free of charge and walk-in appointments are accepted.

The Center has computerized career guidance programs to help you explore career options on your own, and counselors to meet with you in person.

The Office of International Affairs coordinates and administers international academic programs.  The CICP offers study abroad programs to Geneva, Switzerland; Ulster, Ireland; Leicester, England; Volgograd, Russia and several other universities.  These programs are operated on the same basis as study on campus.  Credits earned apply towards KSU degrees.

You may choose to attend a program coordinated by another university in the U.S.  The CICP has information about these programs. If you choose to attend a study abroad program administered by a university other than KSU, it is your responsibility to ensure that course credit will transfer from that university to Kent State.  See your academic adviser for help in this area.

International students are eligible to apply for study abroad programs. If you are interested in studying abroad, please see an adviser at the ISSS office.

These laboratories have assistants to help you use the computers. The labs have rules about the use of computers. It is important to familiarize yourself with these rules.

Each residence hall room has a network hook-up.  This allows students who own their own computer to have both e-mail and Internet services provided directly to their room.

Students have free access to the Internet and email. A valid KSU identification card is required.  All students, once they have registered for classes, are automatically provided an email account with a user ID.  You can activate your account on any computer.  To begin the log-on link to  http://www.kent.edu/flashline.  Further instructions are provided to allow full use of the email account. Questions may be directed to the HELP desk at 672 - 2031.

Many students bring their own computer to campus.  Other students never buy a computer and are able to meet all of their computing needs with the computer laboratories.  We suggest that you not purchase a computer until you have tried the computer laboratories.

If you do purchase a computer, you may place an ad in the paper to sell your computer or take it home with you. Most students can take their personal computers home under "General License Baggage,” and do not need to apply for an export license.  However, students/scholars from certain countries must apply for an export license before attempting to take their computers home.

The regulations governing the exportation of computers are contained in the U.S. Export Administration Regulations published by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce.  For more information regarding license requirements and procedures, call the Bureau, Exporter Counseling Services, P.O. Box 273, Washington, DC  20044, Telephone: 202-482-4811.  When you telephone, be prepared to give the name of the manufacturer, model number, and technical specifications of your computer. The best times to call are 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. and 5 - 7 p.m.

The Counseling Center provides personal counseling and human development services to students, faculty, staff and family members. Services include individual, couple, family, child, group, and rehabilitation counseling for developmentally related concerns. Counseling sessions are free.

Masters’ and doctoral level graduate students preparing for professional licensure as clinical counselors provide services.

Services are confidential.

Each residence hall room has a network hook-up.  This allows students who own their own computer to have both e-mail and Internet services provided directly to their room.  You can also use email and the Internet from the computer labs on campus.

The ESL offers English language courses for the non-native speaker. Classes are taught at five different proficiency levels: high beginning, low-intermediate, mid-intermediate, high-intermediate, and advanced. There are also specialized courses in technical language for business and the sciences and for TOEFL preparation.

Experienced teachers who are specially trained in the communicative method teach all classes.  Courses are available in the fall, spring and summer.

There are seven fast food restaurants in the Student Center Food Court.  The lobby or Hub of the Student Center features take away food from the Market Place.   On the lower level of the Center is the Rathskeller.  There is also a  shop on the lower level which serves coffee, muffins and take-away lunches.  There is a cafeteria on the second floor  and the Schwebel Garden Room Restaurant  is on the third floor.

You may use either cash or FLASHcard at any of the dining halls on campus.  

Each of these dining halls specializes in certain types of foods, from quick snack items to light items to full course meals.  Although the residence halls serve primarily an American cuisine, they do try to accommodate the diets of international students.

In addition to on-campus dining, there are several restaurants, clubs and cafes in Kent.  Most of these off-campus places are within walking distance from the campus.

In northeastern Ohio a variety of food is available to you.  Please check the 
Cleveland Plain Dealer website for more information.

The University Health Services provide a broad range of medical services in the DeWeese Health Center.  Many of these services are free to registered students as noted below.   The same services are provided to spouses for a fee of $75. per semester.  The student must be currently enrolled and both must go to the Center with identification to enroll the spouse.

Medical Clinic
The Clinic, staffed by physicians, and nurse practitioners, offers a complete range of quality primary care services.  Appointments are encouraged in an effort to reduce waiting time, and in most cases these can be scheduled within 24 hours.  There is no charge for visits.

Psychological Services
Psychological Services provides high quality personalized counseling services by professional licensed psychologists and a licensed independent social worker.  Concerns with personal issues, stress, depression, substance abuse, sexual assault, rape and lack of academic progress can be resolved in a helpful manner.

Crisis intervention, individual and group psychotherapy are strictly confidential.  This service is dedicated to assisting students to obtain the most from their academic, social and personal experience at Kent through workshops and outreach programming

All medical/psychological information and records of the students are strictly confidential by law.  They are not made available to parents, university faculty or staff without the student’s written writing permission.  The initial appointment is free and each subsequent one is $20.

Women's Clinic
The women's clinic, staffed by family practice physicians and nurse practitioners, provides specialized services for women, including routine pelvic and breast exams, pap smears, contraceptive counseling and services, pregnancy testing and diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.  Treatment, counseling and referral for victims of sexual assault and treatment of gynecological problems are also available.  The visits are free.

X-ray
Staffed by licenses, radiological technologists, the x-ray department provides routine diagnostic x-rays and EKG's as prescribed by a licensed clinician.  X-rays are free.

Pharmacy
Prescription medications at reduced prices, over-the-counter medications and many other health-related items that do not require a prescription can also be purchased in the Pharmacy. Licensed pharmacists staff the Pharmacy,

Physical Therapy
The department is staffed by a licensed physical therapist.  It is designed to provide evaluation and treatment for a wide variety of muscular and skeletal problems.  A physician's referral is required for treatment.  Treatment is free.

Laboratory
The University laboratory provides routine diagnostic testing as prescribed by a licensed clinician.  Specialty and pathology testing completed through our outside reference laboratory at Robinson Memorial Hospital.

Ambulance Service
A fully equipped ambulance staffed by students who are licensed emergency medical technicians is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when classes are in session (summer excluded).

Other Services
Allergy and flu shots
Immunizations HIV/STD testing
Nutrition and weight programs
Group diabetic programs

International Institute's services are highly recommended. They are also free of charge, because the Institute is funded by private donations through the United Way.

The catalog of books in the Library is “on-line” with an easy to use computer.  Using this on-line catalog makes it easy to find items in the Library or in any one of over 80 participating partner libraries throughout the State of Ohio.

The Library has a computer laboratory with access to the Internet and e-mail.  These two services are free to Kent State students with a valid KSU identification card.  All students, once they have registered for classes, are automatically provided an email account with a user ID.  You can activate your account on any computer.  Go the following address to begin the process http://www.kent.edu/flashline

Further instructions are provided to allow full use of the email account. Questions may be directed to the HELP desk at 672 - HELP.

Your first visit to the library may be overwhelming but there is a self-guided tour to help you become familiar with the resources available to you.  In addition, staff members are available to assist you.

To borrow material and to use some services requires a valid KSU ID.  Fines are imposed if materials are returned after the due dates.

Psychological Services provides personalized counseling by professional licensed psychologists and an independent social worker.  Concerns with personal issues, stress, depression, substance abuse, sexual assault, rape and lack of academic progress can be resolved in a helpful manner.

Crisis intervention, individual and group psychotherapy are strictly confidential.

While the Kent campus is generally a safe place, it is still important to be careful on campus and in the city of Kent.

Walking is a good way to enjoy the campus and meet other students, but please cross the street at designated crosswalks and street corners.  If you are walking at night, wear light or bright colors and walk with a friend.

Some students are concerned about walking alone late at night or on the weekend, especially if their path will take them through secluded and dark areas. In order to help, the University has an escort service that provides a security aide to accompany students at those times.  When you need an escort call the number listed below. 

Security aides can be requested by using most public telephones throughout campus and in all campus parking lots - these phones have been nick-named “Blue Light Phones” because of the blue lights on top of their poles. These telephones also have direct connections to help in emergencies. When you need help, use them!  

Student Disability Services provides assistance to students with varying degrees and types of disabilities.  Types of disabilities include: mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, speech impairments, specific learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, chronic health disorders, psychological disabilities, and temporary disabilities.

Students seeking services must provide documentation of their specific disability.
Although a student may be eligible for services, specific accommodations are not extended by Student Disability Services unless they are requested. A student has the right to choose to use only a few of the accommodations available or to completely refuse special help.

Student Disability Services offers or coordinates the following for disabled students:

• Academic Support Programs
• Advising
• Augmented Hearing Devices
• Braille Documents
• Classroom Furniture Adaptations
• Housing Assistance on Campus
• Interpreter Services and Policies
• Lab Assistance
• Library Assistance
• Note-taking
• Parking
• Personal Care Attendant Referral Service
• Priority Registration
• Reader Services / Books on Tape
• Test Accommodations
• Text Book Reservation Service
• Wheelchair Loan Service

Transportation for disabled students is through PARATA, the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority.

The Career Services Center is responsible for the student employment program at the University including off-campus employment opportunities for students. All student position vacancies throughout the Kent State University system are listed with the Center and are posted in both the Center and on the Center's website.

“Work study" and federally funded jobs are in the same category as loans, so that if you are not a permanent resident or citizen you are not eligible for these jobs. However, there are many other jobs on campus that are not considered "work study." So, before you look for a job, please talk to an ISSS advisor about the regulations regarding employment for international students and then talk to an employment professional in the Career Services Center .

The Multicultural Center  develops programs and offers services to enroll, retain and graduate under-represented undergraduate students.  The Center’s major goal is to assist undergraduate students in achieving academic success at the university.

The Ombuds helps students solve conflicts in the University.  The Ombuds informs students of procedures for processing complaints, works with the student and others involved in the dispute, and helps them to resolve the issues.  The Ombuds is not an advocate for either party to the dispute; rather, the Ombuds attempts to bring a reasoned, fair and impartial analysis to the issue.  The Ombuds does not render a decision, but does encourage the parties to seek a solution.

Information given to the Ombuds is confidential.

The Office of Campus Life offers several tax workshops for international students each year in March and early April prior to the deadlines for filing and paying federal, state, and local income taxes.  At this workshop tax forms are supplied to you and explanations are provided in cases that are unclear. You can also receive assistance with preparing your tax documents.

Please contact the Office of Campus Life for more information and the specific date of the workshop.

 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.   

The Portage Area Regional Transit Authority (PARTA) buses provide transportation from Kent to Brady Lake, Ravenna, Robinson Hospital Windham, Garrettsville, Mantua and other nearby communities. This service is free with a FLASHcard.
 
Visit their website for schedules, routes and other bus services  including campus, Kent and service to Cleveland and Akron and airports.

Greyhound Bus Line  Telephone: 1 - 800 - 231 - 2222

The Portage Area Regional Transit Authority (PARTA)  buses provide transportation from Kent to Brady Lake, Ravenna, Robinson Memorial Hospital, Windham, Garrettsville, Mantua and other nearby communities.  

The Metro Regional Transit Authority serves Akron and Summit County. 

The Regional Transit Authority serves Cleveland. 

Stark Area Regional Transit Authority serves Stark County.  

Major Airports: Akron-Canton Regional Airport and  Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

All riders (temporary and permanent) of SDTS vans must be approved to ride through the Student Disability Services (SDS).  Student Disability Services is located in 181 Michael Schwartz Center, Telephone: 672 - 3391.

The Resource Center offers support to women who live in the Kent/Portage County area or who are students, staff, faculty or alumni associated with Kent State University.  Staff and volunteers are available to answer questions or concerns about any topics you might have that are related to women.

If you are being sexually harassed, have been sexually assaulted, are in an abusive relationship, or need help with other problems or situation, the Center is here to help.