Get Ready to Join Your Golden Flash Family at KSU Kickoff!
All new 2026 incoming students are invited to KSU Kickoff. (This includes transfer students and students with commuter status) During this one-of-a-kind welcome celebration, you will engage in various activities and events that will help you become more familiar with the 91¸£Àû community, faculty and staff, make new friends and prepare to start off the fall 2026 semester. Some events are required to ensure that you start the semester successfully, while other events are optional based on your interests and needs.
Overview
KSU Kickoff runs from Thursday, Aug. 20, until Sun, August 23. During KSU Kickoff 2026, students can expect to participate in a safe and engaging experience.
Information Regarding Required Events
The following events are required for new incoming students:
- KSU Kickoff Residential Student Check-In (for incoming residential students only) | Thurs., Aug. 20, 3 - 8 p.m.
- KSU Kickoff Commuter Student Check-In (for incoming commuting students only) | Fri., Aug. 21, 8 - 9 a.m.
- Dean's Welcome | Fri., Aug. 21, 9:30 - 10 a.m. -- (campus location based on a student's college listed in chart below)
College
Location
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
133 Bowman Hall
College of Aeronautics and Engineering
Cartwright Hall Auditorium (306)
College of Sciences and Humanities
Kent Student Center Ballroom
College of The Arts
Stump Theatre
Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Crawford Hall Global Forum (330)
College of Education and Human Services
165 Center for the Visual Arts
College of Public Health and Health Sciences
214 Oscar Ritchie Hall
College of Nursing
KIVA
University College
218 Kent Student Center
College of Communication and Information
110 Williams Hall
- Convocation | Fri., Aug. 21, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
- First Flashes 101 Class | Fri. Aug. 21, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
- Transfer Student Welcome (for incoming transfer students only) – Sun. Aug. 23, 3 - 5 p.m.
Information Regarding Other Trademark Events
The following events are KSU Kickoff staples:
- Class of 2030 Group Photo - Fri., Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. - noon
- First-Year Lunch - Fri., Aug. 21, Noon - 1 p.m.
- Flashes First Friday – Fri., Aug. 21, 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
- Blastoff – Sun., Aug. 23, 5 - 7 p.m.
*Please note that some events require advanced registration.
Prepare for KSU Kickoff!
To prepare for KSU Kickoff you should:
- Download the KSU Kickoff app from your mobile device's app store
- Don't sweat the rest! At check-in, staff will help you navigate all things KSU Kickoff and find your first Flashes 101 class meeting location. (Meeting locations during KSU Kickoff vary by college and are not in the same location that your class will meet during the semester.)
4 Days
of activities
4,000+
students connecting
Establish
blue and gold pride
Move-In and/or KSU Kickoff Preparation
KSU Kickoff App
All first-year students should use the KSU Kickoff app during the welcome week experience. The KSU Kickoff app will guide you through the welcome week experience and will keep you informed of important updates during your first week on campus.
The KSU Kickoff app contains:
- A comprehensive Move-In Week and KSU Kickoff event calendar (including event registration)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- First Flashes 101 Class Session Room Locator
- Campus Maps
- And more!
Accommodations Requests
- During KSU Kickoff, there will be events and activities that may be difficult to participate in for students with accessibility considerations. If this may be a consideration for you, please reach out to our office and we are happy to coordinate the necessary support!
- Our office can be reached at csi@kent.edu and/or 330-672-2480.
Do you have questions about KSU Kickoff?
The Center for Student Involvement is here to help!
