New Student Orientation

What can I expect?

• Throughout orientation, you’ll explore and learn about KSUA from various resourceful departments. You will work with an Academic Advisor to finalize your class schedule (if you have completed your Placement Testing requirements), receive your FlashCard student ID, and have an opportunity to meet with Financial Aid. We encourage you to come with a list of questions to ask so you can feel even more confident in your decision to become part of the Ashtabula family. 

Who should attend New Student Orientation?

• New freshmen and transfer students with under 30 college credits hours are required to attend New Student Orientation prior to registering for classes.  Students who have over 30 college credit hours, guest/transient students, and students who have attended any Kent State campus in the past five years are not required to attend.  New Student Orientation is a family program; we encourage all students to bring parents or other guests.

I took college courses while in high school (either through KSUA or another college/university). Do I need to attend New Student Orientation?

• Yes. Students who took advantage of post-secondary enrollment options and/or Advanced Placement courses, regardless of the hours transferred, are required to attend New Student Orientation. 

I’m a transfer student with more than 30 credit hours. What do I do?

• You may still need to take placement testing depending on the coursework completed at your previous institution. Please contact our Student Services Office at 440-964-4217 to verify your testing needs and schedule an advising appointment with your academic advisor.  

I haven’t completed placement testing. Can I still attend New Student Orientation?

• It is strongly encouraged that students complete testing prior to New Student Orientation, but there will be a window of time scheduled during orientation for students to test. Be advised that students cannot be given a schedule until their placement tests are complete. See the placement testing tab to register for a placement testing date. If you are unsure of your placement testing requirements, please contact our student services office at 440-964-4217. 

I need to reschedule New Student Orientation. What do I do?

• Contact our Student Services Office at 440-964-4217 for any changes or cancellations in your orientation registration. 

What should I wear to New Student Orientation?

• We suggest that you wear something comfortable and appropriate for the weather conditions, keeping in mind that you may be walking to other buildings on campus.  Dress in layers so that you can be comfortable regardless of the temperature in the buildings.

Will I be able to talk to someone about accommodations for my disability?

• Private walk-in appointments will be offered for students wanting to discuss accommodations for disabilities. 

Contact Student Accessibilty Services

Prior to New Student Orientation

• Apply to Kent State Ashtabula
• Register for Placement Testing date (if applicable) 
• Attend Placement Testing (if applicable)
• Register for a New Student Orientation date
• Complete the Academic Advising Questionnaire
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Apply for scholarships
• Submit your final high school transcripts to Kent State Ashtabula Admissions
• Prepare any specific questions you want to have answered during New Student Orientation
• Connect with Kent State Ashtabula via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 

During orientation

• Attend campus resource presentation
• Meet your Academic Advisor
• Get your class schedule for the upcoming semester
• Meet at least one person who can be a resource during the upcoming semester
• Meet with Financial Aid to clarify any questions you may have (if applicable)
• Get your Flashcard student ID
• Ask questions
• HAVE FUN!

After orientation

• Check your @kent.edu Kent State email daily! Email is the Kent State Ashtabula’s primary form of communication with you
• Become familiar navigating FlashLine and Canvas
• Sign up for Flash Alerts – an emergency information texting system
• Ensure FAFSA is complete and aid is committed to your account
• Pay tuition and fees – your bill can be found online through Flashline

Resources, documents and information that will help in the start of your academic journey at Kent State University at Ashtabula.

All Students:

Financial Aid Checklist: Where Do I Go From Here?

Academic Success Center

Student Accessibility Services

Campus and Local Attraction Maps

Nursing Majors ONLY:

Nursing majors will review the below documents during their virtual information session. A meeting invitation link will be sent prior to your New Student Orientation date.

1. Associate Degree in Nursing Tri-Fold Brochure

2. Associate Degree in Nursing Booklet

3. Associate Degree in Nursing Roadmap

4. Associate Degree in Nursing Credit Hours

5. OBN and MOU

Placement Testing FAQ's

What is Placement Testing?

• ACCUPLACER Reading and Writing and ALEKS mathematics are comprehensive, self-paced computer testing programs that help place students into appropriate courses and maximizes the information colleges need to insure student success. Your test results are used by Academic Advisors to determine proper course placement.

Do I need to take Placement Testing?

• Our Academic Advisors determine each student's testing needs on an individual basis. Students required to take Placement Testing will receive a letter prompting them to register for an upcoming date. Registration will begin in April for Fall semester admission and October for Spring semester admission. If you are unsure of your testing requirements, please contact our Student Services office at 440-964-4217.

How long will Placement Testing take?

• ALEKS mathematics may take up to 90 minutes to complete. ACCUPLACER Reading and Writing may take up to 60 minutes to complete. Allow yourself 2-3 hours total to complete your exam.

Does Placement Testing cost anything?

• ALEKS and ACCUPLACER are administered at no charge

How can I prepare?

• Preparation materials for all of our placement tests are available online to help you show your highest potential.  To find materials for the ACCUPLACER Reading and Writing Assessments and ALEKS Math Assessment, please visit the Placement Testing Preparation page.

Tutoring and Testing Homepage

Placement Testing Registration

Register Now: Placement Testing!

New Student Orientation

• Before registering for New Student Orientation, please be sure that all required placement testing is complete. If you have questions about your required placement testing needs, contact the Academic Success Center.
• Please check your mail for information regarding your next steps. If you have any questions about your next steps, please contact the admissions office at 440-964-4217.
• Once you have successfully registered for a New Student Orientation date, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address you provided.

THESE DATES ARE NOT FOR INCOMING COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS STUDENTS.
 REGISTER FOR NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

SAMPLE AGENDA FOR NON-HEALTHCARE DEGREES
8:45-9 AM Sign in for New Student Orientation
9-10:30 AM New Student Orientation Presentation
10:30-11:30 AM Walk-in Academic Advising to Register for Classes
*walk in advising is only offered for in-person orientations. Virtual orientation attendees will be called to schedule an advising appointment.

SAMPLE AGENDA FOR HEALTHCARE DEGREES
8:45-9 AM Sign in for New Student Orientation
9-10:30 AM New Student Orientation Presentation
10:30-11 AM Information Session with Program Director
11-11:30 AM Walk-in Academic Advising to Register for Classes
*walk in advising is only offered for in-person orientations. Virtual orientation attendees will be called to schedule an advising appointment.