

Sense of Belonging Q&A
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Is there a space where I can go to interact and be supported by other people of color?
Yes, the Student Multicultural Center (SMC) provides advocacy, mentoring, guidance, education, and other support services for students of color. Additionally, SMC is a space equipped with offices, student study areas, and lounge open to all to come in, hang out and engage with others. The SMC is located on the second floor of the Student Center, above the Kiva.
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How do I find out about ways to get involved on campus?
The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) houses and oversees the majority of student organizations on campus. The KSU Blastoff, held each fall on the Student Green, offers an opportunity to connect to all student organizations. Each organization will have a representative table to learn more about their organization and members. Be sure to keep an eye out for further information regarding the date, time, and location of this year’s Blastoff. Additionally, the CSI webpage has a great search feature where students can review every current student organization.
Furthermore, students should also utilize the KSU Engage portal to review student organizations. KSU Engage will allow students to gain a better understanding of each organization’s mission, principles, and current members. Please follow the link below to visit the KSU Engage portal.
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Are there student organizations specifically related to and/or for students of color?
- Yes, Kent State currently has 8/9 Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) organizations, which include; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. The only IGC organization not represented at Kent State is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Additionally, Kent State has multiple Latino organizations such as Alpha Psi Lambda and the Spanish Latino Student Association.
- The Black United Students (BUS) chapter at Kent State is among the first ever created. BUS seeks to identify relevant issues and initiate appropriate action in order to reduce or eliminate any impediments to be adverse to students and their continued well-being and matriculation. The underlying philosophy of BUS is to serve and unify all Black students at Kent State by addressing their needs.
- There are two student organizations facilitated and overseen by the Student Multicultural Center (SMC).
- Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N) – mission is to support the academic, professional, social, and person development of men of color at Kent State.
- Sister Circle – mission is to focus on the personal, social, cultural, and professional development of women of color at Kent State.
Be sure to use the KSU Engage portal to learn more about these organizations.
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Is there a specific orientation or college transition program for students of color?
- Kupita/Transiciones (K/T) is a free program that includes a cultural orientation, transition experience and year-long mentoring program for newly admitted and transfer African American, Latinx, Hispanic, Native American and Multiracial students in mind. Spanning over the academic year, students will engage in activities to learn how to successfully navigate their college career by focusing on the cultural and social climate of Kent State University. All students are welcome to join. In-person programming for K/T takes place Wednesday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 22. Registration is open from May 17 - August 2, with early bird registration ending July 16.
- How to register or learn more:
- The registration link is in the email that you applied to Kent State.
- Questions? Email: Student_Multicultural_Center@kent.edu or call (330) 672-3560
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Is there any support or opportunities for involvement for the LGBTQ+ community and allies?
The LGBTQ+ Center is a welcoming environment to LGBTQ students and their allies. The informed staff strives to educate the campus community about sexual orientation and gender identity to ensure Kent State University remains a safe space for all students.
There are multiple LGBTQ+ organizations for members of the community and allies which include Pride!Kent, National Gay Pilots Association, Trans*Fusion. Please visit the KSU Engage portal for further information on these organizations.