First-year students welcomed to campus the “new” way

 

The Kent State East Liverp

ool and Salem campuses had to rethink orientation for new students this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, each campus holds a one-day event known as Destination Kent State – or DKS – that helps new students navigate through the buildings and to learn more about being a Golden Flash.  

Because of safety measures related to the pandemic, however, an on-campus event could not be held for the large number of students expected. Instead, the students participated in a remote DKS webinar during which they learned about the various procedures and services provided on each campus.

Following the webinar, the East Liverpool and Salem campuses held drive-thru events during which each student received a packet of resource material, a Kent State t-shirt and a Flashes Take Care of Flashes welcome kit from the safety of their vehicle. 

The welcome kit contained two Kent State masks, hand sanitizer, a packet of sanitizing wipes, a Feverscan (to check temperatures) and a key chain that helps with hands-free contact with keypad buttons, elevator buttons, etc.

Campus staff – along with Flash – was on hand to greet the students and welcome them to campus, all while practicing social distancing guidelines.

DKS is always an energized day on campus and, hopefully, next year’s events will return to a format that allows students to be on campus and participate in activities in person. 

 

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Cutline A: Cars line up for the Salem DKS drive-thru

Cutline B: Flash fist-bumps a CCP student

Cutline C: Driving through the drive-thru at Kent State East Liverpool

Cutline D: Showing off their t-shirts in Salem

Cutline E: Showing off their t-shirts in East Liverpool