
Technology Guidebook
The Division of Information Technology and the KSU Tech Guide are your resources for answers to your tech questions.
We are glad to have you as a member of Kent State University and want to make sure you have the tools to be successful in your college career. You will want to review this page to prepare for your studies before the your term starts and continue to utilize the resources at hand while you are here.
Below you will find some guides to help you familiarize yourself with the technologies you will use during your time at Kent State.
Enjoy Your Year!
BEFORE YOU GET TO CAMPUS...
-
Technology Requirements
Specific Requirements for Certain Majors
Some colleges have more specific computer and technology requirements. Below are programs with specific requirements at time of publication. For all other programs, DoIT recommends that you bring a current computer that runs a fully updated version of a current OS, such as Windows 11 or macOS 12 or later.
Where to buy?
Students can get discounted pricing on Apple and Dell! Apple discounts are available at your nearest Apple Store or online at Apple.com. Dell computer discounts are available online via Dell.com. Computers may also be purchased with student pricing at the Kent State University Bookstore.
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design
www.kent.edu/caed/computing_internal/computer-requirementsThe College of Aeronautics and Engineering
https://www.kent.edu/cae/college-aeronautics-and-engineering-computer-recommendationsThe College of Business Administration
https://www.kent.edu/business/computer-requirementThe School of Journalism and Mass Communication
www.kent.edu/jmc/technology-requirementsThe College of Nursing
nursing.kent.edu/laptopThe School of Visual Communication Design
www.kent.edu/vcd/vcd-required-computer-purchaseThe School of Fashion Design and Merchandising
www.kent.edu/fashion/laptop-requirement -
Log into FlashLine
Using the FlashLine Portal
FlashLine is Kent State’s portal that connects you to your essentials you’ll need throughout the semester. If you need help logging in to FlashLine for the first time, be sure to read through our help article.
Visit flashline.kent.edu to sign in using your Kent State username and password.
- Schedule advising appointments
- Register for courses
- Access course schedule
- Track your GPA
- Check your student account balances
-
Set Up Your Student Email
Student Email
You can access your Kent State email account at email.kent.edu or by selecting the email icon in FlashLine.
All official university notices are sent to your Kent State email address, so check your email often!
For more information, visit support.kent.edu/email-student.
Kent State Email on Your Mobile Devices
For instructions on how to setup email on your specific mobile device, visit support.kent.edu/gmail-mobile.
- Get KSUMobile
-
Get Flash ALERTS
What is Flash ALERTS?
Flash ALERTS is Kent State’s official emergency text notification system to alert you of critical information no matter what time it is or where you are in the world. Flash ALERTS expands the university's ability to send critical news and information to the university community during campus emergencies.
You can sign up for Flash ALERTS at www.kent.edu/flashalerts.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE...
-
Connecting to Wireless
Kent State Wireless – Primary network, Secure: for phones, tablets, computers
eduroam – Secure: for guests from other participating universities
Kent State Guest – Unsecure: for general public university guests
Multimedia Devices – Secure: for gaming consoles, smart TVs, and multimedia devices (Apple TV, Roku)
Connecting Phones, Tablets, and Computers
Connect your computer and mobile devices to our secure, high-speed network, Kent State Wireless. Use your FlashLine username and password to log in.
Instructions for connecting can be found at support.kent.edu/wireless.
Connecting Gaming and Multimedia Devices
Gaming consoles, smart TVs, and multimedia devices (e.g., Xbox, PS4, Roku, Apple TV) must be connected to Kent State's dedicated wireless Multimedia Devices network.
To register your device on the Multimedia Devices network, visit MultimediaDevices.kent.edu.
Note: Chromecast and smart light bulbs are not compatible with any Kent State network.
-
Free & Discounted Software
Kent State continually works to save students money by negotiating license agreements for various software packages. Visit the Tech Help software page at Software.Kent.Edu for details.
Free Microsoft Office
You can install the Microsoft Office suite on up to five devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Follow the instructions at support.kent.edu/office and download your free copy today!
Adobe Creative Cloud
Kent State students are now able to purchase Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions for only $75 per year. The subscription license includes the suite of programs, including titles like InDesign and Photoshop!
For download information visit Software.Kent.Edu.
-
Computer Labs
Information Technology maintains two public student computer labs that are open to all Kent State students. Each lab offers both Windows and Mac computers.
- 150 Library (first floor main area)
- 222 Kent Student Center
Visit support.kent.edu/labs for hours of operation and additional information.
Library Workstations
The University Library has more than 160 computers available for public use. The computers are equipped with many useful programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud and FileZilla to name a few.
Regional Campus Computer Labs
Visit our knowledgebase article for a list of public labs on our Regional Campuses.
-
Printing on Campus
Kent Campus Printing with FlashPrint
Public printing is available in most computer labs by using your FLASHcard for payment. Print directly from your personal computer or mobile device by emailing the document to flashprint@kent.edu or by uploading the document to flashprint.kent.edu.
For more information, visit support.kent.edu/print2lab.
Bringing Your Printer to Campus
You will need a USB cable to use a personal printer on campus.
Personal wireless and bluetooth printing are not supported.
Regional Campus Printing
Public printing is available in select regional campus computer labs by using your FLASHcard for payment. Check with your local computer lab to see what printing services are available to you.
-
On-Campus Technology Support
Kent Campus Support
TechHelp: Service and Repair Center
The TechHelp Service and Repair Center, located in the Tri-Towers Rotunda, provides in-person support for personal computers and laptops including:
- Hardware repair, installation, and part ordering
- Virus and spyware removal
- Software and operating system troubleshooting
- Network, wireless, and login support
- Data recovery
- Apple and Dell-authorized warranty service
- Authorized Safeware repair service
- Tech2You residence hall support
Most repairs are performed on-site within a short time frame. Walk-ins are welcome—no appointment necessary!
Visit TechHelp.kent.edu or Support.kent.edu and choose the "Chat" option.
TechHelp: Library Technology Helpdesk
The Library Technology Helpdesk provides walk-up assistance for students with basic technology issues. The desk is located on the first floor (in the alcove to the right of Starbucks).
Find more information at TechHelp.kent.edu.
Regional Campus Support
If you are on a Regional Campus and you need local walk-up technical support, please contact your helpdesk listed below.
Ashtabula
Main Hall Room C234 - 440-964-4357 - helpdesk-ashtabula@kent.edu
College of Podiatric Medicine
216-916-7545 (or 17545) - CPMIT@kent.edu
East Liverpool
Purinton Hall Room 109 - Purinton Hall Library - Mary Patterson Building Room 304 - 330-382-7441 - helpdesk-eastliverpool@kent.edu
Geauga
Room 130 - 440-834-3751 - helpdesk-geauga@kent.edu
Twinsburg Academic Center
Room 118 - 330-888-6351 - helpdesk-geauga@kent.edu
Salem
Room 162 - 330-337-4252 - helpdesk-salem@kent.edu
Stark
Main Hall East Wing Lab - 330-244-3490 - helpdesk-stark@kent.edu
Trumbull
Classroom Admin. Room 122 - 330-675-8812 - helpdesk-trumbull@kent.edu
Tuscarawas
Founders Hall Cybercafe - 330-308-7465 - helpdesk-tuscarawas@kent.edu
-
Free Training Courses
Kent State provides students with access to FREE training and tutorials, both in-person and online.
Technology Workshops
Information Technology offers technology workshops on over 45 different titles, ranging from beginner to advanced.
Workshops are held online via Microsoft Teams. View the schedule and register by going to training.kent.edu and choosing the "In-Person" option.
LinkedIn Learning Online Video Courses
All university constituents have access to training videos from LinkedIn Learning.
Visit training.kent.edu and choose the "Self-Paced" option, then simply login with your FlashLine username and password.
Security Training – SecureIT.kent.edu
Online security training is available at secureIT.kent.edu.
Learn how to: avoid email scams, manage passwords, secure your identity, and more.
Remote Learning
As many courses are being taught remotely, questions may arise regarding how best to navigate learning resources as a student. Below are some links to additional learning information that will be helpful to student learning success.
-
Keep On Learning - resources for students learning from off-campus
-
Library Resources for Students - guidance for course assistance, research, and more
-
Microsoft Teams Support - information to help navigate Microsoft Teams for academic use
-
Technology Training - FREE workshops both in person and using LinkedIn Learning
Tech Help Support Information
The Help Desk is here to help. Connect with us 24/7 on the phone or via chat.
Before you get to campus...
-
Technology Requirements
Specific Requirements for Certain Majors
Some colleges have more specific computer and technology requirements. Below are programs with specific requirements at time of publication. For all other programs, DoIT recommends that you bring a current computer that runs a fully updated version of a current OS, such as Windows 11 or macOS 12 or later.
Where to buy?
Students can get discounted pricing on Apple and Dell! Apple discounts are available at your nearest Apple Store or online at Apple.com. Dell computer discounts are available online via Dell.com. Computers may also be purchased with student pricing at the Kent State University Bookstore.
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design
www.kent.edu/caed/computing_internal/computer-requirementsThe College of Aeronautics and Engineering
https://www.kent.edu/cae/college-aeronautics-and-engineering-computer-recommendationsThe College of Business Administration
https://www.kent.edu/business/computer-requirementThe School of Journalism and Mass Communication
www.kent.edu/jmc/technology-requirementsThe College of Nursing
nursing.kent.edu/laptopThe School of Visual Communication Design
www.kent.edu/vcd/vcd-required-computer-purchaseThe School of Fashion Design and Merchandising
www.kent.edu/fashion/laptop-requirement -
Log into FlashLine
Using the FlashLine Portal
FlashLine is Kent State’s portal that connects you to your essentials you’ll need throughout the semester. If you need help logging in to FlashLine for the first time, be sure to read through our help article.
Visit flashline.kent.edu to sign in using your Kent State username and password.
- Schedule advising appointments
- Register for courses
- Access course schedule
- Track your GPA
- Check your student account balances
-
Set Up Your Student Email
Student Email
You can access your Kent State email account at email.kent.edu or by selecting the email icon in FlashLine.
All official university notices are sent to your Kent State email address, so check your email often!
For more information, visit support.kent.edu/email-student.
Kent State Email on Your Mobile Devices
For instructions on how to setup email on your specific mobile device, visit support.kent.edu/gmail-mobile.
- Get KSUMobile
-
Get Flash ALERTS
What is Flash ALERTS?
Flash ALERTS is Kent State’s official emergency text notification system to alert you of critical information no matter what time it is or where you are in the world. Flash ALERTS expands the university's ability to send critical news and information to the university community during campus emergencies.
You can sign up for Flash ALERTS at www.kent.edu/flashalerts.
Once you arrive...
-
Connecting to Wireless
Kent State Wireless – Primary network, Secure: for phones, tablets, computers
eduroam – Secure: for guests from other participating universities
Kent State Guest – Unsecure: for general public university guests
Multimedia Devices – Secure: for gaming consoles, smart TVs, and multimedia devices (Apple TV, Roku)
Connecting Phones, Tablets, and Computers
Connect your computer and mobile devices to our secure, high-speed network, Kent State Wireless. Use your FlashLine username and password to log in.
Instructions for connecting can be found at support.kent.edu/wireless.
Connecting Gaming and Multimedia Devices
Gaming consoles, smart TVs, and multimedia devices (e.g., Xbox, PS4, Roku, Apple TV) must be connected to Kent State's dedicated wireless Multimedia Devices network.
To register your device on the Multimedia Devices network, visit MultimediaDevices.kent.edu.
Note: Chromecast and smart light bulbs are not compatible with any Kent State network.
-
Free & Discounted Software
Kent State continually works to save students money by negotiating license agreements for various software packages. Visit the Tech Help software page at Software.Kent.Edu for details.
Free Microsoft Office
You can install the Microsoft Office suite on up to five devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Follow the instructions at support.kent.edu/office and download your free copy today!
Adobe Creative Cloud
Kent State students are now able to purchase Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions for only $75 per year. The subscription license includes the suite of programs, including titles like InDesign and Photoshop!
For download information visit Software.Kent.Edu.
-
Computer Labs
Information Technology maintains two public student computer labs that are open to all Kent State students. Each lab offers both Windows and Mac computers.
- 150 Library (first floor main area)
- 222 Kent Student Center
Visit support.kent.edu/labs for hours of operation and additional information.
Library Workstations
The University Library has more than 160 computers available for public use. The computers are equipped with many useful programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud and FileZilla to name a few.
Regional Campus Computer Labs
Visit our knowledgebase article for a list of public labs on our Regional Campuses.
-
Printing on Campus
Kent Campus Printing with FlashPrint
Public printing is available in most computer labs by using your FLASHcard for payment. Print directly from your personal computer or mobile device by emailing the document to flashprint@kent.edu or by uploading the document to flashprint.kent.edu.
For more information, visit support.kent.edu/print2lab.
Bringing Your Printer to Campus
You will need a USB cable to use a personal printer on campus.
Personal wireless and bluetooth printing are not supported.
Regional Campus Printing
Public printing is available in select regional campus computer labs by using your FLASHcard for payment. Check with your local computer lab to see what printing services are available to you.
-
On-Campus Technology Support
Kent Campus Support
TechHelp: Service and Repair Center
The TechHelp Service and Repair Center, located in the Tri-Towers Rotunda, provides in-person support for personal computers and laptops including:
- Hardware repair, installation, and part ordering
- Virus and spyware removal
- Software and operating system troubleshooting
- Network, wireless, and login support
- Data recovery
- Apple and Dell-authorized warranty service
- Authorized Safeware repair service
- Tech2You residence hall support
Most repairs are performed on-site within a short time frame. Walk-ins are welcome—no appointment necessary!
Visit TechHelp.kent.edu or Support.kent.edu and choose the "Chat" option.
TechHelp: Library Technology Helpdesk
The Library Technology Helpdesk provides walk-up assistance for students with basic technology issues. The desk is located on the first floor (in the alcove to the right of Starbucks).
Find more information at TechHelp.kent.edu.
Regional Campus Support
If you are on a Regional Campus and you need local walk-up technical support, please contact your helpdesk listed below.
Ashtabula
Main Hall Room C234 - 440-964-4357 - helpdesk-ashtabula@kent.edu
College of Podiatric Medicine
216-916-7545 (or 17545) - CPMIT@kent.edu
East Liverpool
Purinton Hall Room 109 - Purinton Hall Library - Mary Patterson Building Room 304 - 330-382-7441 - helpdesk-eastliverpool@kent.edu
Geauga
Room 130 - 440-834-3751 - helpdesk-geauga@kent.edu
Twinsburg Academic Center
Room 118 - 330-888-6351 - helpdesk-geauga@kent.edu
Salem
Room 162 - 330-337-4252 - helpdesk-salem@kent.edu
Stark
Main Hall East Wing Lab - 330-244-3490 - helpdesk-stark@kent.edu
Trumbull
Classroom Admin. Room 122 - 330-675-8812 - helpdesk-trumbull@kent.edu
Tuscarawas
Founders Hall Cybercafe - 330-308-7465 - helpdesk-tuscarawas@kent.edu
-
Free Training Courses
Kent State provides students with access to FREE training and tutorials, both in-person and online.
Technology Workshops
Information Technology offers technology workshops on over 45 different titles, ranging from beginner to advanced.
Workshops are held online via Microsoft Teams. View the schedule and register by going to training.kent.edu and choosing the "In-Person" option.
LinkedIn Learning Online Video Courses
All university constituents have access to training videos from LinkedIn Learning.
Visit training.kent.edu and choose the "Self-Paced" option, then simply login with your FlashLine username and password.
Security Training – SecureIT.kent.edu
Online security training is available at secureIT.kent.edu.
Learn how to: avoid email scams, manage passwords, secure your identity, and more.
Remote Learning
As many courses are being taught remotely, questions may arise regarding how best to navigate learning resources as a student. Below are some links to additional learning information that will be helpful to student learning success.
-
Keep On Learning - resources for students learning from off-campus
-
Library Resources for Students - guidance for course assistance, research, and more
-
Microsoft Teams Support - information to help navigate Microsoft Teams for academic use
-
Technology Training - FREE workshops both in person and using LinkedIn Learning
Tech Help Support Information
The Help Desk is here to help. Connect with us 24/7 on the phone or via chat.