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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

General Computer Recommendations

Computers with the specifications below will meet the needs of most students for four years. Students are encouraged to contact their department or program to determine if they have their own recommendations. See the list below for departments known to have requirements at the time of publication.

ComponentRecommended PCRecommended Mac
ProcessorIntel® Core™ i5 (13th generation or better)Apple M2 (or better)
Memory16 GB or better
Storage256 GB SSD or better
Webcam and MicrophoneRequired
Operating SystemWindows 11MacOS Sonoma
HeadsetRecommended
Battery LifeMinimum of 6-8 hours without charging

Chromebooks and Tablets

Chromebooks and tablets are discouraged as a primary computer unless specifically endorsed or provided by your school or department.

Why are Chromebooks discouraged? Chromebooks are cloud-based devices that do not run the Windows or MacOS operating systems and are not compatible with many KSU software applications. Low-cost devices like Chromebooks, Android tablets, and iPads certainly have their place. They can be a great supplementary device for taking notes in classes, but they are limited in what they can do.

 

Consider a Warranty Upgrade

Kent State University is warranty authorized for the repair of Dell and Apple computers, and can be repaired on the Kent Campus at the Service and Repair Center.

Standard warranties typically provide one year of coverage, and do not include accidental damage. Consider upgrading your warranty to include 4 years of accidental damage protection, such as AppleCare+ or Dell Complete Care.

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. Apple and Dell computers may also be purchased with student pricing at the Kent State University Bookstore.

Specific Requirements for Certain Majors

Some colleges have more specific computer and technology requirements. Below are programs with specific requirements at time of publication.

The College of Architecture and Environmental Design
www.kent.edu/caed/computer-requirements

The College of Aeronautics and Engineering
https://www.kent.edu/cae/computer-requirements

The Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
https://www.kent.edu/business/technology-resources-requirements

The College of Nursing
https://www.kent.edu/nursing/laptop-requirement

The School of Media and Journalism 
https://www.kent.edu/mdj/technology-requirements

The School of Emerging Media and Technology 
https://www.kent.edu/emat/technology-requirements

The School of Visual Communication Design
www.kent.edu/vcd/vcd-required-computer-purchase

The 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.

  • Get help with advising
  • Register for courses
  • Access course schedule
  • Track your GPA
  • Check your student account balances
  • View scholarship and financial aid information
Set Up Your Student Email

Student Email

You can access your Kent State email account by selecting the email icon in FlashLine.

All official university notices are sent to your Kent State email address, so check your email daily!

Kent State Email on Your Mobile Devices

For instructions on how to setup email on your specific mobile device see below:

M365: https://kentstate.freshservice.com/support/solutions/articles/19000050847

Get KSUMobile

KSUMobile

The KSUMobile app features many of the same resources as FlashLine, designed for use on your mobile device.

  • View schedule
  • Check grades
  • Campus maps and directions
  • Parking availability
  • Dining locations, hours and payment options
  • And many more!

KSUMobile is available for Android and iOS.

Flash ALERTS Emergency Notification System

What is Flash ALERTS?

Flash ALERTS (www.kent.edu/flashalerts) is Kent State University’s official emergency text notification system to provide subscribers with critical information no matter what time it is or where they are in the world. Flash ALERTS expands the university's ability to send critical news and information to the university community during campus emergencies. 

All members of the university community are added to our Flash ALERTS system. Every university community member will receive critical text messages that are distributed for each campus.

When you get to campus...

Connecting to Wireless

screenshot of mobile phone displaying available wireless networks

 

 

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 (many university services are unavailable on this network)

Multimedia Devices – Secure: for gaming consoles, smart TVs, and multimedia devices (Apple TV, Roku, etc.)

 

 

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 software.kent.edu for details.

Free Microsoft 365 (Office)

You can install the M365 suite on up to five devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Follow the instructions at support.kent.edu/office to download.

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

Most repairs are performed on-site within a short time frame. Walk-ins are welcome—no appointment necessary!

Visit TechHelp.kent.edu for more information.

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, 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 for workshops by visiting training.kent.edu, log in with your KSU credentials then select the "In-Person" option.

 

Be Cyber Secure

Be Cyber Secure!

Cybersecurity is critical in the digital age, and for college students, understanding and implementing cybersecurity measures is essential. As students, you are often at the forefront of adopting new technologies, which also exposes you to a range of cyber threats.

Protect your Digital Identity

  1. Don't Share your Flashline Password with anyone
  2. Don't Reuse your Flashline Password on other third party sites or services
  3. Beware of Phishing attacks and other Scams - College students are often targets of phishing scams and other cyber threats. Educating yourself on these risks and how to recognize suspicious activities can protect you from potential harm.
    1. Don't click on link in suspicious messages!
    2. Forward any suspicious messages to phish@kent.edu

The Security Team in the Division of Information Technology maintains a large website with loads of important cybersecurity information. Learn how to avoid email scams, manage passwords, secure your identity, and more with online security training: secureIT.kent.edu.Links to an external site.

For more information regarding phishing visit phishtalk.kent.edu!

 

 

Get Information About Copyright Infringement

Under current Federal law (the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, aka DMCA), all Colleges and Universities in the United States, including Kent State University are required to take steps to promptly remove or disable access to any copyrighted material that is being shared illegally within its network. See links below for more information.

Information about the DMCA:

https://www.kent.edu/it/digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca

Information about file sharing:

https://www.kent.edu/it/copyright-information

Information about penalties for infractions:

https://www.kent.edu/it/kent-states-response-copyright-infringement

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.

Tech Help Support Information

The Help Desk is here to help. Connect with us 24/7 on the phone or via chat.

(330) 672-HELP (4357) | Chat

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