Grad Chronicle: September 2021
Student Events and Programs
Blue and Gold Cookout for Graduate Assistants
Graduate Assistants – You are cordially invited to join Senior Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley for the Blue and Gold Cookout for Graduate Assistants on Monday, September 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.! The event will be held at Manchester Field near the University Library and Fletcher Hall. Make sure to stop by for food, fun and raffle prizes! We hope to see you there.
Registration for Three Minute Thesis is Open
The seventh annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition at Kent State University will be held in person this year! Participants will be allotted three minutes and one PowerPoint slide to present their research in an engaging and concise manner.
The trademarked name of this event is Three Minute Thesis, but students may present research they are conducting for a thesis, dissertation, terminal project or any other research project in which they are engaged. Students may also present on research that is in progress. All currently enrolled graduate students are eligible to participate. Develop you academic, presentation and research communication skills, while competing for cash prizes!
The Three Minute Thesis will feature two preliminary rounds on October 28 & 29. The top presenters from each preliminary round will advance to the 3MT Finals on Friday, November 5 at 11:30 a.m. in the Kiva. During the finals, a panel of judges will award cash prizes to the top three presenters. Audience members will be able to vote for the People's Choice Award.
Registration is now open! Make sure to register before 11:59 p.m. on October 18.
International Travel and Research Awards
Kent State's Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is accepting applications for their International Travel and Research Awards.
- The International Travel Award is a competitive award offering financial support up to $1,500. The deadline to apply for the International Travel Award for Spring and Summer 2022 is October 18, 2021.
- The Research Award is a competitive award for up to $2,000 of research related expenses. The deadline to apply for this award for Fall 2021 is October 11, 2021.
To learn more about the awards, COVID-19 updates and to apply, please click here.
Family-Friendly Study Hours
If you are a graduate student parent, we know how hard you work to juggle your academic endeavors as well as your family life.
The Center for Adult and Veteran Services has created a new space on the sixth floor of the University Library that is designated as a Family Friendly Corner. This space provides child-friendly and engaging material such as toys, books, puzzles and an activity center.
Stop by on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. for designated study time!
First Generation Graduate Student Affinity Group
The Division of Graduate Studies sponsors affinity groups for first generation graduate students to help graduate students who are first generation build a community with one another, share experiences and learn about available services and resources that could be coordinated to support these students.
First Generation Graduate Student Affinity Group Meeting Dates for Fall Semester 2021:
- Friday, September 17 from 2–2:45 p.m.
- Friday, October 15 from 2–2:45 p.m.
- Friday, November 19 from 2–2:45 p.m.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Kyle Reynolds at kreynol3@kent.edu. Click here to join the Teams meetings.
Graduate Student Parents Affinity Group
The Division of Graduate Studies sponsors an affinity group for graduate students who are parents to help individuals who are both graduate students as well as parents to build a community together, share experiences and learn about available services and resources. We hope you will also join the Kent State Graduate Students with Families Facebook group to connect further.
Graduate Student Parent Affinity Group Meeting Dates for Fall Semester 2021:
- Wednesday, September 22 from 10–10:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, October 20 from 10–10:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, November 17 from 10–10:45 a.m.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Kyle Reynolds at kreynol3@kent.edu. Click here to join the Teams meetings.
Kent State Farmers' Market
Kent State University has partnered with Haymaker Farmers' Market to bring a farmer's market to the Kent campus. The Kent State Farmers' Market provides students with opportunities to learn about the local farming community, select fresh produce and connect with the broader Kent community in addition to creating a community around food with a warm, friendly and fun environment. The market will include selling crafts (photography, prints, glass, fiber) and educational workshops related to food as well as performances (music, dance, theater). Rain or shine, the Kent State Farmers' Market will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, 4-7 p.m. on the Risman Plaza - Student Green
- Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, 4-7 p.m. on the Risman Plaza - Student Green
- Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2022, 4-7 p.m. at the Design Innovation Hub
- Tuesday, Apr. 26, 2022, 4-7 p.m. at the Design Innovation Hub
Conversation Partners
Kent State’s Conversation Partners Program pairs international students with students from the United States, where they meet once per week for one hour. During these meetings, partners share information about their culture, home country, education and more! The meetings between conversation partners can take place virtually or in-person.
There are many benefits – both international students and domestic students! Students will have the opportunity to learn about a new culture, expand their worldview and make new friends. International students will also have the chance to adjust to life at an American university, learn about available resources and events and practice their English speaking skills. For more information or to sign up for the program, click here.
Homecoming Weekend
Join us the evening of Friday, October 1, at the first Homecoming Kickoff event on the Lefton Esplanade. This marks the official start of Homecoming Weekend with music, food, entertainment, fireworks and T-shirt giveaways.
Click here for a detailed list of Homecoming Week events!
Virtual Keynote Speaker
The Center for Teaching and Learning is hosting a virtual keynote called "Creating an Equity and Care Ecosystem in Education" on Friday, October 1 from 9-11 a.m. Dr. Maha Bali, an associate professor of practice at the Center for Teaching and Learning at the American University in Cairo, will be discussing the importance of equity and care in educational institutions and the intersections of both.
If you are interested in participating in the virtual event, please register here.
Graduate Student Resources
Career Planning Essentials and Research Fundamentals
In the Division of Graduate Studies, we are dedicated to preparing your career. We are providing all graduate students the opportunity to earn a certificate in Career Planning Essentials and Research Fundamentals. Check out our library of research fundamental videos to learn more about grant writing, systematic reviews and software support. Our career planning videos discuss topics such as interviews tips as well as creating a résumé and LinkedIn profile. Once you have watched at least three videos from either category, you can complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the content.
Upon answering 80% of the assessment questions correctly, you will be awarded a certificate of completion that you may display on your résumé or CV. You can access the library of videos as well as the assessment on our website.
Mental Health Resources
As a graduate student, we know that managing your stress and juggling all of your responsibilities can feel overwhelming. That's why we have put together a comprehensive list of the mental health resources that are available here at Kent State University. Click here to view the list.
Health and Wellness
Group Counseling
Counseling and Psychological Services offers group counseling services to all Kent State University students, free of charge. Group sessions focus on managing anxiety and stress as well as learning and incorporating useful skills like mindfulness, stress management and self-compassion into your everyday life.
If you're interested in participating in a group counseling session, please visit the website to fill out a one-time registration form. Days and times for fall semester sessions will be announced.
Full Moon Float
Relax in nature and enjoy a sunset while paddling on a lake just down the road from Kent. Bring your friends for a study break and some exercise on Saturday, September 18 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Spots are limited and registration is required in advance. Transportation is provided and the cost is approximately $30-35 per person.
Rock Climbing Trip
Enjoy a day of outdoor climbing at Whipp's Ledges on Sunday, September 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Hinckley Reservation is one of the few places in northeast Ohio with exposed sandstone ledges that are great for climbing. The trip is open to all ability levels, from beginners to advanced climbers.
While there is a small fee of $35-40 per person, the fee covers your transportation, equipment and instruction. If you are interested in participating, make sure to register in advance, as space is limited.
Camping and Hiking in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills State Park is one of Ohio’s natural gems. Located in southern Ohio, the park boasts waterfalls, towering cliffs, deep gorges and caves. Kent State’s Recreational Services is offering a camping and hiking trip the weekend of September 25-26. Make sure to register in advance as there are only 12 spots available. The cost for the entire weekend is $70-80. No prior camping or hiking experience is necessary!
COVID-19 News and Updates
Stay Informed About COVID-19 Procedures
Stay up to date with Kent State University news, procedures, Flashes Safe Eight and updates regarding COVID-19 such as preventative measures, emergency funding, testing, vaccine distribution and more.
COVID-19 Testing Locations
As part of Kent State’s plan to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the delta variant, widespread testing is available to you as a graduate student, free of charge, at the Ice Arena, Eastway Lounge and the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MACC) third floor loge (10 am. – 4. p.m. each day). Testing will continue to be available at the DeWeese Health Center as well. Members of the Kent State community are encouraged to be tested often, especially if you are displaying any of the classic symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. To schedule an appointment at the DeWeese Health Center, please call 330-672-2322.
Visit the Division of Graduate Studies in Cartwright Hall (suite 145) to pick up a self-test kit free of charge. Test kits are also available at any of the following Kent Campus locations:
- Henderson Hall, Room 216
- Moulton Hall, Room 131
- University Libraries first floor circulation desk
- Kent Student Center information desk
- Beverly J. Warren Student Wellness and Recreation Center welcome desk
- Center for Visual Arts, Room 240
- Center for Performing Arts, Room B141
- Bowman Hall, Room 105
- White Hall, Room 408
Kent State’s regional campuses also offer self-test kits. To view a list of pick-up locations, please visit Kent State’s Coronavirus Prevention page.
Vaccine Requirement
As the delta variant drives a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases across the state, Kent State University will implement a COVID-19 vaccine requirement, with exemptions considered for medical and religious/personal reasons.
Guided by our Flashes Take Care of Flashes ethic and our overarching desire to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all, this requirement will be phased throughout the fall semester to give everyone in our community the opportunity to get vaccinated.
All students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated by December 20. If you have any questions, contact vaccine@kent.edu or 330-672-8227.
Remember to upload your vaccine information for the chance to win awards through the university’s incentive program. Vaccines are available weekdays on the Kent campus and at numerous other locations throughout the state.
Getting vaccinated is the most effective tool to prevent serious illness, the best path out of the pandemic and will allow Kent State to continue to provide vibrant and valuable in-person learning, events and campus experiences.
Resources to combat food insecurity
As a result of the pandemic, food insecurity has affected many people who are part of the Kent State community and the surrounding area. The following link contains information about available food resources in Kent.