While we are always happy to help, the Employee Benefits team doesn’t have the authority or expertise to resolve some of the concerns that are brought to us. To serve you better with quicker responses, the list below is some of the common problems/situations that can arise and what department to contact for better assistance.  Address Changes: self-service through Flashline. Learn to change your address online. Bereavement: HR Records Holiday Schedules: HR Records Name Changes: Academic Personnel (faculty) or HR Records (staff) Opting out of OPERS: Students who are hired re...

Many Kent State University student-athletes will qualify for additional preparation for success after graduation under a benefits program slated to launch in fall 2023.   The Ready FLASH (For Life After Sport Holistically) program, announced today by Kent State Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond, follows the 2021 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that opened the door for colleges and universities to offer education-related benefits on top of scholarships. Richmond noted that the Ready FLASH program will help student-athletes to be successful as they transition into life after sports.&nbs...

Congratulations to Cynthia Osborn, Ph.D., a 2022 recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award!  A Professor of Counselor Education and Supervision in the School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, Cynthia is coordinator of the addictions counseling certificate program. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University in 1996 after serving in pastoral ministry for several years. She practiced counseling part-time and then full-time at an addiction treatment facility in Southeast Ohio, serving persons with co-occurring ...

A survey led by Kent State University's College of Public Health provided dozens of short- and long-term recommendations to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people living in Greater Akron. In all, the survey noted more than 50 areas for improvement across nine categories. It offered straightforward recommendations such as assisting more LGBTQ+ people in registering to vote, as well as more complex suggestions such as cultivating a culture of inclusiveness, open-mindedness, empathy, acceptance and respect both within and outside the LGBTQ+ community. The needs ...

Jessica Hudson is the new president of the Summa Foundation and chief development officer for Summa Health. In her new roles she will lead the strategic direction and operations. Hudson, BA '04, MS '07, MBA '11, is a proud alumna who obtained three degrees from Kent State University. Before working at Summa, Hudson worked at Kent State, where she was responsible for fundraising and building relationships. Starting at Summa in March 2013, Hudson has accomplished many things, such as surpassing $100 million for the "Caring for You" campaign, according to Crain’s Cleveland Bus...