Flash Connections are enhanced sections of the Exploratory First Year Experience course that include an exclusive out-of-class and overnight experience either before the start of the semester or during the semester. Students are supported by a collaboration of the college and campus partners including Community Engagement Learning, Career Exploration and Development, Student Success Programs, University College Dean’s Office, the Department of Recreation Services and more! The Flash Connections program has been recognized for the second year in a row and awarded NACADA Region 5 Innovation in Advising Award.

KSU’s commitment to make civic learning and democratic engagement a part of every student’s college education was recognized as Kent State was designated as a NASPA LEAD Institution. The efforts to achieve this title were led by Assistant Director of CEL, Craig Berger.

Kent State’s institutional efforts to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process were recognized as KSU was designated a Voter Friendly Campus, thanks to Craig Berger.

LGBTQ+ students at Kent State are being advocated for on and off campus by Dr. N.J. Akbar, who became Advocate Magazine’s Champion of Pride of 2020 because of his dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

As a result of her contributions to Kent State students’ career exploration, Kristin Williams received the 2020 Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Bob Windle Leadership Award. This award is presented at the annual Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Conference in recognition of a true leader in a career field.

Helping students goes one step further. Peter Jeffy recently received the James B. Hamilton and Thomas G. Mortenson TRIO/EOP Professional Research Award. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a TRIO/EOP professional for research consistent with the goals and purpose of Educational Opportunity Association.

Kent State students have access to knowledgeable and nationally trained tutors to help them succeed academically. Program Coordinator Samantha Spitak has renewed her Level I certification and implemented continued training to acquire Level II certification through the College Reading & Learning Association’s International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) through 2022 for ASC’s Tutoring Program, enabling our tutoring program to contribute to student success.

Students at Kent State are given the resources to achieve success academically through the Academic Success Center, which recently earned a three-year certification from the International Center for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Kent State University is one of 41 certified programs across the United States. The ASC also earned a renewed Level I certification and new Level II International Tutor Training Program Certification from the College Reading and Learning Association, allowing students to benefit from our vast network of tutors.

The Student Support Services Tutoring Program has been fully revamped by Brittany Capp and recently received a 5-year Level I recertification through the College Reading & Learning Association’s International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC). The application reflects a single, comprehensive tutoring program spanning all disciplines, a significant change to our operation since 2015.