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Yes, Destination Kent State is a required orientation program for all incoming first-year students, regardless if you are living on or off campus. This is the event where you will meet with your academic advisor and register for classes.

Yes. Any student who took college courses in high school (i.e. College Credit Plus, Advanced Placement, CLEP or International Baccalaureate exams), regardless of the number of hours transferred to Kent State, is required to attend DKS.

As a reminder, don’t forget to submit your official transcripts or test scores before your orientation date.

• Register for DKS in  through your personalized student checklist.

• Download DKS Mobile – Available in the app store on May 1, this is Kent State's official orientation app that will provide you with orientation-related information before, during and after your DKS visit.

• Complete any required placement assessments – If you are required to take any placement assessments prior to DKS, you can do so via your student checklist in FlashLine. For more information, visit the Placement Testing page. You will also receive emails regarding required placement assessments to the email you used when you applied for admission.

• Submit your official transcripts including any prior college credit (e.g., College Credit Plus, CLEP, AP scores), to the Admissions Office.

• Complete your  to prepare for your academic advising appointment during DKS (where you register for your classes). This will allow your academic advisor to get to know you before your appointment. You can also find the questionnaire in DKS Mobile.

We host orientation rain or shine, so please be mindful of the weather. Items to pack include: comfortable shoes, clothing for the duration of your stay (we recommend dressing in layers), toiletries and any necessary medication, pajamas, shower shoes or flip flops. Be sure to pack your chargers and any blankets or comfort items you would like to bring. A linen packet that includes towels, a wash cloth, a fitted sheet and a flat sheet will be provided for your residence hall room. Also bring a valid driver’s license, a state issued ID or passport so you can receive your Flashcard while attending orientation.  

We welcome family members and support members to attend orientation. We recognize that they play an important role in student success and want to ensure they’re included. This is a great time for family members to learn more and connect with departments on campus that offer student support throughout the year. There are parts of the orientation program specifically designated for the student and parts of the program specifically designated for the family member.  

You can print your DKS parking pass here. We can't wait to see you! 

During DKS, you and your guests will be immersed in the Kent State experience from the moment you set foot on campus. You will eat in our fantastic dining halls, make friends with fellow DKS attendees, connect with current students and if you attend summer DKS, you'll even get to sleep in one of our residence halls!

The most important part, however, is that you will meet with your academic advisor to schedule your classes.

You'll attend programming that discusses important topics, including financial aid, housing, commuting, and health and safety. You'll also attend an information session with your academic college and pick up your FLASHcard, which is your student ID.

Parents and guests will attend programming centered on how to best support you during your transition to university life. They will also explore campus and take care of any business while here. 

DKS is an exciting event jam-packed with everything you need to feel confident on your first day of class.

When students attend DKS, they meet with an Academic Advisor as part of the program. During this meeting, the Advisor will review requirements for your major and any academic credit you have completed, like college credit plus classes, AP credit and placement test scores. Students attend this appointment on their own. Once you complete this advising appointment, you will leave with your class schedule for the upcoming semester. Your Academic Advisor will also provide their contact information if you have any questions. 

• If you haven't yet attended DKS New Student Orientation, contact the Admissions office at 330-672-2444 or your admissions counselor as soon as possible. It is best to make the change before DKS so you can schedule the correct classes with your academic advisor during orientation. 

• If you've already attended DKS New Student Orientation, contact your academic advisor. They can help you make that change.

Speak with your academic advisor during orientation to discuss adding a minor or concentration.