Kent State University students gather at Risman Plaza for
Blastoff, the annual back-to-school celebration, as part of
Welcome Weekend activities.

Before the fall semester begins on Aug. 31, new students are invited to participate in Welcome Weekend, a four-day orientation program that will last from Aug. 27- 30 and acclimate students to the Kent State University community. The event is an opportunity for students to transition into the university environment and learn about existing academic and social opportunities at Kent State.

“Welcome Weekend is meant to continue the process of helping students become familiar with campus and all the resources that are available,” says Josh Perkins, Kent State’s assistant director of Student Success Programs and Welcome Weekend coordinator. “Likewise, Welcome Weekend showcases all the different ways that students can get involved on campus whether that is through their specific college ‘also known as their academic home’ or by joining one of the many different student organizations on campus. Our goal is to help make the big institution small by providing opportunities for students to build relationships.”

Move-in for students begins Thursday, Aug. 27, with the rest of the events continuing through Sunday, Aug. 30.

The four-day program is a requirement for first-year students, and features numerous activities including a comedy show, movie screening of The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Dean’s Welcome, Convocation, Discover Downtown, Blastoff and other events sponsored by various campus departments. The weekend activities also will include a discussion on Friday, Aug. 28, of the 2015 Common Reading book, The Terrorist’s Son by Zak Ebrahim.

While Welcome Weekend is required for all first-year students, Perkins says students will have an opportunity to pick and choose what events to attend. However, all students are required to attend Welcome Weekend check-in to pick up information and supplies. They also are required to attend all events scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29, between 10 and 11 a.m. The required events are highlighted on the Welcome Weekend schedule.

The weekend will conclude Sunday, Aug. 30, with the annual back-to-school celebration, Blastoff, which features hot air balloon rides, live music and a laser light show on the Student Green. The Blastoff event will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the laser light show will take place from 9-9:30 p.m.

“We Can Help” booths will be positioned on the first floor of the Kent Student Center and at various campus locations if students need assistance throughout the weekend.

A complete listing of events and the schedule can be found online at www.kent.edu/success/welcome-weekend.

For more information about the 2015 Common Reading book, visit www.kent.edu/success/reading.