eInside Briefs

“Ask Me” Buttons Welcome Students and Parents

President Lester A. Lefton, wearing an "Ask Me" button,
helps a student during last year's Welcome Weekend.

Last fall, Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton saw a clear need on the horizon as students began to arrive on campus.  Because new students have many more questions than answers, Lefton enlisted the campus community to welcome its newest members with the “Ask Me” button, an on-the-spot information campaign. He knew that the students of today, while accustomed to the benefits of ever-present technology, could still benefit from a human connection as they began their college journey.

Last year’s “Ask Me” button campaign was a tremendous success.  Both incoming freshmen and their parents were impressed with the warm and welcoming environment that the buttons promoted. One student remarked that she was nervous to approach staff members, but after seeing the “Ask Me” button, felt that these were people committed to helping her. Another parent commented that after seeing the high level of customer service present at Kent State, she felt confident and comfortable that her child would be in good hands.  This is the spirit of excellence in action!

During Welcome Weekend and beyond, faculty, staff and student leaders will proudly wear or display the “Ask Me” button to let new and other returning students know that they are valued members of the Kent State community, and that no question is insignificant when it comes to navigating the collegiate experience. The campus community continues to stand ready to help.

The entire Kent State team, faculty, staff and students hold a commitment to excellence and a willingness to share that commitment. Whether it is giving a lost student directions to the student center or helping someone find a classroom, the “Ask Me” button campaign is designed to support the successful launch of the new semester.

Please wear or display your “Ask Me” buttons to help welcome new students to campus and get the semester off to a great start.  As we begin another year, everyone is a stakeholder in ensuring the continued success of Kent State and the students and families it serves.

If you have questions about the “Ask Me” button campaign or need a button, contact the office of your vice president.

Information Services Offers Dedicated Technology Support to Faculty

Kent State University’s Division of Information Services
offers expanded support.

Kent State University’s Division of Information Services is launching a special effort to direct additional technology support to faculty and communicate ways faculty can get specialized help.  

The effort comes as the university offers more online classes and as faculty members continue to take advantage of online Blackboard teaching tools.  As part of this initiative, 10 drop-in sessions will be held in three locations on the Kent Campus at the beginning of fall semester.

“We want to target the faculty so they can make the best use of available technology,” says Paul Albert, executive director for Information Services.  “We want to reduce their stress level about technology issues by reaching out before classes begin, while also providing support throughout the semester and the academic year”.

Based on past support requests and surveys, IS is focusing on the following areas:

1. Blackboard course setup
2. FlashLine and password login resolution
3. Laptop computer, email and mobile device setup
   

Faculty may:

1. Attend any of the 10 specialized faculty drop-in support sessions, Aug. 22 to Sept. 2. No appointment needed at the times, dates and places listed below:
   
   
   

   Day	Time	Place
   Monday (8/22, 8/29) Wednesday (8/24, 8/31)	2 p.m. – 5 p.m.	Bowman Hall Computer Lab, 122
   Tuesday (8/23, 8/30) Thursday (8/25, 9/1)	2 p.m. – 5 p.m.	Moulton Hall Training Room, 038
   Friday (8/26, 9/2)	2 p.m. – 5 p.m.	Library Helpdesk counter (first floor computer lab)

   
   
   
2. Sign up for specialized Blackboard training or view e-learning resources:  Visit http://learn.kent.edu to get started.
3. Call the area tech support staff assigned to your department for assistance:  Visit support.kent.edu and click on “Local Support” for a listing of names, email addresses and phone numbers.
   

These expanded support opportunities allow faculty to get phone support, face-to-face time with tech experts -- now and throughout the academic year.  As always, assistance is available via self-service at http://support.kent.edu or by calling 330-672-HELP (4357).

“We want to make sure faculty know all the ways they can get support from us.  Our goal is to make their jobs easier,” says Ed Mahon, Vice President for Information Services.

Important Information about Final Grading of Summer Classes

Online final grading for Summer 2011 courses (full-term, S3 and W2) is now available via FlashFAST. Grading is also now available for any Summer 2011 course section that was flexibly scheduled. The deadline for grading submission is midnight on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

FlashFAST is accessible from any Internet-capable computer that has the cookies function enabled. To access FlashFAST, login to FlashLine at http://flashline.kent.edu and click the Faculty & Advisor Tools tab. The link to grade roster(s) is located in the Faculty & Advisor Toolbox, under the Submit Grades heading.

Grades Processing Tips and FAQs may be found on the Registrar's website at http://www.kent.edu/registrar/facstaff/facresc.cfm. Any faculty member needing personalized instruction on submitting their grades via FlashFAST should contact their campus Registrar's Office during normal business hours for assistance.

As a helpful tip, it is recommended that you clean out your cookie and cache files regularly to help your computer run faster, and to potentially restore and/or improve your access to FlashFAST and/or FlashLine by improving your connection to the server. The Helpdesk is prepared to offer assistance with these issues. Please contact the Helpdesk at 330-672-HELP (4357) for one-on-one assistance and technical issues.

Beat The Tech Spot Move-In Rush

Planning to visit The Tech Spot in Tri-Towers Rotunda for personal computer service?  Be sure to bring in your computer before Aug. 23 to avoid increased wait time as a result of student move-in.  The office will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 24, for staff training.  Normal service wait time should resume in early September.

The Tech Spot is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer, and normal semester hours begin on Thursday, Aug. 25.  For more information, visit http://techspot.kent.edu.