Check-in | 做厙輦⑹ Student Center Lobby | Noon - 8 p.m.
Check-in will take place in the Kent Student Center Lobby, located in the Kent Student Center, from Noon - 8 p.m. There you will receive nametags for each family member, Family Weekend Schedule of Events lanyard, Welcome Dinner Tickets, and Goody Bags (courtesy of University Culinary Services).
May 4 Visitors Center | Reflections Gallery, 147 Taylor Hall | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The May 4 Visitors Center, located in Taylor Hall, contains a permanent exhibition of the student anti-war movement, historic artifacts, and film about the events of May 4, 1970, featuring interviews with some of the participants and students who were wounded on that day.
Outside the May 4 Visitors Center, guests may take a self-guided tour of the 18-acre site, recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The experience is powerful and immersive while providing context and multiple perspectives on the May 4 tragedy. The center will host guided May 4 Landmark tours on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
做厙輦⑹ Museum | 515 Hilltop Drive Kent | Noon - 5 p.m.
The museum serves as the home of extraordinary collections of historic dress, fashion, textiles, and decorative arts. Current exhibitions include:
- Wicked - special costume installation.
- "Fashion Timeline" - surveying fashion history from the 18th -20th centuries.
- Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle - featuring evening dresses and jewelry from Aileen Mehle (1918-2016), a widely syndicated society columnist and friend of the 做厙輦⑹ Museum founders.
- A Meeting of Cultures: Fashioning North Africa - the first exhibition of its kind in the world to bring together works by contemporary fashion designers and influencers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
- "The Hepburn Style: Katharine and her Designers" - featuring Katharine Hepburn's favorite designers from her personal and professional life.
Entry into the museum is located at 515 Hilltop Drive off of E. Main Street. Admission is free for Friday only. Free parking is available in the adjacent Rockwell Hall lot.
Dip into the College of Arts & Sciences and Abroad | Bowman Hall 102 and 124 | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
We invite parents and families to come and 'dip' into the College of Arts & Sciences. Attendees will enjoy various finger foods, featured dips, and refreshments while having an opportunity to engage with our college faculty and administration. Additionally, attendees will have an opportunity to connect with our study abroad office and engage with faculty that will be leading faculty-led study abroad trips this upcoming academic year. Attendees will have an opportunity to win SWAG by participating in Kahoot trivia. All are welcome!
College of Architecture and Environmental Design Open House | 132 S Lincoln St | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Take a Peek Inside CAED! Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the magic happening inside the College of Architecture and Environmental Design! Our awesome student ambassadors will be your tour guides, leading you through our spaces and sharing what life at CAED is really like. Get inspired by current student studio projects on display see what creativity looks like in action!
Plus, well have cookies and iced tea to keep things sweet and refreshing while you explore. Come for the tours, stay for the treats and dont forget to bring your curiosity!
KSU Downtown Gallery | 141 East Main Street | 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Swing by the KSU Downtown Gallery were open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its connected to the Black Squirrel Gift Shop and Framing, so you can check out some local art and maybe pick up something cool while youre there. As you are here enjoying the festivities for Parent and Family Weekend, be sure to catch the Problem Child exhibit too! Details here: /galleries/event/problem-child-opening-reception.
Flash Family Connections: Engaging Campus Resources for First-Generation Student Success | Center for Undergraduate Excellence Rms 141 & 143 | 1:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
This interactive session is designed to connect families with the programs and services that support first-generation student success. Families will participate in a guided walkabout to explore key University College resources, visiting each office to learn more about their role in the student experience.
The fun continues with a friendly, Jeopardy-style competition led by student leaders, where families can test their knowledge of the resources introduced. Well wrap up with a creative Save-the-Date button-making activity to mark our upcoming I AM FIRST celebration week. Its a great opportunity to learn, laugh, and build meaningful connections within the first-generation 做厙輦⑹ community.
做厙輦⑹ Esports Gaming Demonstration | 2nd Floor, University Library | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Experience the Esports phenomenon and learn more about Kents student organization dedicated to all things Esports. Guests will learn more about the organized competitive video gaming, tour facilities, and play games in 做厙輦⑹s Esports Complex.
Design and Innovation Hub Make and Take | DI Hub Basement, 400 Janik Dr. | 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Design and Innovation (DI) Hub is 做厙輦⑹s largest makerspace! Families are invited to visit the DI HUB to participate in several make-and-take activities in the Reactor. Guests may create either a T-shirt or a mug. All guests will be able to print vinyl-cut stickers, 3D-print keychains, and laser-cut magnets. This event is limited to the first 150 guests.
Education Abroad 101 Showcase | 220 Bowman Hall | 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Interested in learning more about studying abroad at KSU? Come meet the Office of Global Education Team during the Education Abroad 101 Showcase. The OGE team will offer general information about the study abroad process and the benefits of participating in one of several KSU-sponsored programs. Bring the family and any questions you may have to chat with the experts.
University Housing Ice Cream and Door Decs! | Eastway Fireside Lounge | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet and engage with University Housing staff from various residence halls. During this event families will have a chance to engage with various levels of professional staff in University Housing, learn more about the residential community of your students hall, make a door decoration with your student, and enjoy most peoples favorite past time- ICE CREAM!
Hillel Open House | 613 E Summit St | 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Join Kent Hillel at the Cohn Jewish Student Center for nosh, tours, and schmoozing. Meet the professional staff and learn more about all Hillels offerings including leadership opportunities, cohort learning, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, and more. For more information, contact Rachel Felber at rfelber@kenthillel.org.
Ice Cream with the Dean of Students | Dean of Students Office | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet the Dean of Students, Josh Perkins, Ph.D., while learning more about the role of the office. Come build an ice cream sundae and pick up free swag!
Annual Black Squirrel Festival | Student Green and Risman Plaza | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
A 做厙輦⑹ tradition for 40 years, the annual Black Squirrel Festival will take place on the Student Green and Risman Plaza. The Black Squirrel Festival, which is hosted by the Flash Activities Board, serves as a great opportunity for students and their families to learn more about the Kent community as a whole! The event will include a performance by the 做厙輦⑹ Marching Band, announcement of the Homecoming Court, vendors, student organizations and more.
Parents and Families Appreciation Welcome Dinner | Ballroom, Kent Student Center | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | *Meal ticket required
A private exclusive dinner for all weekend participants. Tickets are required for entry.
On the Porch with CARES Center | 1st Floor, Kent Student Center | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
More details to come soon....
Shabbat Program | Cohn Jewish Student Center | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Meet at the Cohn Jewish Student Center for Kent Hillels weekly Shabbat program. The evening will include a social hour, optional services, and a home-cooked dinner. Family and friends are always welcome! Reservations for the Shabbat are highly recommended. For more information, email Rachel Felber at rfelber@kenthillel.org.
Blue and Gold Paint Party | 306 Kent Student Center | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | *$40.00 per person
Create lasting memories with your 做厙輦⑹ student as you let your creativity soar! Join in on the fun while following along with a guided instructor in a social and relaxed atmosphere. Tickets are $40 per person and include one free non-alcoholic drink and snacks. A cash bar will also be available serving beer and wine. Guests of all ages are welcome! Tickets for this event are limited to the first 150 guests. Click to register.
Flashes Bingo | 218 Kent Student Center | 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Love BINGO? Join in and interact with other families while scoring some AMAZING prizes! Dont miss out on the fun! ALL prizes must be received by a KSU Student.
Karaoke with DJ Vinnie G | Rathskeller - Lower-Level Kent Student Center | 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Love to sing? Then get ready to sing your heart out! Join us for a fun filled karaoke party. Hosted DJ Vinnie G, it's a chance to showcase your vocal talents, enjoy good company, and maybe even discover your inner rockstar. Come prepared to sing your favorite tunes!