Classes start at Kent State University at Ashtabula  | Local News

If Amazon doesn't have a Whole Foods grocery near you, there are non-perishable groceries ( food that doesn't spoil) that Amazon can ship to you

ASHTABULA — Renovations, new degrees, new programs and an increase in student retention had officials smiling on the first day of class at Kent State University at Ashtabula.

Classes began Thursday with 2,030 students enrolled, which is consistent with the past several years.

“The campus also is seeing an increase in retention of 8 percent, which has been an area of focus for the enrollment management and student services team,” said Jason Tirotta, KSU Ashtabula manager of communications and marketing.

Dean Susan Stocker said the start of another academic year is an exciting time.

“We are looking forward to getting to know the new students on campus,” she said. “I’m pleased to see so many students taking advantage of the quality programs at an affordable tuition rate here. We have a lot of exciting things happening on campus so stay tuned. … Go Flashes!”

While walking to class and meeting up with new friends, students admired the $2 million renovation of the Main Hall Auditorium which was completed over the summer, thanks to funding through an Appalachian Regional Commission grant and a local foundation donation. 

Renovation of the Main Hall B-Wing Corridor is just about complete, Tirotta said.

“This included a new entrance on the east side of the building, new flooring, walls, lighting and installation of floor-to-ceiling windows,” he said. “The remodeled area runs from the entrance doors just beyond the auditorium and gymnasium, beyond the entrance to the Blue and Gold Room, and through the West Atrium until it connects with the Commons and Student Lounge spaces in A-Wing.”

 As far as back-to-school activities go, the campus will hold its annual Welcome Back Days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday on the west lawn. There will be free food, games and contests, student club and organization information tables, a DJ and more.

Academically, KSU at Ashtabula is now fully offering the Veterinary Technology program, as well as offering an online bachelor’s degree in radiologic imaging in CT and MRI concentrations in conjunction with the Salem campus.

Orientation was earlier this week for the first cohort of Rising Scholars and their mentors. Rising Scholars is a program designed to help students complete high school and go on to college.

“We’re very excited to launch this program and see the impact it will have starting with students in the Ashtabula Area City Schools and eventually expanding throughout the county,” Tirotta said.

The program, which starts in 2019-20 school year, is for seventh-grade students who have the ability to complete the program and will be the first in their family to graduate from college. Participating students are chosen by the teachers.

Once chosen and in the program, KSU Ashtabula students will visit with the middle schoolers and mentor them. The program continues through high school, and successful graduates will receive two years of free tuition to KSU Ashtabula, where they will become new mentors themselves, keepingthe program in a continuous cycle, Stocker said.

“We hope (when) they graduate from college, they’ll return to Ashtabula County,” Stocker said. “The Salem and East Liverpool (Kent State) campuses do it and it’s been a great success.”

The students are eligible for grants, with the Rising Scholars program picking up the difference. The students will not have to pay the program back financially but officials hope they would offer their service and volunteer in the community.

Kent State University is pushing for this program to be adopted at all of its campuses, she said.

AACS Superintendent Mark Potts said KSU Ashtabula is an asset to the community.

“We are honored KSU Ashtabula is starting the program at Ashtabula Area City Schools,” he said.

 

Source link

College Dorm and Apartment Cooking gadgets - if you change the sort settings on the Amazon page, it will show other items by price