Student Researchers Explore The Power of Critical Thinking and Chemistry
While many aspects of higher education were in limbo this summer due to the ongoing pandemic, progress was being made in scientific research at 5XÉçÇø at Geauga.
Two handpicked undergraduate students worked as professional researchers — online — under the guidance of their professor, contributing to the field of chemistry education. Read the full story.
Nominate a Student for the Sage Project
Do you know any phenomenal students who are overcoming challenges and tackling barriers to find success at Kent State? Please consider nominating them for this year’s Sage Project. Over the past five years, the Women’s Center has honored over 50 students through this annual opportunity.
The Sage Project is a way to recognize students who have overcome adversity to shape their lives and Kent State experiences. This initiative exists to highlight current students who have diverse experiences and backgrounds. We hope these stories will inspire a wide range of students, who will, in turn, realize they can create their own amazing stories.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Those enrolled at 5XÉçÇø as a full-time student during the award period in the spring of 2021 .
- Students in good academic standing: cumulative GPA 2.0 for undergraduates, 3.0 for graduates.
- Graduating spring 2021 or thereafter.
The selection committee will review all nominations and select 10 individuals to be a part of this year’s Sage Project. They will be contacted and interviewed to gather the breadth of their stories. During Women’s History month their stories will be highlighted on the Women’s Center website as part of an ongoing initiative to honor them and inspire others. .
For additional information on recent honorees and their stories, please view our website. Questions regarding the Sage Project and the process can be directed to Cassandra Pegg-Kirby at cpeggkir@kent.edu.
Kent State Launches Annual Winter Coat and Clothing Drive
Through November 20, 5XÉçÇø will be collecting clean, gently used or new clothing for all ages, including coats, hats, gloves, scarves and sweaters. Look for large boxes with Winter Coat and Clothing Drive signs at the buildings listed below.
Winter coat and clothing donations will go to the Winter Warm Up Stations at the Williamson House, the Schwartz Center; and the Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center, which provides free clothing to families, the homeless and elderly, and veterans in need.
In 2019, 900 pounds of clothing was collected, the majority of which went to the Phyllis Zumkehr County Clothing Center. Eighty-eight pounds of clothing was collected at the Winter Warm Up Station at the Women's Center.
Donation bins are located on the first floor of the Kent Student Center outside room 106; and suite 261 in the Schwartz Center.
Winter Warm-Up Stations are in the first-floor lobby of the Schwartz Center, and the front entrance of the Williamson House. (Take what you need to stay warm!)
The Winter Coat and Clothing Drive is coordinated by Kent State's Career Exploration and Development, Community Engaged Learning, the Kent Student Center, Kent State of Wellness, the Office of Sustainability, and the Women's Center. Learn more.
Resources for Healthy Holiday Nutrition
'Tis the season for family, festivity, and food – lots of food. Temptations are everywhere, and our usual routines are disrupted. What's more, it all goes on for weeks. So, how do you stick to your meal plan when everyone around you seems to be splurging? Enjoy holiday treats in smaller portions, make healthy substitutions where you can, and plan ahead. Take advantage of available resources, like the ones below, to support your personal plan for this holiday season that allows you to enjoy the holidays without ditching your health goals.
Complimentary Health Coaching
A health coach can provide evidence-based nutrition strategies, work with you to develop a personalized holiday eating plan, and help keep you accountable along the way.
Full-time, benefits eligible faculty and staff have access to unlimited health coaching and nutrition counseling with Be Well Solutions. To schedule a health coaching session, login to the and click on the link for virtual or telephonic health coaching under "My Appointments."
All KSU employees, as well as eligible household and family members, can receive nutrition counseling through IMPACT Solutions. To request an appointment, call IMPACT at 1-800-227-6007 or login to with member username "Kent" and click on the red "Help" tile to fill out an online service request form.
Healthy Recipes from our Wellness Partners
If you are seeking healthy meal ideas for the holidays, consider tapping into resources provided by Kent State's wellness partners. Our employee assistance program, IMPACT Solutions, provides a comprehensive work/life website. Visit and log in with username "Kent". Once logged in, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the red "Recipes" tile to find over 200 dietitian-reviewed, easy and delicious recipes. If you are a full time, benefits eligible employee, you can also search for recipes on your Be Well Solutions . Log in and click on "Web Based Tools" under "My Resources." Then, under "Nutrition Help," click on "Healthy Cooking" to explore numerous websites geared towards helping you prepare healthy meals.
Join Weight Watchers and Receive a Free Starter Kit
This holiday season, WW is highlighting the holistic support WW provides to help achieve weight-loss success without sacrificing seasonal food favorites. From November 1 through December 12, Kent State employees who join WW can get a FREE Starter Kit packed with tools to help you reach your goals. To obtain a kit, joining members will need to redeem via an online form at by December 26, 2020. Click here to learn more about WW, including how to join at a discounted rate with Kent State's employer ID.
If you have questions about these resources or other wellness offerings for faculty and staff, you may contact the Employee Wellness team at wellness@kent.edu or 330-672-0392.
Webinar: Empathy on Empty - Compassion Fatigue
Even the most empathic person can become so overwhelmed by the chronic stress associated with caregiving that negative attitudes start to take over. This concept, known as compassion fatigue, is particularly common among those in the caring professions.
Join Kent State's IMPACT Solutions account manager, Alan Gecht, as he explores the root causes and symptoms of compassion fatigue and provides strategies for overcoming it.
This webinar will take place via live-stream on Thurs., Dec. 3, from noon - 1 p.m., and it is open to all full- and part-time faculty and staff. .
If you have any questions, please contact your Employee Wellness team at wellness@kent.edu or 330-672-0392.
Financial Wellness Webinar: Investment Planning
Financial wellness refers to the state of financial well-being. This includes a strong financial foundation of little or no debt, an emergency savings fund and living below our means. Like any other form of wellness, this does not happen without knowledge, skills, commitment and planning.
Join Sean Deasy, VALIC Financial Advisor, as he discusses basic and advanced investing topics that can aid in achieving specific financial goals. Specifically, this webinar will cover:
- The difference between saving and investing
- The importance of compound interest
- The different type of investments available (Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Annuities)
- How to build an investment portfolio that is appropriate for you
The webinar will take place via live-stream on Tues., Dec. 8, from noon - 1 p.m., and it is open to all full and part time faculty and staff. .
If you have any questions, please contact your Employee Wellness team at wellness@kent.edu or 330-672-0392.