Whether you are a new first year student or you are transferring from another institution, we are looking forward to helping you start your journey at Kennesaw State University. The New Owl Guide is designed to help all new undergraduate students in their transition to campus. We encourage you to use this guide and the New Student Programs team as resources as you embark on your journey at KSU.
Welcome home — we are so glad you’re here!
GET CONNECTED AT KSU!
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (UITS)
470-578-6999 • service@kennesaw.edu • ksuhub.com/techguides
STEP 1: ACTIVATE YOUR NETID
Your NetID is the first part of your KSU email.
STEP 2: SIGN IN TO YOUR KSU EMAIL
You’ll use your KSU student email and password to login.
STEP 3: LEARN YOUR KSU NUMBER
This is a 9-digit code found on your Mobile Talon Card and Owl Express.
STEP 4: DOWNLOAD THE DUO MOBILE APP FROM YOUR APP STORE
DUO Mobile is a dual factor authentication system used by all KSU systems. While most students use the DUO Mobile app, you can also receive a call to login.
At Kennesaw State, your success is our priority! Whether you’re mapping out your academic journey, looking for tutoring support, or exploring ways to thrive in college, we’re here to help. From personalized advising to student success programs, you’ll find the guidance, tools, and resources you need to make the most of your time at KSU.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
askadvising@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/advising
Academic Advisors are dedicated to helping you identify and make progress towards your academic goals, supporting you every step of the way until you graduate. Students are encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor at least once a semester. During Orientation, you will meet with your major’s Academic Advising team to learn more about your program of study and how to register for classes. Use the QR code to learn more about your Academic Advising team!
ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND TUTORING SERVICES
askadvising@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/Tutoring
From peer-facilitated tutoring sessions to group workshops, KSU offers many ways for you to get support throughout your academic career. Use the QR code to learn more about support options!
STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS
ssp@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/StudentSuccess
Student Success Programs is dedicated to students’ academic, personal, and professional success. We support Kennesaw State students by providing academic success coaching, workshops and enrichment events, peer mentoring, and collaborative study spaces. Use the QR code to learn more about how Student Success Programs can help you thrive at KSU!
CAREER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
career_services@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/CareerPlanning
Career Planning & Development helps students develop and explore their career goals. From one-on-one coaching to interactive workshops, staff are prepared to help you in your professional development journey. Check out the Career Planning & Development website to access Handshake, KSU’s online platform for part-time and full-time jobs, on-campus positions, internships, volunteer experiences, and more.
GLOBAL EDUCATION
educationabroad@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/GlobalEducation
Global Education leads KSU’s international endeavors by facilitating global partnerships, supporting its international population, and coordinating programming at home and abroad that prepares students for success in today’s increasingly global environment. Visit the Global Education website for more information about study abroad, international student services, and more!
KSU JOURNEY HONORS COLLEGE
honors@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/HonorsCollege
The KSU Journey Honors College offers programs for highly talented and motivated students who want access to robust, transformative experiences during their undergraduate career. Visit the KSU Journey Honors College website for more information, including program offerings, application information, and more.
STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES
sds@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/DisabilityServices
Student Disability Services (SDS) is the first contact for students with disabilities to arrange accommodations and locate campus and community resources. SDS can help students with temporary and long-term accommodations inside and outside of the classroom. Visit their website for a full list of services, request forms, and more!
Need a place to study? Check out the Library! Both the Sturgis Library on the Kennesaw Campus and the Johnson Library on the Marietta Campus offer study rooms, printers, computers, 1-1 research support, events, and more!! Check out the QR code for more information.
Course information, including your course schedule, textbook list, and more, can be found on the Registration tab of Owl Express. Use the tips below to make sure you’re reading your schedule correctly!
• Courses may be offered in-person, online, or hybrid (mix of in-person and online). Check your schedule and the course syllabus to make sure you are attending in the correct format.
• Instruction types may vary depending on the course. Some lab courses only meet once a week while lecture courses may meet several times a week. Instruction formats will be indicated in the course description and syllabus.
• Read your schedule carefully. Check out the “Days of the Week” abbreviations and note course times (AM & PM) to make sure you are attending classes on time!
ksuhub.com/AdvisingRegistration Students will register for classes using Owl Express and can make edits to their schedule until the end of the Add/Drop period (see terms). Use this QR code to view a guide on how to register for classes!
Your professors are here to help! Here are ways we recommend getting connected to faculty:
• Use your syllabus! A syllabus is the outline for the course and includes class policies, assignment deadlines, and more. We recommend adding important assignment and exam dates to your calendar at the beginning of each semester.
• Visit office hours! This is a great time to talk about assignments and get clarification as needed.
• Regularly check your email and D2L (see terms) messages! Your professors will communicate any class modifications or assignment updates via email or on D2L.
The Kennesaw State Department of Athletics sponsors 18 NCAA Division I programs, with 17 of those competing in Conference USA. Owl Nation boasts over 30 intramural and club sports teams, making it easy for students to stay active and involved. Visit KSUOwls.com for more information!
ksuhub.com/Athletics
1. SET UP YOUR MOBILE TALON CARD TODAY
Upload a photo to our Online Photo Submission website. Once approved, you can access your Mobile Talon Card by downloading the Transact eAccounts App and following the instructions on our website. Contact the Talon One Service Center for assistance or for more information.
2. PURCHASE A PARKING PERMIT
If you plan to bring a car to campus, log in to the Parking Portal to purchase a virtual parking permit 24 hours after registering for classes.
3. CUSTOMIZE YOUR MEAL PLAN
KSU’s dining program is one of the best in the nation. Whether you live on campus or commute, we have a Meal Plan to fit your needs. Our vast dining program offers variety, with more than 16 restaurants between both campuses and more options coming soon. Purchase or upgrade your Meal Plan today to save before classes start!
4. VISIT THE KSU BOOKSTORE
Stop by the KSU Bookstore or shop online for back-to-school essentials. Show off your pride with KSU-branded apparel. Purchase your course materials with confidence with our “Correct Edition Guarantee.” Take advantage of our education pricing on technology at OwlTEC.
LEARN ABOUT HOUSING
If you plan to live on campus, check your student email for important information about Move-In dates, what to pack, payment deadlines and more. For more information or to add yourself to the waitlist, visit our Housing website.
Connect With Us!
Check your student email account often for important information from Campus Services, and stay in the know about all of our departments by following us on Instagram. @ksucampusserv, @eatksu, @ksustore, @HousingKSU
THE OFFICE OF THE BURSAR
bursars@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/Bursar
THE OFFICE OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID finaid@kennesaw.edu | 470-KSU-INFO (578-4636) ksuhub.com/FinancialAid
Student Services:
• Cost Calculator: From tuition and fees to books and supplies, check out our cost calculator to get an idea of what you’ll spend to attend college at KSU.
• FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will determine your eligibility for various forms of aid, including grants, loans, federal work-study programs, and more. If you think there’s a chance you’ll need financial aid to attend KSU, you should file a FAFSA.
• HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships: If you are a Georgia resident who has met certain academic achievements, you may be considered for the HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships. Visit gafutures.org for more information about these scholarships.
• ScholarshipUniverse: This one stop resource helps students apply for internal and external scholarships. Check out the Financial Aid website for more information!
The Office of the Bursar bills and collects for tuition, fees, and other campus expenses. Students can view their account information and pay online via Owl Express. Visit the Bursar’s website for more information about tuition and fees, student services, and frequently asked questions. Need
Visit ksuhub.com/ContactFinancialAid
flight@kennesaw.edu ksuhub.com/FLIGHT
FLIGHT is a class-year identity program developed by the Division of Student Affairs with the support of the Office of the President. Incoming first-year students belong to a specific FLIGHT class and will receive their FLIGHT jersey at Orientation to be worn at First-Year Convocation (your official welcome to KSU), the FLIGHT Runout, and other class-year and community-building events. Scan the QR code to get more information about your FLIGHT class.
From campus traditions to nearly 300 student-led organizations, there is something for everyone at KSU!
COMMUNITY
ksuhub.com/Community
Including:
• 4-Year Cohort-Based Programs
• Community Support Services
• Military & Veterans Services
• Scan the QR code to find your community at KSU!
INVOLVEMENT
ksuhub.com/InvolvementKSU
Including:
• Fraternity & Sorority Life
• Student Leadership
• Student Activities
• Scan the QR code to learn more about involvement at KSU!
Want to learn about student organizations? Wondering what to do this weekend on campus? Check out Owl Life! Owl Life is KSU’s online engagement platform used to explore campus departments, registered student organizations, campus events, and more! Check out the QR code for more information.
CARE SERVICES
careservices@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/CareServices
Student Programs & Resources:
• Emergency Financial Assistance
• CARE Pantry (Located in the Student Center on both campuses)
• Case Management
• ASCEND
CENTER FOR YOUNG ADULT ADDICTION & RECOVERY
recovery@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/YoungAdultAddiction
Student Programs & Resources:
• Recovery Support Services
• Alcohol & Other Drug Workshops & Resources
• Programs & Events
COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
counseling@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/Counseling
Student Services & Resources:
• 24/7 Mental Health Support
• Clinical Services (group and individual counseling, psychiatry, and case management)
• Peer Counselors
HEALTH PROMOTION & WELLNESS
wellctr@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/HealthPromotionAndWellness
Student Services & Resources:
• Fitness Testing
• Nutrition Services
• Wellness Coaching
SPORTS & RECREATION
sports_recreation@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/RecCenter
Kennesaw Campus: Dr. Betty L. Siegel Student
Recreation and Activities Center
Marietta Campus: Recreation and Wellness Center
Both Centers Feature:
• Weight and Conditioning Areas
• Cardio Equipment
• Fitness Classes
• Bike Shops & Gear Rentals
• & More!
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
Schedule an Appointment Online or via Phone at 470-578-6644
ksuhub.com/StudentHealth
Student Assistance & Resources:
• Primary care clinic locations on both campuses
• Illness diagnosis and care for colds, flu, sore throat, infections, and more
• Chronic disease management including asthma, diabetes, and hypertension
• Routine exams, including physicals
• Prescription Medication Dispensary with essential medications
• Immunizations
UNIVERSITY POLICE
police@kennesaw.edu
To Request an Officer: 470-578-6666
ksuhub.com/UniversityPolice
Student Services & Resources:
• Emergency Assistance & Campus Notifications
• Incident and Accident Reports
• Safe Walk Escorts
• Lost & Found
Download the LiveSafe app! Visit ksuhub.com/KSULiveSafe. This free app provides the campus community with a direct connection to campus police. Students and family members can set up a safe walk, contact University Police, and sign up for emergency alerts using the LiveSafe app.
PARENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
family@kennesaw.edu
ksuhub.com/PFP
The Department of Parent and Family Programs is focused on keeping families connected to KSU! Research shows that family involvement is critical to student success. Parent and Family Programs works to bring families fun and memorable engagement opportunities as well as tailored and timely information through the Owl Family Hub to ensure parents and family members feel informed and equipped to support their student as they navigate their KSU journey.
OWL FAMILY HUB
ksuhub.com/OwlFamily
The Owl Family Hub is your number one source of information from Parent and Family Programs! In the hub, parents and family members will have access to important campus news and deadlines, insight to your student’s progress, financial details, and receive personalized newsletters on your schedule. Scan the QR code to join and create an account.
PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION
The KSU Parent and Family Association (PFA) is your community of family, parents, and supporters. All supporters attending Orientation are now part of the Parent and Family Association. You can connect with other members of the PFA through the Owl Family Hub!
PROGRAMS AND TRADITIONS
There are a variety of programs and traditions KSU parents and family members can participate in throughout their student’s journey at KSU. Including:
• Family Weekend
• Legacy Bricks
• Family of the Year
• & More!
• Academic Advisor: staff member assigned to help you navigate your academic path at KSU; visit advising.kennesaw.edu to find information about your advising team
• Academic Calendar: list of important dates, events, and deadlines for each semester
• Add/Drop: timeframe (usually the first week of the semester) during which a student may adjust their course schedule without penalty; see Academic Calendar for the Add/Drop deadline
• Big Owl Bus: shuttle service providing convenient transportation between KSU’s campuses and some off-campus locations; included in Transportation fee
• DegreeWorks: online platform that lets you track your degree progress and explore course options
• D2L: online platform for your academic courses to complete assignments, view course documents, connect with classmates, and more (also known as D2L Brightspace)
• Duo Mobile: two-factor authentication system; required to log in to most KSU systems for security purposes
• FERPA: The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act is federal law that protects the privacy of student education records
Visit ksuhub.com/FERPA
• Full Time/Part Time: full-time enrollment is 12 credit hours for the fall and spring semesters. Any less is considered part-time enrollment; students must be at full time status to maintain certain financial aid and housing requirements
• GPA: Grade Point Average; visit owlexpress.kennesaw.edu to view your most updated semester and cumulative GPA
• Handshake: online platform for career resources, scheduling career advising, and finding job postings for internships, co-ops, part-time, full-time, & on-campus positions
• Hold: a flag on a student’s account that will prevent them from registering or graduating; usually due to an outstanding form, unpaid fee, or immunization requirement
• KCash: students can upload funds to their Mobile Talon Cards for use at dining, campus stores, printing locations, and vending around campus
• KSU Student Handbook: the Student Handbook contains important conduct policies and details about the student experience at KSU. This can be helpful as a new student.
Visit ksuhub.com/StudentHandbook
• Mobile Talon Cards: your KSU student ID; provides access to campus buildings, athletic events, Meal Plans, printing, Recreation Centers, and more!
• Owl Express: online portal for course registration and schedules, financial aid and billing, student records, and more
• Owl Life: online platform for student organizations, campus events, and more!
• Syllabus/Syllabi: an outline of a course, including class topics, assignments, and course requirements, provided at the beginning of each term
• UITS: University Information Technology Services (UITS) is Kennesaw State University’s IT division.
Visit ksuhub.com/techguides
• Waitlisting for Closed Courses: if a course is full, some courses allow students to join the waitlist; students will be added to the course in the order they entered the waitlist
• Withdraw: after the Add/Drop deadline, you may withdraw from one or more of your courses prior to the withdrawal deadline listed on the academic calendar without penalty; withdrawing from a class after that deadline will result in a “F” or failing grade for the course
Pursuing EXCELLENCE, I will show KINDNESS to all I encounter, display HONESTY in all that I do, and take RESPONSIBILITY for my own success.
Embracing new knowledge, I will pair AUTHENTICITY with CURIOSITY, have RESPECT for the ideas of others, while uplifting our community.
Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw, Nestled in the Georgia pines, What a special place you hold, Treasured in this heart of mine. For the candles you set burning, Lighting paths of love and learning, For the gifts you have given me, Kennesaw, I will cherish thee.
You don’t want to go to war, With the Owls. With the Owls! You don’t want to go to war, With the Owls. With the Owls!
Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw, Fairest of the Southland’s fame, Sons and daughters gathered here, Stand to praise thy lovely name. For the friendships that were made here, For the dreams we dared to dream here, Kennesaw, we will cherish thee, Kennesaw, we will cherish thee.
Check out our spirit and traditions! As a new owl, you will soon learn about the exciting traditions that make the KSU spirit Black and Gold, Proud and Bold. Make sure you know the War Chant for your first athletic event!
Visit the OwlSwap Closet! Revolutionize your wardrobe with free everyday and professional wear. Beyond fashion, OwlSwap offers mending workshops and monthly clothing swaps, creating a vibrant community passionate about style and positive change. OwlSwap isn’t just a closet; it’s a movement shaping a sustainable, stylish, and successful future.
