Steps to Your Future is an e-newsletter designed to inform the Class of 2029 of any news or updates related to your class and or the College.

KSUCPM has developed a website specifically for the Class of 2029. Updates will be shared on that website. The e-newsletter will supplement the website.

Welcome to Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine!

Hello Incoming Students,

Welcome to KSUCPM!

My name is Gina Ralston, and I serve as the Director of Educational Resources & Student Accessibility Services at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM). I’m thrilled to welcome you to campus in just a few months!

Our office's mission is to support and enhance your learning experience and professional development throughout your time at KSUCPM. We offer a wide range of services and resources designed to help you succeed as a future podiatric physician and surgeon.

Our services include:

• Individualized Academic Advising
• Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI)
• Peer-to-Peer Tutoring Program
• Customized Study & Learning Strategies
• Course-Specific Resource Recommendations
• APMLE Boards Prep Advising & Resources
• Resource and Strategy Workshops
• Electronic Study Aids Repository

Our tutoring services are a cornerstone of our support. Tutoring is available at no cost to KSUCPM students, whether you request it on your own or are referred by a faculty member. We also offer a wide variety of electronic study aids tailored to your coursework to further support your academic success.

Your journey through podiatric medical education is an exciting and important step toward your future career. I'm here to support you every step of the way and to help you achieve your goals.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or if you'd like to explore our resources further. I look forward to meeting you and being part of your success at KSUCPM!

Best regards,

Gina Ralston, M.Ed.

Director, Office of Educational Resources & Student Accessibility Services

KSUCPM has designed a website specifically for incoming members of the Class of 2029. This website will include MOST of what you, as an incoming student will need to submit or prepare, leading up to orientation and the start of classes.

You can find the Class of 2029 Incoming Student Website here: Incoming Students in Class of 2029. Be sure to bookmark the website and check back often for updates.

If you have additional questions or need more guidance, contact us at any time at podiatry@kent.edu.

We are here to help you! 

Hello Class of 2029,

My name is Theresa Novak, and I am honored to serve as the Director of Counseling and Wellness Services at KSUCPM.

As you embark on your journey in podiatric medicine at KSUCPM, it's natural to have various reasons for choosing our institution. Among the many resources available to you as a podiatric medical student, I want to emphasize the importance of mental health and well-being.

At KSUCPM, we recognize that achieving balance and maintaining wellness are essential components of a successful student experience. Research has consistently shown that psychological wellness is closely linked to academic success and overall satisfaction with one's educational journey.

To support your mental health needs, KSUCPM provides free and confidential mental health counseling services right here on our Independence campus. Additionally, we have partnered with Case Western Reserve University's Health and Counseling Services to offer a comprehensive range of support options. These include individual and group counseling, psychiatric care, consultation services, and assistance with substance recovery.

Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing you with the support and resources you need to thrive personally and academically during your time at KSUCPM.

I am looking forward to meeting you during the incoming student orientation!

Best regards,

Theresa Novak, M.Ed., PCC-S, CWC (she, her)

Director, Counseling & Wellness Services

Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine

There’s a class Facebook group — “KSUCPM Class of 2029” — that you’re welcome to join.

While Facebook isn’t as widely used these days and the group is usually pretty quiet, there’s still a lot of useful information already posted that’s worth checking out.

If interested, you can search for "KSUCPM Class of 2029" on Facebook or click the button below.

The Financial Aid Office has started awarding aid packages for the 2025–26 academic year.

To secure your financial aid, follow these important steps:

• Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
• Select Grad/Professional as your grade level.
• Use Kent State’s school code: 003051.
• Check your KSU email regularly for updates and requests for additional information.
• Once you receive your financial aid offer, review the Financial Aid Checklist to complete the next steps.

For assistance, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 216-916-7490 or kwrigh32@kent.edu.

Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine will hold an incoming student orientation beginning on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, through Thursday, July 31, 2025.

During orientation, students will meet Dr. Allan Boike, Dean, Dr. Bryan Caldwell, Senior Associate Dean, and many faculty members. In addition, students will listen to presentations from the Offices of Enrollment Management and Student Services and meet upperclassmen.

More information, including the specific start time and tentative agenda, will become available in early Summer.

The White Coat Ceremony for the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine Class of 2029 will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 1, 2025, on the Kent State University campus in Kent, Ohio. 

More details will become available as the date approaches.

Instructions to Order Your White Coat

White coats will be distributed during orientation and formally presented to you at the White Coat Ceremony.



Each student is required to provide their coat size to KSUCPM. Please complete this form so we can order your numerical size: 

International students who are in need of an I-20 should reach out to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. Email them at isss@kent.edu or call their office 330-672-7980.

Also, international students are encouraged to reach out for additional support regarding the residency placement process. You can reach out to Jaclyn once classes begin later this year in the fall.

Contact:

Jaclyn Macomber

Associate Director, Academic Operations & Institutional Research

Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine has announced that classes will begin on Monday, August 4, 2025, for first and second-year students.

The detailed academic calendar, which includes course dates and times will likely be released in late Spring 2025. The official schedule for each class will be included in the syllabus. You will also be able to link your calendar to a Outlook calendar which stores courses and times.

If you applied to KSUCPM and had coursework planned or in progress, you will need to send a transcript showing the final scores from those classes. In addition, if you are completing a degree that was not finished when you applied, the transcript must show “degree conferred.” Please request your final transcripts (noting degree conferred) be sent to:

ATTN: Office of Enrollment Management

Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine

6000 Rockside Woods Blvd

Independence, Ohio 44131

Transcripts can also be sent electronically to: podiatry@kent.edu. If you have any questions about what needs to be submitted, please contact Melinda Velka at mvelka1@kent.edu.

Our office will begin following up with students beginning in early June if we have not yet received transcripts.

Some students may still have letters of recommendation that have not been submitted to Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.

Please submit via Interfolio or mail to the College at:

ATTN: Office of Enrollment Management

6000 Rockside Woods Blvd., Independence, Ohio 44131.

Letters can also be e-mailed directly to the College at podiatry@kent.edu. If you have any questions about what needs to be submitted, please contact Melinda Velka at mvelka1@kent.edu.

Are you planning a trip to Independence, Ohio to search out housing options around campus?

Or do you need to meet with the staff in Financial Aid or Student Affairs?

Please contact Ashley Butler to ensure the people you want to meet with are available and on campus.

You can e-mail Ashley at abutle27@kent.edu.

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start taking the steps to secure an apartment and prepare for you move.

Finding an apartment online is the best place to start and narrow down your favorites. Many properties offer virtual tours of apartments. 

Click here for the Apartment Guide. It is only to be used as a guide. The apartments in the guide are where many of our students live now. There are other apartments in the area.

Steps to take when looking for a place to live:

Make a list of what you think is most important to you.

·        Budget

·        Commute to school

·        Large or small complex

·        Apartment size

·        Laundry: In-unit or Community

·        Elevator

·        Parking: Garage extra

·        Pets friendly

Start viewing apartments online.

·        Take notes

·        Make a list of questions that you want to ask the rental agent.

Call properties that interested you.

·        Find out availability and move in date.

·        Ask your list of questions.

Secure apartment with your deposit and lease.

·        Some apartments may need a letter explaining that you are a KSUCPM student. Please email me to receive a letter.

Start preparing for your new apartment.

·        Making a list of items that you will need to pack.

·        Making a list of items that you will need to purchase for your apartment.

·        Arranging Internet/Cable services (Apartment company should be able to provide you with a list)

·        Setting up Utilities in your name (Apartment company should be able to provide you with a list)

A roommate list has been started if you are interested in finding someone to live with. Only those who inquire about the list will receive it and have their contact information added. As it is updated, those on the list will receive the updates.

If you have questions about housing, need a letter confirming you are an incoming student to provide to an apartment complex, or wish to be added to the roommate list, please email Lorie Evans at lfranck2@kent.edu.

As you transition into Cleveland and the surrounding areas, we want the move to be as smooth as possible. Eventually, you'll meet classmates, make friends, and find things to do. Until then, let us help you. Here are some MUST SEE attractions in Cleveland:

1. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
2. Cleveland Museum of Art
3. A Christmas Story House
4. West Side Market
5. Edgewater Park and Beach
6. Cleveland Metro-Parks Zoo
7. Cleveland Botanical Gardens

👣 BIG & LITTLE MEET-UP

Friday, August 8, 2025 (Afternoon – Time TBD)

First-year students—meet your Big!

You’ll be matched with a second-year student mentor who’s ready to share tips, advice, and insights to help you thrive during your first year.

What to expect:

• Real talk about school life
• Study strategies and how to make the most of your first year
• Support from someone who’s been in your shoes

Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and start your journey with support!

Flashapalooza: School Carnival

Hosted by the Ohio Podiatric Medical Student Association (OPMSA)

📍 After classes – Friday, August 8, 2025

Kick off the school year with a bang at one of our favorite annual events!

Enjoy an afternoon of:

🎯 Games | 🎁 Prizes | 📍 Refreshments | 🎶 Music | 🤝 Student Clubs

It’s 100% FREE for all students – don’t miss out!

Mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate the start of an exciting year!