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 Class of 2029,

If we haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Dr. Joshua Moore, and I am the Division Head in the Division of Clinical Sciences at KSUCPM. After completing my podiatric medical education, I pursued a high-volume surgical residency program in New Jersey that encompassed all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. I joined Kent State’s College of Podiatric Medicine in 2023, after having served as the Assistant Dean and Medical Director at another esteemed podiatric medical school.

Teaching and mentoring future leaders in podiatric medicine is my passion, and I am thrilled to include you in this journey. Your podiatric medical education at KSUCPM will serve as the foundation of your career, and I am truly honored to play a role in helping you become the best podiatric physician and surgeon you can be.

Here at KSUCPM, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive, competency-based, cutting-edge education, preparing you to excel in residency and beyond. My commitment to you is to foster an environment of learning, growth, and excellence. Together, we will navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones of your educational journey.

Welcome to KSUCPM. I look forward to working with each of you and witnessing your growth and success over the next four years.

Warm regards,

Dr. Joshua Moore

Division Head, Division of Clinical Sciences

Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine

We're excited to share that KSUCPM has developed an Incoming Student Reference Guide and it's now available for the Class of 2029!

It contains helpful info to prepare for the start of classes later this summer. The guide has been emailed to all incoming students and is also posted in the Facebook and GroupMe class group chats.

Please click here to view the Class of 2029 Incoming Student Guide.

In an effort to provide more information all at once, we have created a website as a "One Stop Shop" for all things you need to know or complete as you transition in to the KSUCPM Class of 2029.



The website contains great information as you take steps to move to Cleveland, complete checklist items prior to orientation, learn more about the fall schedule and much more.

We encourage you to "bookmark" this site and refer to it often. As this website is specifically designed for members of the Class of 2029, the website is not visible to the public. Click the button below to access the link:

As you review the website, you will find items necessary to complete prior to orientation. These items include, but are not limited to:

DUE: ASAP

• Send final transcripts/in progress transcripts
• Send letters of recommendation

DUE: July 25, 2025

• Complete drug test
• Complete background check

DUE: July 25, 2025

• Register for parking permit
• Upload photo for student ID

DUE: July 28, 2025

• Complete LASSI Assessment

Continuous:

• Collect immunization records and complete outstanding immunizations

The College will reach out to students missing any of the checklist items. It is critical that you submit any outstanding items as soon as possible so we can complete your file so it can be transferred to the Academic Offices. Questions or concerns about missing checklist items, please contact Melinda at mvelka1@kent.edu..

Our office does not collect parking permit or Student ID photos, so we will be unable to verify receipt of those items.

Packets for incoming students will soon be mailed to each member of the KSUCPM Class of 2029.

These packets include important information to help you prepare for your first year as a podiatric medical student at Kent State, such as:

• Your Fall semester schedule
• Drug screening form
• Background check instructions
• Mandatory Immunizations

Please note: Packets will be mailed to the address currently on file. If your address has changed, you're staying with family, or you need your packet sent to a different location, please contact Melinda Velka at mvelka1@kent.edu as soon as possible.

The Office of Educational Resources is very excited to offer this statistically valid and reliable tool for the diagnosis of study skills for CO2029 CPM students!

What is LASSI? The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) is an online 10-scale, 60-item assessment of students’ awareness about and use of learning and study strategies related to skill, will and self-regulation components of strategic learning. The LASSI assessment results will provide you with a diagnosis of your strengths and weaknesses compared to other college students, in the areas covered by the 10 scales and will also provide you with feedback on both your strengths and weaknesses within the 10 scales of: anxiety, attitude, concentration, information processing, motivation, selecting main ideas, self-testing, test strategies, time management, & using academic resources. The LASSI Can Help You Improve Your Learning Strategies at KSUCPM! Prior to starting the CPM curriculum is the perfect time to assess and address and weak areas so that you can set yourself up for success!

How do I get access to complete the LASSI? Please see the attached PDF which includes log in information and instructions on competing the LASSI Pre-Test, Prescriptions or modules to complete for lower-scored scales and the Post-Test, which will confirm that the weaknesses have been addressed.

Approximately how long does the LASSI take to complete? Pre-Test: approx. 10-20 minutes, Prescriptions: approx. 10-15 minutes each, Post-Test: approx. 10-20 minutes. PLEASE NOTE: The Post-Test cannot be competed the same day as the Pre-Test-the system will not allow! The idea is to take the Pre-Test and then work through the prescriptions and then complete the Post-Test (not in the same day as the Pre-Test).

When should I have the LASSI pre-test, prescriptions and post-test completed by? ALL CO2029 students should get started on the LASSI as soon as possible prior to orientation and have the (a) pre-test, (b) prescriptions on lower-scored areas and (c) post-test completed by Saturday, July 26th.

For questions on the LASSI, please email Gina Ralston in the Office of Educational Resources:

Contact Gina Ralston

Director of Educational Resources & Student Accessibility Services:

📧 gralsto3@kent.edu | 📞 (216) 916-7499

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, at Cartwright Hall on the Kent State University campus in Kent, Ohio.

White Coat Invite

At the White Coat Ceremony , you will receive a card with your name. You will hand this card to a reader during the ceremony so that your name can be announced as you cross the stage.

Your name will be pronounced phonetically. Phonetic pronunciation of your first and last names is saying them as they sound, not as they are written. Here is an example: John Barowski (John Ba-ROFF-skee) and Emily Nguyen (Emily WIN).

We kindly request you complete the pronunciation form. Your input will allow us to properly pronounce your name during the white coat ceremony.

Click Here: How do we pronounce your name phonetically?

Some names may be obvious, and some may require special attention. If you would like to guide us on the pronunciation of your name, you are most welcome.

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!

🎉 Flashapalooza 2025: Day Two: Sports & Games

Hosted by the Ohio Podiatric Medical Student Association (OPMSA)

Saturday, August 9, 2025

☀️ Fun in the Sun – Games for Everyone! ☀️

Join us for a laid-back day of outdoor fun—no athletic experience needed! Whether you're jumping in to play or cheering from the sidelines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Activities Include:

🏐 Volleyball

🏃 Kickball

🌀 Spikeball

🎯 Cornhole

🍧 Refreshments Provided

...and more!

All you need to bring is your energy, your smile, and your good vibes!

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