Student Experience
New Student Orientation: Campus Orientation Meetings to Prepare Students for Academic and Social Success [COMPASS] and Camp COMPASS
COMPASS, our new student orientation program, provides new students with information and social opportunities that will facilitate a smooth transition to Kettering University. Carried out over four days immediately preceding the beginning of new students’ first academic term, COMPASS presents students with a wide variety of opportunities for integration into the campus community, including meeting and getting to know faculty, staff, and students; learning about campus resources, where to obtain specific services, and how to transact business; finding out where to get help, etc. All new students must participate in COMPASS prior to attending classes for the first time.
Camp COMPASS, an optional off-campus leadership development program, is offered each Summer and Fall to new students. Our orientation leaders as well as camp staff, work together to provide a robust leadership experience. We encourage new students to take advantage of this unique program, designed to jump-start their first-year experience.
Kettering Student Government
Kettering Student Government incorporates the Student Senate, Operations Council, Academic Council, and Finance Council. Each year, the student body elects class representatives to the Student Senate, along with the Student Senate President, Vice President, and Administrator. This group’s primary charge is to determine student needs and set guidelines and priorities for meeting these needs.
The Student Senate oversees the general operation, approves planned programs and budgets, and makes certain that the actions of the Operations Council and Finance Council are consistent with the Student Government Constitution. The Student Senate also hears any appeals or grievances brought before it involving matters of constitutional interpretation.
Kettering University Clubs and Organizations Recognized by Kettering Student Government (KSG)
KSG recognizes and supports a variety of campus clubs and organizations that operate under the Constitution of the Kettering Student Government. Students may obtain further information regarding these groups and procedures on how they can start their own through the Student Affairs office and in the Student Handbook.
Fine and Performing Arts
Kettering University is committed to providing a well-rounded education to our students. We are able to offer opportunities to participate in band, choir, piano, and guitar lessons. Professionals from the Flint Institute of Music provide instruction.
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Fraternities and sororities have played an important role in the collegiate experience at Kettering since the school’s beginnings in the early 20th century. Currently, nearly 40% of our students belong to Greek organizations, which include 11 IFC fraternities and two NPC sororities in A Section, 10 IFC fraternities and two NPC sororities in B Section, as well as one co-ed literary society in B Section and a city-wide NPHC which includes three fraternities and two sororities for both sections. Greek organizations offer many opportunities to meet new people, build life-long friendships, practice and hone leadership skills, and, in many cases, provide a home away from home through available housing. Members are expected to strive for academic excellence and serve local and national communities by donating time and raising money for various philanthropic causes. See the Student Handbook for more information on Kettering's Greek Community.
Kagle Leadership Initiatives (KLI)
Through the Kagle Leadership Initiatives (KLI), Kettering students nurture academic excellence and promote urban leadership qualities and civic engagement among Flint area youth and their families to increase college attendance and graduation and foster life-long community involvement. KLI sponsors a variety of enrichment programs and activities, including mentoring, tutoring, coaching, and targeted special seminars such as taking the ACT/SAT, gaining admission to college, finding financial aid, and managing peer pressure and social acceptance. Students who are interested in making a difference in the Flint community are encouraged to apply. Application dates vary throughout the year.
Recreation Services
Recreation Services provides facilities and programs to meet the recreational interests of the Kettering University community, which includes students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their immediate families. Opportunities exist to practice and learn skills that lead to a healthy and satisfying lifestyle. Numerous competitive and cooperative activities provide an ideal environment to test one’s skills and value system. Specific attention is devoted to addressing students' needs and balancing the academic rigor for which Kettering University is known. Recreation Service programs and facilities are rooted in student ability and desire. Students are employed to operate facilities and conduct programs. Kettering University students use the recreational opportunities as a stress release mechanism and as a means to fitness.
The Recreation Center features an open multi-sports forum with both wood and synthetic flooring. The hardwood courts are designed for basketball and volleyball, while the two synthetic multipurpose courts cater to tennis, pickleball, and indoor soccer. These areas are also used for various Robotics and Drone competitions, along with multiple employment fairs throughout the year. Other amenities include two racquetball/wallyball courts, one squash court, a 1/8 mile suspended jogging track, locker rooms, steam rooms, a 25-yard six-lane pool, spa, group exercise room, fitness room with exercise equipment, two weight rooms featuring Cybex equipment, equipment issue area, Student Lounge, Sargent Alumni Lounge, and professional staff offices. The facility is used for formal recreational sports programs (intramurals and club sports), informal recreation activities, fitness programs, and other Kettering University events. Reservations and drop-in play are accommodated.
On Campus Student Housing
Frances Willson Thompson Hall provides an on-campus living and learning community for all students. Several living options are available, including gender-neutral, single-gender, and 24-hour quiet units. Thompson Hall’s design affords maximum individual privacy; each resident occupies their own room within units of 20-30 residents. The residence hall is air-conditioned, heated, and networked for the Internet. Each student’s room is equipped with a bed, desk, dresser(s), bookshelf, closet space, a Micro Fridge, and a computer jack. A new style of housing is also available. The Super Suite is an upgraded traditional room that includes a bedroom connected to a living room-style setup. The suites include a double-size bed, desk, desk chair, dresser, and the living room includes a sofa, an armchair, a Micro Fridge, and a media unit. The Resident Assistants [RA's] staff individual units. RAs and professional staff carry out programs and activities that contribute to students’ personal development.
All first-year students, including transfer students, are required to live in Thompson Hall for a minimum of two academic terms. Exceptions may be granted to students over 21 years of age, are married, have children residing in the student's home, or have previously completed a minimum of two terms/one academic year in a residence hall at a college or university. Students who meet at least one of these requirements may request a housing contract release. Release applications may be obtained from the Director of Residence Life and must be submitted at least two weeks before the first day of any term. Contact the director of residence life at reslife@kettering.edu.
Wellness Center - Counseling and Accessibility Services, and Student Health Insurance
The Wellness Center is located on the first floor of the Campus Center between BJ’s Lounge and Thompson Hall. A licensed mental health professional is available in the center for students and to support faculty and staff. Students may also access the Ulliance Student Assistance Program, a resource provided for all students, which allows them to call or schedule an appointment with a licensed mental health professional 24/7. A licensed mental health clinician can also be accessed after hours by calling 810-762-9650. In partnership with other community organizations, the Center provides resources and programming to enhance students' knowledge for proactive decision-making regarding their overall wellness. Students seeking medical support will be directed to Hurly Medical Urgent Care, located near campus, and transportation assistance can be arranged if needed.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and its amendments, along with state and local regulations, students can meet with an Accessibility Services coordinator to address classroom accommodations. The Center works with the student, faculty, and the Academic Success Center to address reasonable classroom accommodations.
All students must have medical health insurance during their academic tenure at Kettering University. There is an annual verification process for domestic students to obtain a waiver if they already have coverage. International students are enrolled in the student health insurance program currently provided by United Healthcare (UHC). Students who do not have adequate health insurance coverage for this area can also enroll in UHC.
For more information, contact the Center at wellness@kettering.edu or refer to the Student Handbook.
Campus Safety
Kettering University Campus Safety is committed to ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, our team is dedicated to promoting a safe learning and living atmosphere on campus.
Campus Safety officers provide a wide range of services, including:
●Student assistance and support
●Crime prevention and awareness programs
●Investigation of incidents and complaints
●Emergency response and management
●Routine patrols throughout the campus
●Centralized communication and information services
●Building security
●Safety and fire inspections
●Lost and found services
●Shuttle services for students or employees walking alone at night
●Safety shuttle transportation to nearby locations when other options are unavailable, particularly after dark
●Enforcement of campus parking regulations
Kettering University works in close collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to maintain safety both on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods.
In the event of an emergency:
Dial 911 from any campus phone, or call (810) 762-9501 to reach the Campus Safety Desk Officer, who can dispatch emergency responders and provide immediate assistance
The Campus Safety office is located on the second (ground) floor of the Campus Center.
Dining Services
Meal Plans
Flexible Dining Dollars
Bulldog Bucks
All students have the option to purchase Bulldog Bucks, which can be used at all campus dining venues and the C-Store. In addition to food, Bulldog Bucks can be spent on Bulldog Wear items and are purchased at a one-to-one dollar-to-buck rate through the KU Wallet online application. Unused Bulldog Bucks expire upon graduation, withdrawal from the University, or the end of employment for faculty and staff.
Students may also purchase groups of 5, 10, or 20 meals with the Block Meal Plan, which allows a set number of meals at the Battenberg Café simply by swiping your ID card. Block meals are a bit different in that they do not expire at the end of the term in which they are purchased; instead, they remain valid through the end of the academic year (spring term).
The C-Store
The on-campus convenience store, commonly known as the “C-Store,” is located in the southwest corner of the Campus Center (CC), just off the Great Court within the Sunset Café. The C-Store offers a variety of convenience items, including snacks, f’real milkshakes and smoothies, Starbucks coffee and lattes, as well as everyday essentials. In addition, you’ll find "Bulldog Wear" apparel and official Kettering University merchandise available for purchase.
For the most up-to-date hours of operation, please visit the Dining Services website. The C-Store accepts cash and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). Students may also use Flexible Dining Dollars for food purchases and Bulldog Bucks for both food items and Kettering-branded merchandise.
The Online Bookstore
The Online Bookstore is a virtual bookstore operated by MBS Direct/BNC for the University. MBS Direct/BNC offers new, used, rental, and digital textbooks, including Book Buyback and Guaranteed Buyback options. The online bookstore accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards, Visa and MasterCard debit cards, as well as PayPal (except Marketplace orders), check, money order, and/or book vouchers.
The Online Spirit Store
Kettering Bulldog Wear is a virtual spirit store operated by Advanced Online that offers official Kettering Bulldog apparel, accessories & gifts. They accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards as well as PayPal.
Shipping & Receiving
Located on the first floor of the Academic Building, Shipping & Receiving offers convenient mail and package services, including mail delivery, package pickup through smart lockers, and package drop-off. Postage stamps are also available for purchase.
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For your convenience, we offer packing supplies such as bubble wrap, packing paper, shipping tape, and boxes (available at a nominal cost).
For more information, please contact supply@kettering.edu.
Electronic Vehicle Charging Stations
In partnership with ChargePoint, Kettering maintains two electric vehicle charging stations on campus. One station is located in the visitor lot outside the Campus Center and is intended for guests. The second dual station unit is located in the parking area south of the Campus Center and is intended for faculty, staff, and student use. In order to use the charging station, you must be enrolled in the ChargePoint program. You can join for free by visiting ChargePoint.com. In order to activate access to the Kettering Charging Stations, contact the Director of Environmental Health and Safety for instructions and to obtain a connection link. You can download the mobile app to find stations, check availability, and more.