Begin connecting with The University of Akron’s campus life, resources, and supportive staff while starting your journey at Stark State College and preparing to become a future Zip!

Join Direct Connect as soon as possible while you are attending Stark State College

Don't delay your access to these benefits:

Regular check-ins with a UA academic advisor while you are enrolled at SSC to discuss coursework and degree progress

Financial wellness meetings with a member of UA's Financial Aid office

Access to campus amenities at both institutions including libraries, career services, computer labs, sporting events, email, and campus traditions

Direct Connect Engagement Award-- participants who meet the criteria receive the award covering the $75 Transfer Confirmation Fee.

Williams Honors College partnership—Students who graduate from Stark State College Honors Program receive automatic admission to the Williams Honors College program.

Direct Connect students can access the student rec center on Fridays—for Free!

Testimonial

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When I started college at Stark State, I knew that I wanted to be a software developer. The problem was I had no idea what that meant or how to get there. As I talked to advisors at Stark State, I came to the realization that there was going to be a step beyond what they could offer. I knew that I wanted to get my bachelor's degree, and that meant a 4-year university after my time at Stark State.

In January of 2024, I started my college career at Stark State, with the clear idea that eventually, I would be transferring to a 4-year program at a university. Fortunately, I met Helen, and that’s how I found out about the Direct Connect program between Stark State College and the University of Akron. Direct Connect did several things that I found incredibly useful to me. First, they put me in contact with Sarah, an advisor specifically for direct connect students. She helped me make sure that the credits I was earning at Stark State would count towards my degree at Akron, taking the worry out of scheduling classes and staying on track. She also took the time to talk about my future goals and suggested a major that was a much better fit than what I was originally intending to choose.

In the end, the help I received from the Direct Connect team helped me feel more confident in my transfer to Akron. I knew my credits would translate towards my bachelor's degree, that the major I was going to pursue lined up with my goals, and it even reduced the amount of time that I spent at Stark State.

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-Joe Waldron, Student