Gateway Guide
Gateway Overview
Your experience in the NEOMFA program will span the three universities in our consortium:
- The University of Akron
- Cleveland State University
- Kent State University
The following guide is intended to help with your transitions from campus to campus.
For additional information regarding offices and resources at each campus, consult the NEOMFA Handbook.
Consortium Parking with YACK Pass
You may obtain a parking pass from your gateway university's parking services office by following the links below. Once you have your initial pass, you can request a YACK pass or sticker from your parking office. “YACK” is an acronym for Youngstown State University, The University of Akron, Cleveland State University, and Kent State University. The YACK pass will allow you to park in specified lots and garages at other NEOMFA consortium universities.
The University of Akron
Primary NEOMFA Contacts
Campus Coordinator: David Giffels dg36@uakron.edu; (330) 972-6604
- English Department: Theresa Procopio tmp77@uakron.edu or Carol Szabat carol1@uakron.edu; (330) 972-7470
General University Information
New Student Resources
Registration & Courses
- Academic Calendar
- Class Search
- Information Technology
- Student Portal: MyAkron (online Guide)
- Learning Management System: Brightspace (for help accessing Brightspace, contact Theresa Procopio at tmp77@uakron.edu)
Campus & Parking
Additional Resources
Cleveland State University
Primary NEOMFA Contacts
- Campus Coordinator: Mike Geither m.geither@csuohio.edu; (216) 687-3955
- English Department: Imani Hudson i.m.hudson7@csuohio.edu; (216) 687-3951
General University Information
New Student Resources
- Orientation: CSU will hold its next graduate student welcome reception on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 4:30-6:00 pm in the Student Center Ballroom. Invites to new students will be sent in June.
- Campus411 All-in-1
- Resources for Graduate Students
Registration & Courses
- Academic Calendar
- Class Search
- Information Technology
- Student Portal: CampusNet (see Guide) / MyCSU
- Learning Management System: Blackboard (for help accessing Blackboard, contact Mike Geither at m.geither@csuohio.edu)
Campus & Parking
Additional Resources
Kent State University
Primary NEOMFA Contacts
- Campus Coordinator: Catherine Wing cwing1@kent.edu; (330) 672-1743
- English Department: English@kent.edu; (330) 672-2676
General University Information
New Student Resources
- University Graduate Student Orientation
- English Department Graduate Student Orientation: Luncheon on Friday, August 21, 2026, with further information TBA
- Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center
- Resources for Graduate Students
Registration & Courses
- Academic Calendar
- Class Search
- Information Technology
- Student Portal: FlashLine (online Guide)
- Learning Management System: Canvas (for help accessing Canvas, contact Catherine Wing at cwing1@kent.edu)
Campus & Parking
Additional Resources
Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts
Department of English
Cleveland State University
Music & Communications Building 234
2121 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 687-3957
info@neomfa.org
© 2026 Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts