Commencement Ceremony
CONGRATULATIONS KENT STATE STARK GRADUATES!
Whether a student, faculty member, family member or friend, Commencement is an important event that marks a momentous occasion in the lives of our graduates and the entire university community.
Kent State Stark Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates are invited to celebrate their graduation at two ceremonies on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
51st Annual Spring Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Conference Center
Kent State University at Stark
CEREMONIES
Two commencement ceremonies will be held - one at 11 a.m. and one at 3 p.m. Graduates will attend the ceremony determined by their university college or degree as follows:
11 a.m. Ceremony
- Associate Degrees
- College of Applied & Technical Studies
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of the Arts
3 p.m. Ceremony
- Ambassador Crawford College of Business & Entrepreneurship
- College of Communication & Information
- College of Education, Health & Human Services
- College of Nursing
TICKETS
Due to limited seating in the Conference Center, each graduate who makes a reservation to attend commencement will receive a maximum of 4 guest tickets. All guests (including children 2 years and older) must have a ticket to enter the ceremony venue. Admission is free and tickets must be picked up by the graduate.
Graduates were emailed detailed instructions on Feb. 13.
For disability accommodations for graduates and guests, please contact Ruby Groves at rbgroves@kent.edu or 330-244-3279.
KENT STATE STARK GRADUATE CHECKLIST
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY DETAILS FOR GRADUATES & GUESTS
TICKETS
Due to limited seating in the Conference Center, each graduate who makes a reservation to attend commencement will receive a maximum of 4 guest tickets. All guests (including children 2 years and older) must have a ticket to enter the ceremony venue. Admission is free and tickets must be picked up by the graduate.
Additional Ticket Requests
Tickets not claimed by Friday, May 3, will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis to graduates desiring additional tickets. IF tickets are available, you may pick up two additional tickets beginning Monday, May 6, in the Office of Student Services, 132 Main Hall.
All seating is general admission. Doors open one hour before the ceremony.
GRADUATE ARRIVAL
Arrive one hour before your ceremony begins. Your guests will be directed to the seating area. Graduates will be directed to the graduate check-in and staging area when you arrive. Leave your valuables with your guests. Graduates should come dressed in their cap and gown. Staff will provide graduates with ceremony instructions. The ceremony will start promptly at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m.
PARKING AT THE CONFERENCE CENTER
Ample parking is available at the Conference Center. If overflow parking is necessary, overflow lots will be clearly marked. Guests can be dropped off at the front entrance.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Latex balloons are not permitted in the Conference Center or at the ceremony. Additional items may be announced at a later date.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY
Each ceremony lasts less than 90 minutes.
ATTIRE FOR GRADUATES
Acceptable attire for under your gown is smart casual dress, such as dresses, skirts or dress pants.
PHOTO WITH THE DEAN
Graduates will have the opportunity to have a photo taken with Dr. Denise Seachrist in the staging area. Links to the photo gallery will be posted on this website the week following the ceremony.
RECEIVING YOUR DIPLOMA
The Office of the University Registrar has partnered with Parchment Inc. to improve the diploma fulfillment process for graduates of Kent State University. Upon final degree approval, the Spring 2024 graduates' diplomas will be fulfilled by Parchment.
- Your digital diploma will arrive approximately 4-5 weeks after commencement. Watch for an email notification.
- Notification will be sent to your Kent State email.
- Follow the link to set up your Parchment Digital credentials account.
- Share and Download your digital diploma as many times as you like.
- Paper diplomas will be mailed separately to your permanent address on file 7-10 days after you receive your digital diploma.
To verify a diploma or permanent address:
- Visit FlashLine
- Select the Student category
- Select Dashboard
- Select My Personal Information located under Profile
Contact the Office of the University Registrar directly at gradsvc@kent.edu with any diploma questions.