Commencement

Apply for Graduation

• Log in to FlashLine
• Review your personal information and update if needed:
  • Name: Please be sure that your name is listed properly, as this is how it will be announced and listed in the commencement program.
  • Diploma Mailing Address: Please be sure to update your diploma mailing address to ensure that you receive your diploma.
  • Remove a Student Directory Restriction
  • More information can be found at:
    https://www.kent.edu/fbe-center/graduation-honors-and-recognition 
  • Even if you are not planning on attending your commencement ceremony, review the graduation checklist and respond about your ceremony attendance through the online RSVP system. Attendance at a commencement ceremony does not guarantee that your degree has been granted. All degree requirements must be met and verified before diplomas are printed.

RSVP

• The Deadline to RSVP is Friday, April 18, 2025
• A reception with light refreshments for graduates and their family and friends will be held prior to the ceremony from 5- 6 p.m. Doors to the auditorium for seating will be open at 5:30 p.m.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sarah Motts: 330-337-4202 or smotts@kent.edu.

RSVP for the Columbiana County Campuses Ceremony

Guest Tickets

• Tickets will be available for pick-up after April 21 at the Reception Desk at East Liverpool or the Welcome Center in Salem.  
• If you need additional tickets, please email smotts@kent.edu. We will keep a request list and contact you the week prior regarding additional ticket availability.
• Make arrangements for guests with special needs that will be attending by emailing Danielle Baker-Rose at dbaker13@kent.edu.

Cap, gown and Graduation Materials

• Graduates will wear the traditional cap and gown, and caps should be placed or pinned so that they appear flat on top of the head. Acceptable attire for under your gown should be professional dress. Jeans, shorts and sneakers should not be worn. Typically, graduates wear dress pants, a shirt and tie or blouse, skirts, or dresses.
  • Grad Fairs
    • Four Opportunities: 
      • Kent Campus Bookstore   
        • Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
        • Monday, March 24 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
        • Tuesday, March 25 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
          • Stop in for a chance to win a raffle, purchase your cap and gown with bundle sales, and enjoy light refreshments. GradImages will be there to take headshots and cap and gown photos. Josten's will be available to assist with purchasing your announcements, class rings, and more! 
      • Regional Campus Bookstore at Stark 
        • Wednesday, March 5th 4-6pm 
        • Thursday, March 6th 11am-1pm  
          • Stop in to purchase your cap and gown with bundle sales, RSVP if you haven’t, pick up tickets, if you have RSVPed, talk with Career Exploration and Development and Financial Aid. 
      • Trumbull Campus  
        • Thursday, April 3rd 12-5pm 
          • Stop in to purchase your cap and gown with bundle sales and receive information about Jostens packages and announcements. There will also be a small assortment of merchandise. 
      • Twinsburg Campus 
        • Monday, April 14th 12-4pm 
          • Stop in to purchase your cap and gown with bundle sales, receive information about Jostens packages and grad announcements. There will also be a small assortment of merchandise. 
             
• Unable to attend Grad Fair? Visit the University Bookstore during normal business hours or place your order online by March 28. 
  • The deadline for Doctoral regalia purchases is March 14, and the deadline for Doctoral rentals is March 28.  
     
• Reach out to the bookstore via email at SM8152@bncollege.com with any questions. 
   

After the Ceremony

• Your digital diploma will arrive approximately 4-5 weeks after commencement.
  • Watch for an email notification that will be sent to your Kent State email address.
  • 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 10-14 days after you receive your digital diploma. 
• Join the Alumni Association
• Settle accounts with the Bursar's Office
• Complete Student Financial Aid exit loan counseling

Kent Campus Ceremony

• Any student receiving an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or a doctoral degree from any one of the eight campuses may attend.
• Students may attend BOTH the Columbiana County Campuses Ceremony on Friday evening and the Kent Campus ceremony.
• Students must RSVP separately to each event. (Spring 2025 candidates can access the RSVP to the Kent Campus ceremony by logging into FlashLine)
• Please view the Kent Campus ceremony schedule and details here: https://www.kent.edu/commencement
• Questions? Contact the Office of University Ceremonies at graduate@kent.edu.

Additional Information

• Still have questions? Contact Sarah Motts at 330-337-4202 or Shelly Weekley at 330-382-7415