Graduation, Honors and Recognition

By graduating from Kent State University, you will be joining a network of 273,500+ alumni worldwide.

To prepare for your graduation, review the important information below.

Applying for Graduation

Students applying for graduation should complete the online graduation application available through FlashLine by the published deadlines. The online graduation application is used for all degree and certificate programs.

Application for Graduation Processing Dates and Procedures

 

Commencement Information

As you get closer to graduation, you will have questions about how to RSVP, get tickets, where to purchase your cap and gown and more. Visit the Commencement Website to learn more about Commencement at Kent State. For further information, please contact the Coordinator of University Ceremonies at graduate@kent.edu or 330-672-2235.

Explore the Commencement Website

 

Diploma Information

The university has partnered with Parchment to improve the diploma fulfillment process for graduates of Kent State University. Upon final degree approval, diplomas will be fulfilled by Parchment.

When will I receive my diploma?

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.
    • 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 10-14 days after you receive your digital diploma. 
How do I verify or change my permanent address?

To verify a diploma or permanent address:

  • Log into FlashLine
  • Select Student > Dashboard > select My Personal Information located under your profile.

Contact us at gradsvc@kent.edu with any diploma questions. 

 

Graduation Requirements

The Kent State University Catalog is the official document of record for undergraduate and graduate programs, courses, academic policies and special programs. The graduation requirements for these degrees are outlined in the various college/school sections of the current catalog. For questions regarding your progress towards graduation please speak with your academic advisor.

 

Graduation with Latin Honors - Bachelor’s Degrees

Candidates for bachelor’s degrees who demonstrate high levels of scholarship throughout their undergraduate years will graduate with Latin honors.

To graduate with this recognition at Kent State University, students must achieve one of the following criteria:

  • Earn a minimum 60 credit hours at Kent State and earn a minimum 3.500 Kent State GPA; or
  • Earn at least 30 but fewer than 60 credit hours at Kent State and earn a minimum 3.500 Kent State GPA and earn a minimum 3.500 transfer GPA
What are the three levels of Latin honors?

There are three levels of Latin honors at graduation with a bachelor’s degree:

  • cum laude — Student has earned a Kent State GPA of 3.500 to 3.699.
  • magna cum laude — Student has earned a Kent State GPA of 3.700 to 3.899.
  • summa cum laude  — Student has earned a Kent State GPA of 3.900 to 4.000.
How is the Kent State GPA for Latin honors calculated?

The Kent State GPA for determining Latin honors is calculated from all grades earned in undergraduate courses at Kent State University, including original grades forgiven and/or recalculated under other policies. The transfer GPA is calculated from all grades earned in undergraduate transfer courses that were awarded college credit by Kent State and completed prior to the student’s most recent admission to Kent State. The GPA for both is extended to three decimal places and not rounded up.

Because grades in courses taken in the student’s final term are not official until after commencement, Latin honors candidates will be recognized at the commencement ceremony based on all their Kent State academic work completed prior to those courses. However, the final term grades will be used in determining honors posted to the transcript and the diploma. 

Learn more about Graduation with Latin Honors and view frequently asked questions by visiting the Honors at Graduation policy in the Kent State University Catalog.

How will Latin honors appear on my diploma?

Honor citations are inscribed on diplomas as follows: cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude.

How do I view my Latin honors eligibility?

In FlashLine, click on View Latin Honors GPA in the Student Category > Resources Page > Grades and Transcripts to view your eligibility.

View frequently asked questions on Latin Honors for bachelor's degrees

Graduation with Distinction - Associate Degrees

Candidates for associate degrees who demonstrate high levels of scholarship throughout their coursework will graduate “with distinction.” To graduate with this recognition, students must achieve the following criteria:

  • Earn a minimum 30 credit hours at Kent State University, and
  • Earn a minimum 3.500 Kent State University GPA
How is the Kent State GPA for distinction calculated?

A Kent State GPA is calculated from all grades earned in undergraduate courses at Kent State University, including original grades forgiven and/or recalculated under other policies. The GPA used to determine the “with distinction” designation is extended to three decimal places and not rounded up.

Because grades in courses taken in the student’s graduation term are not official until after commencement, distinction candidates will be recognized at the commencement ceremony based on all their Kent State academic work completed prior to those courses. However, the final term grades will be used in determining the “graduated with distinction” recognition posted to the transcript and the diploma.

Learn more about Graduation with Distinction and view frequently asked questions by visiting the Honors at Graduation policy in the Kent State University Catalog.

Honors Cords

Candidates for baccalaureate and associate degrees who demonstrate high levels of scholarship throughout their undergraduate years are graduated with institutional honors.

How Do I Pick Up My Honors Cords?

All Fall 2024 institutional honors candidates may pick up their honor cords at the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center,  University Library (Kent Campus), during the hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from October 28, 2024 to December 13, 2024. 

Students may only pick up their honor cords with proper photo identification such as a Kent State University ID, a driver’s license or state ID, military ID or passport. For further information, please contact our team.  

To view your Latin honors eligibility, sign in to FlashLine, click on View Latin Honors GPA in the Student Category > Resources Page > Grades and Transcripts.

President's List

In recognition of an extremely high level of academic excellence, a President’s List is compiled each academic semester. 

President’s List Qualifications

To qualify, students must have a 4.000 GPA in the semester and must have completed 15 or more credit hours (all of which must have regular letter grades) by the end of that semester. This notation will be printed on students’ official transcripts.

Dean’s List for Full-Time Students

In recognition of academic excellence, a Dean’s List is compiled each academic semester. 

Dean’s List for Full-Time Students Qualifications

To qualify, students must have a minimum 3.400 GPA in the semester and must have completed 12 or more regular letter-graded credit hours by the end of that semester. This notation will be printed on students’ official transcripts.

Dean’s List for Part-Time Students

A Dean’s List for Part-Time Students is compiled after spring semester grades are issued. 

Dean’s List for Part-Time Students Qualifications

To qualify, students must have a minimum 3.400 GPA in 12 or more regular letter-graded hours taken during the previous summer, fall and spring semesters. Such students must have registered for fewer than 12 hours in each of the semesters under consideration. This notation will be printed on students’ official transcripts.

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