COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY DETAILS FOR GRADUATES & GUESTS
GRADUATE ARRIVAL
Arrive one hour before your ceremony begins.
11 a.m. Ceremony - Arrive by 10 a.m.
3 p.m. Ceremony - Arrive by 2 p.m.
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.
ATTIRE FOR GRADUATES
Acceptable attire for under your gown is smart casual dress, such as dresses, skirts or dress pants.
PARKING AT THE CONFERENCE CENTER
The Conference Center is located at the University Drive entrance at Kent State Stark. Ample, free parking is available at the Conference Center. Accessible parking is available. If overflow parking is necessary, parking will be available in the lot next to the Recreation & Wellness Center. Guests can be dropped off at the front entrance of the Conference Center.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Latex balloons are not permitted in the Conference Center or at the ceremony.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY
Each ceremony lasts less than 90 minutes.
PHOTO WITH THE DEAN | VIDEO OF THE CEREMONY
Graduates will have the opportunity to have a photo taken with Dr. Denise Seachrist in the staging area. Links to the photo gallery and the video of the ceremony will be posted on this website the week following the ceremony.
RECEIVING YOUR DIPLOMA
Kent State University has partnered with Parchment Inc. to improve the diploma fulfillment process for graduates. 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.