Kent State University today announced that it will recognize the accomplishments of its Spring Class of 2020 with a virtual commencement recognition ceremony taking place on the originally scheduled commencement date.
Kent State students, faculty, staff, parents and friends are invited to tune into the virtual ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m. EDT at www.kent.edu/commencement. During the virtual ceremony, students will hear from Kent State President Todd Diacon, Interim Senior Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, and college and campus deans. Students will receive individual name recognition and participate in the conferral of degrees and tassel turning ceremony.
The virtual commencement does not replace the in-person commencement ceremony. All students who graduate this spring will be invited back to campus for commencement when it is deemed safe to do so.
To participate in the virtual commencement, graduating students are being asked to complete their ceremony RSVP by Thursday, April 16, to confirm their participation. All students who RSVP to participate in commencement will receive a commencement package so that they are ready to go on commencement day. These packages will include a copy of the commencement program, mortar board, tassel, alumni pin, diploma cover, honors cords for eligible graduates and hoods for doctoral graduates.
Kent State will also host the College of Podiatric Medicine, Karamu Ya Wahitimu/Celebración de los Graduados and Lavender Graduation virtually. More information regarding these ceremonies is forthcoming.
In accordance with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s order to prohibit large gatherings due to COVID-19, Kent State previously announced it is postponing all in-person Spring Commencement ceremonies and pre-commencement celebrations.
For more information about the virtual commencement recognition ceremony, ceremony participation, diploma mailings and more, visit www.kent.edu/commencement.
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Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595