Prohibited items include:

• Animals (other than those used as service animals)
• Bags (larger than 14" x 14")
• Large signs
• Laser pointers (Note: the use of a laser-point device will result in criminal charges and ejection from the ceremony)
• Strollers
• Whistles or Noisemakers
• Weapons of any kind

Smoking is prohibited. Smoking is also defined to include any and all electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes.

For your safety and the safety of others, guests and their possessions are subject to inspection as a condition of admittance. The university reserves the final decision on all items brought into the venue. 

Security will carry out security checks at the entrance of the ceremony venue. Our priority is to do this as quickly as possible. Please allow plenty of time to get in the venue for the ceremony.

All parking lots are open on Commencement day. Handicap parking is available. Shuttles will run to and from the ceremony venue. View shuttle pickup and drop-off locations on the commencement map.

GPS address for the Memorial Athletic Convocation (MAC) Center is 1025 Risman Drive, Kent, OH 44242.

GPS address for the Student Center Visitor Lot is 1 Risman Drive, Kent, OH 44243.

Accessibility seating and other reasonable accommodations will be available to guests at Commencement. Guests in need of accommodations should arrive no less than 60 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and see an usher to be seated. Seating in these reserved areas cannot be guaranteed once the ceremony begins.

• All guests (including children 2 years and older) must have a ticket to enter the ceremony venue.
• Tickets will not be printed on-site.
• Guest seating is general admission.
• The venue primarily features bleacher seating. If you have any specific seating needs or require accessible seating, please see an usher for accommodations upon arrival.
  • A live simulcast of the ceremony will be available for guests without tickets.

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

• Check your student account balance
• Complete Student Financial Aid Exit Loan Counseling
• Continue your education with Kent State Online Graduate Degree Programs.
• Is there an instructor who motivated or helped you become engaged and responsible as a university student?

• ADA Accommodations: Contact University Events and Protocol at graduate@kent.edu if you will need assistance with ADA accessibility at the ceremonies.
• All Graduates: Please check in one hour before your ceremony in Room 153 of the MAC Center Annex to receive your name card and alumni pin.
  • Undergraduates, Master’s and Educational Specialist Graduates: After check-in, proceed to the MAC Center Gymnasium and sit

• Graduation Fair will take place at the University Bookstore located at the Kent Campus Student Center. Stop in for a chance to win a raffle, purchase your cap and gown, 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!
  • Saturday, Feb. 28
    • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Monday, Mar. 2
    • 9 a.m.