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Commencement Ceremony at Kent State Stark

Commencement Ceremony

CONGRATULATIONS KENT STATE STARK GRADUATES!

Whether a student, faculty member, family member or friend, Commencement is an important event that marks a momentous occasion in the lives of our graduates and the entire university community.

Kent State Stark Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates will celebrate their graduation at two ceremonies on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

51st Annual Spring Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Conference Center
Kent State University at Stark

Scroll down to read important information about the ceremonies.

GRADUATE PHOTOS WITH THE DEAN      CEREMONY PHOTOS

CEREMONIES

Two commencement ceremonies will be held - one at 11 a.m. and one at 3 p.m. Graduates will attend the ceremony determined by their university college or degree as follows:

11 a.m. Ceremony

  • Associate Degrees
  • College of Applied and Technical Studies
  • College of the Arts
  • College of Arts and Sciences

11 A.M. COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM      11 A.M. CEREMONY VIDEO

3 p.m. Ceremony

  • Ambassador Crawford College of Business & Entrepreneurship
  • College of Communication and Information
  • College of Education, Health and Human Services
  • College of Nursing

3 P.M. COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM      3 P.M. CEREMONY VIDEO

TICKETS

Due to limited seating in the Conference Center, each graduate who makes a reservation to attend commencement will receive a maximum of 4 guest tickets. All guests (including children 2 years and older) must have a ticket to enter the ceremony venue. Admission is free and tickets must be picked up by the graduate.

ADDITIONAL TICKETS - LIMITED SUPPLY

Any graduates needing additional guest tickets can pick up extra tickets on Friday, May 10. Additional tickets are first-come, first-served and can be picked up in the Office of Student Services until 5 p.m. while supplies last.

For disability accommodations for graduates and guests, please contact Ruby Groves at rbgroves@kent.edu or 330-244-3279.

KENT STATE STARK GRADUATE CHECKLIST

1. Make your reservation to attend the ceremony (required)

The link to make your reservation for your ceremony will be emailed to you on Feb. 13.

Make your reservation to participate in your ceremony before attending the Graduation Fair. The deadline to make your reservation is Friday, May 3, at 5 p.m.

2. Attend the Graduation Fair on March 13

Kent State Stark Graduation Fair
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Campus Center

Stop by any time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick up your tickets; order your cap, gown, tassel and graduation announcements; and receive guidance from Student Financial Aid and Career Exploration & Development. It only takes a few minutes.

If you can't attend the Graduation Fair
Make your reservation online to participate in the ceremony by May 3. Beginning March 14, see Ruby Groves in the Office of Student Services, 132 Main Hall, to pick up your tickets. Stop by the Bookstore before April 5 to order your cap, gown and tassel. See details below.

3. Get your cap, gown and tassel

Kent State graduates wear a black cap and gown. Your tassel color is determined by the university college that offers your degree. You can purchase a gown or borrow one from a friend. The only requirement is that your cap and gown must be black.

Caps, gowns, tassels and graduation announcements can be purchased from the Kent State Stark Bookstore. Orders should be placed before April 5. Orders placed after April 12 may incur a late fee and sizes may be limited. Direct questions to the Bookstore at 330-244-3204 or email starkbookstore@kent.edu.

Honor Cords information (if applicable to you)

Review information at www.kent.edu/fbe-center/graduation-honors-and-recognition. If you meet the criteria to receive Honor Cords, you can pick up your cords from Ruby Groves in the Office of Student Services, 132 Main Hall. 

Note: Honor Cords are not available at the Graduation Fair.

 
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:

  1. Visit FlashLine
  2. Select the Student category
  3. Select Dashboard
  4. Select My Personal Information located under Profile

Contact the Office of the University Registrar directly at gradsvc@kent.edu with any diploma questions. 
 

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Todd Starkey

Todd Starkey
Head Women's Basketball Coach
Kent State University

STARK CONTACT

Ruby Groves
Office of Student Services
132 Main Hall
330-244-3279
rbgroves@kent.edu

KENT CAMPUS CEREMONIES

Kent State University will recognize the accomplishments of the fall graduates in December and the spring graduates in May. View details.

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