Graduation Information

Do I need to apply for graduation?

Yes, graduation is not automatic. Students must apply for graduation for the term in which all degree requirements will be completed. Applications must be submitted by the deadline published by the University Registrar. A list of the graduation deadlines by term of graduation can be found on the Registrar’s website.

Students seeking a Sales Certificate and BBA must submit two applications: one application for the BBA and a separate application for the Sales Certificate. For questions regarding graduation with a Sales Certificate, please contact the Undergraduate Programs Office in the College of Business Administration at 330-672-2872.

How do I apply for graduation?

Graduation applications are completed online through the student Flashline account.

To complete the graduation application:

1. Log into FlashLine
2. Go to 'Student' tab
3. Select 'Resources' and then 'Graduation' from the drop-down menu
4. Select 'Apply for Graduation'
5. Review and acknowledge the 'Important Information Concerning Your Graduation Application'
6. Select and submit your curriculum
7. Select and submit your graduation term
8. Ensure all information you have selected is accurate and submit your request

How do I reapply for graduation?

Students who wish to reapply for graduation must access the application through Flashline:

1. Sign into FlashLine
2. Go to the 'Student' tab
3. Select 'Resources' and then 'Graduation' from drop-down menu
4. Select 'Late and Reapplication for Graduation Form (PDF)'
5. Fax or bring the completed application form to the Undergraduate Programs Office, located in the Business Administration Building, Room 107. If choosing to fax, the fax number is 330-672-4043

I missed the application deadline. How do I submit a late application?

Students who did not apply before the application deadline, must submit a late application through Flashline.

To access the late application:

1. Sign into FlashLine
2. Go to 'Student' tab
3. Select 'Resources' and then 'Graduation' from drop-down menu
4. Select 'Late and Reapplication for Graduation Form (PDF)'
5. Fax or bring completed application to the Undergraduate Programs Office located in the Business Administration Building, Room 107. If you wish to fax the late application, the fax number is 330-672-4043

Students who apply after the published graduation deadline may be charged a $200 late fee.

How do I know if I am on-track for graduation?

There are several ways in which students in the College of Business Administration can monitor their progress toward graduation. Each student’s GPS Audit documents his or her individual progress toward degree completion.

The GPS Audit can be accessed by going to the 'Student' tab in FlashLine and selecting 'Resources' > 'Advising and GPS' > 'GPS Audit and Plan'.

Completed requirements will be marked with a green checkmark, in-progress requirements will be highlighted in blue (except total hours) and incomplete requirements will be highlighted in red. 

Advisors also complete a graduation review for every student who has applied for graduation. Graduation reviews are emailed to students’ Kent email address. If students need clarification regarding their graduation review or progress toward graduation, they are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor.

For more information on scheduling an appointment with an advisor, review 'How do I meet with an advisor to discuss graduation?'.

What is a graduation review?

A graduation review is a comprehensive evaluation of a student’s academic history used to determine the student’s progress toward degree completion and subsequently, his or her eligibility for graduation.

Every student who has applied for graduation receives a copy of their graduation review through his or her Kent email address. The review indicates whether the student is on-track or off-track to graduate.

If a student is off-track, the review will identify the incomplete requirements. Students who wish for further clarification regarding their graduation review should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.

How do I meet with an advisor to discuss graduation?

Students can make an appointment with an advisor through KSUAdvising. It is important to answer all questions honestly to ensure that an appointment is made with an advisor who can thoroughly address your needs.

The Undergraduate Programs Office also offers walk-ins exclusively for graduating seniors on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Business Administration Building, Room 107.

International students can attend walk-ins in the International Programs Office on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Business Administration Building, Room 300E. 

Who do I contact for more information about graduation requirements?

Domestic students who would like additional information regarding their progress toward graduation or questions about their graduation review, should make an appointment with an advisor in the College of Business Administration Undergraduate Programs Office.

International students should make an appointment with an advisor in the International Programs Office. 

For questions regarding the graduation ceremony, contact University Ceremonies at 330-672-2235 or at graduate [at] kent.edu.

Where do I find more information about the Commencement Ceremony (i.e. date of ceremony, RSVP instructions, tickets)?

You can find information related to the commencement ceremony on the Commencement website. There you will find the date and time of the ceremony, RSVP and ticket information and information related to your cap and gown.

Any additional questions should be directed to University Ceremonies at graduate [at] kent.edu.

I've graduated recently. When will I receive my degree?

Degrees will be posted to the graduate’s academic record approximately 30 days following graduation.

Official diplomas will be mailed to the permanent or diploma address listed on the graduate’s FlashLine account, approximated 8-10 weeks following the Commencement ceremony.

What steps in the graduation process are necessary to take?

1. Apply for Graduation
   • Review 'How do I apply for graduation?' above
2. Confirm Personal Information in FlashLine
   • Be sure to include an up-to-date mailing address
3. Make Advising Appointment
   • Review 'How do I meet with an advisor to discuss graduation?' above
4. RSVP for Ceremony
   • Optional
5. Purchase Cap and Gown
   • Optional
6. Attend Commencement 
   • Optional
7. Settle Accounts with Bursar
8. Complete Student Financial Aid Exit Load Counseling