Commencement

Commencement is a special time for the university community. Whether a student, faculty member, family member or friend, graduation is an important event that marks a momentous occasion in the lives of our graduates and the entire university community. The Kent Campus holds Commencement ceremonies at the conclusion of the Spring, Summer and Fall terms.

Commencement App

Enhance your graduation experience. Download the Kent State commencement app!

SPRING 2019 Commencement

Kent State University Commencement ceremonies are among the most important traditions in the life of our university community. Whether a student, faculty member, family member or friend, graduation is an important event that marks a momentous occasion in the lives of our graduates and the entire university community. For more information, specific to your role - student, guest or faculty - use the menu at the top of the page to find all of the information you need for commencement day.

Questions? Contact us at graduate@kent.edu.

Advanced Degree Commencement
Memorial Athletic and Convocation (MAC) Center
1025 Risman Dr., Kent, Ohio 44242

Commencement of all Colleges
Conferral of Doctoral, Master's and Educational Specialist Degrees
Friday, May 10, 2019
6 p.m. (Doors Open at 4:30 p.m.)

One University Commencement
Dix Stadium
2213 Summit St., Kent, Ohio 44242

Commencement of all Colleges
Conferral of Associates and Baccalaureate Degrees
Saturday, May 11, 2019
11 a.m. (Doors Open at 8:30 a.m.)

College of Podiatric Medicine Commencement
Cartwright Hall
350 Terrace Dr., Kent, Ohio 4424
Friday, May 17, 2019
1 p.m. (Doors open at 11:30 a.m.)

Students

As you get closer to graduation, you will have questions about how to RSVP, get tickets, where to purchase your cap and gown and more. The answers to these questions and many more can be found in the Online Checklist for Graduation and Commencement.

Photo of Debra Smith, University Macebearer 2016-2017

Faculty

Faculty processing in a ceremony must wear academic regalia. Please call the University Bookstore in the Student Center at 330-672-2762 to place your order. The deadline to order rental regalia for the Spring 2019 ceremonies is Friday, March 29, 2019.

A male student in cap and gown smiles for a photo after having just graduated. At his left and right shoulders are members of his family.

Guests

Family and Friends plan your Visit to Campus! Learn about parking, shuttles, ceremony schedules and more.

CEREMONY HONORS & RECOGNITION

Commencement is a milestone for soon-to-be Kent State alumni. As they near graduation, students and faculty members have the opportunity to receive a variety of Commencement honors. Oftentimes these graduation honors are bestowed at the formal Commencement Ceremonies. Find the descriptions of Commencement honors received at Kent State.

TRADITIONS

Academic ceremonies are steeped in tradition. The academic dress and the many colors that adorn regalia, the symbols of office and the music heard throughout academic ceremonies are highly symbolic and important to the university tradition. Learn more about ceremonial traditions at Kent State University.

Dean's/President's & Graduation Lists

We're proud of our graduates, and our students who have earned distinction on the Dean's and President's lists.

A-Z Index