Commencement for Guests

Family and Friends: Plan Your Visit to Campus

Kent State University will recognize the accomplishments of the Spring Class of 2024 with ceremonies May 9-11.

Ceremony details are updated frequently. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check back before coming to campus.

Tickets and Seating

Tickets

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. 

Accessibility Seating and Drop Off

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. 

Please display your drop-off permit on the car windshield.  The drop-off area and ADA parking options are highlighted in light blue on the commencement map

Parking and Shuttles

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 .

Safety Information

Inspections

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.

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include:

  • Animals (other than those used as service animals)
  • Bags (larger than 14" x 14")
  • 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.

Emergencies and Evacuation

In the event of a medical emergency, please see a member of the event staff, usher or law enforcement official. Should there be a need to evacuate the ceremony at any time, an announcement will be made. For your safety, please follow the instructions from the announcer and law enforcement officials.

Where to Stay

Situated adjacent to the Kent State University campus, Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center is the perfect spot for campus visitors to stay.

 

Gifts for Graduates

Ceremony Gifts 

University Bookstore

Commencement Chat