Information For Graduate Students

Graduate Coordinators:

We know that graduate students need assistance along their academic path, which is why your graduate coordinator is here to provide assistance.

School of Art

School of Art

School of Fashion

School of Fashion

School of Music

School of Music

School of Theatre and Dance

School of Theatre and Dance

Your Graduate Coordinator’s Role

Please contact the graduate coordinator in the appropriate school to assist with any questions regarding the application process or the following tasks:

  • Apply for graduation
  • File a thesis or dissertation
  • Undertake a change of registration
  • Request a time extension for a graduate degree
  • Request transient credit approval
  • Verify coursework for combined undergraduate/graduate degrees
  • Deal with other concerns that their faculty advisor may be unable to address

Thesis Style Guide

For more information and to download the College of the Arts Thesis and Dissertation Style Guide, please click the link below.

Thesis Style Guide

Thesis and Dissertation Forms:

Learn More About OhioLINK

Instructions:

COTA Thesis and Dissertation Topic Approval Form Instructions

COTA Thesis and Dissertation Topic Approval Form Instructions

  1. Start here https://www.kent.edu/artscollege/information-graduate-students​
  2. Click on the link to the appropriate form
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  3. Fill in the names and email addresses of your Thesis/Dissertation committee members and Advisor/Director. Make sure that you use the correct kent.edu email when entering your committee members.

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    There will be an opportunity to add additional committee members and a Co-Advisor or Co-Director on the next page. Click Continue.

  4. Enter the Date of your Final Exam
  5. Enter your Major Program
  6. Enter the Term
  7. Enter the Title of Proposed Thesis/Dissertation
  8. Attach Abstract file
  9. Indicate if you used human subjects and the date of IRB approvalA screenshot of a formDescription automatically generated
  10. Add a third and fourth committee member if needed. Add a Co-Advisor or Co-Director if needed.
  11. Click Next
  12. Click Next again on the next page, nothing needs to be filled here.A screenshot of a computerDescription automatically generated

     

  13. E-Sign the form and you will be to view PDF

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COTA Thesis and Dissertation Final Defense Form Instructions

COTA Thesis and Dissertation Final Defense Form Instructions

  1. Start here https://www.kent.edu/artscollege/information-graduate-students
  2. Click on the link to the appropriate form (topic approval or final defense. A white text with blue and black text Description automatically generated
  3. Fill in the names and email addresses of your Thesis/Dissertation Moderator, Committee members, Faculty Rep, and Advisor/Director.  Make sure that you use the correct kent.edu email when entering your committee members.
    A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generatedThere will be an opportunity to add additional committee members and a Co-Advisor or Co-Director on the next page. Click Continue.
  4. Enter your Major Program
  5. Choose the Term
  6. Enter the Exact Title of Thesis/DissertationA screen shot of a computer Description automatically generated
  7. Add a third and/or fourth committee member if needed. Add a Co-Advisor or Co-Director if needed.A screenshot of a form Description automatically generated
  8. Click Next
  9. E-Sign the form and you will be to view a PDF          
Graduate Form Faculty Instructions

Graduate Form Faculty Instructions

  1. When the student initiates the form, they list their committee members and their Advisor/co-advisor.  The Graduate Coordinator, School Director, and Associate Dean are already coded into the form and will go to them automatically. 
  2. You will receive an email from donotreply@kent.edu.  Open it and click on the link to complete your section of the form.
  3. Scroll down the document until you see an option to (click to sign).A screenshot of a paperDescription automatically generated
  4. Enter your name exactly as it appears here.
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  5. You will see your signature on the form. Click Next.
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  6. No information needs to be entered on the next page click. Click Submit Form. A screenshot of a computerDescription automatically generated
  7. The form will now go to the next person listed on the form. If you serve more than one role you will be asked to sign more than once and will get the email more than once.

Important College of the Arts Graduate Dates

Spring 2026
Summer 2026
Fall 2026
EVENT DATEEVENT NAME
Mon, Jan 12, 2026Spring 2026 classes begin
Fri, Jan 16, 2026Last day to apply for May 2026 Graduate graduation
Fri, Jan 16, 2026Last day for those graduating May 2026 to file approved dissertation proposal & IRB approval or thesis proposal/project proposal
Mon, Jan 19, 2026Martin Luther King Jr. Day (See Note 1)
Mon, Mar 9 – Sun, Mar 15, 2026Spring Recess (See Note 2)
Fri, Mar 27, 2026Final date for graduate-level College of the Arts oral defense (Dissertation / Thesis / Project)
Sun, Mar 29, 2026Last day to withdraw from any/all classes
Fri, Apr 10, 2026Deadline to submit dissertation and thesis electronically via OhioLink
Fri, Apr 24, 2026Final deadline for all dissertation and thesis corrections.

Final deadline for all grade changes, including IP grade updates in banner.
Sun, May 3, 2026Spring 2026 classes end
Mon, May 4 – Sun, May 10, 2026Final exam week
Thu, May 7, 2026Commencement (See Note 3)

Calendar Notes

  1. Observed state-designated holiday; no classes are scheduled, and university offices are closed.
  2. No classes are scheduled during break; university campuses and offices are open.
  3. Check Commencement website for exact day/time for the College of the Arts. Diplomas are mailed to student permanent addresses; please be sure to update address in FlashLine.

Additional information can be viewed on the Kent State Academic Calendar.

EVENT DATEEVENT NAME
Mon, May 11, 2026Summer classes begin
Fri, May 22, 2026Last day to apply for August 2026 Graduate graduation (Master's / Doctoral / Certificate)
Fri, May 22, 2026Last day for those graduating August 2026 to file approved dissertation proposal & IRB approval or thesis proposal/project proposal
Mon, May 25, 2026Memorial Day (See Note 1)
Fri, June 19, 2026Juneteenth National Independence Day (See Note 1)
Fri, June 26, 2026Final date for graduate-level College of the Arts oral defense (Dissertation / Thesis / Project)
Fri, July 3, 2026Independence Day Observed (See Note 1)
Fri, July 3, 2026Deadline to submit dissertation/thesis electronically via OhioLink
Fri, July 17, 2026Final deadline for all dissertation and thesis corrections.

Final deadline for all grade changes, including IP grade updates in banner.
Sat, Aug 8, 2026Commencement (See Note 2)

Calendar Notes

  1. Observed state-designated holiday; no classes are scheduled, and university offices are closed.
  2. Check Commencement website for exact day/time for the College of the Arts. Diplomas are mailed to student permanent addresses; please be sure to update address in FlashLine.

Additional information can be viewed on the Kent State Academic Calendar.

EVENT DATEEVENT NAME
Mon, Aug 24, 2026Fall 2026 classes begin
Fri, Aug 28, 2026Last day to apply for December 2025 Graduate graduation
Fri, Aug 28, 206Last day for those graduating December 2026 to file approved dissertation proposal & IRB approval or thesis proposal/project proposal
Mon, Sep 1, 2025Labor Day (See Note 1)
Thu, Oct 8 – Sun, Oct 11, 2026Fall Break (See Note 2)
Fri, Oct 30, 2026Final date for graduate-level College of the Arts oral defense (Dissertation / Thesis / Project)
Sun, Nov 1, 2026Last day to withdraw from classes
Wed, Nov 11, 2026Veterans Day (See Note 1)
Fri, Nov 13, 2026Deadline to submit dissertation and thesis electronically via OhioLink
Wed, Nov 25 – Thu, Nov 26, 2026Thanksgiving Break (See Note 3)
Fri, Nov 27, 2026Columbus Day Observed (See Note 4)
Fri, Dec 4, 2026Final deadline for all dissertation and thesis corrections.

Final deadline for all grade changes, including IP grade updates in banner.
Sun, Dec 13, 2026Fall 2026 classes end
Mon, Dec 14 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026Final exam week
Fri, Dec 18 – Sat, Dec 19, 2026Commencement (See Note 5)

Calendar Notes

  1. Observed state-designated holiday; no classes are scheduled, and university offices are closed.
  2. No classes are scheduled during break; university campuses and offices are open. 
  3. Thanksgiving break: no classes Wednesday through Sunday; offices are closed Thursday and Friday.
  4. Columbus Day is a movable state-designated holiday, observed the day after Thanksgiving; no classes are scheduled, and university offices are closed.
  5. Check Commencement website for exact day/time for EHHS. Diplomas are mailed to student permanent addresses; please be sure to update address in FlashLine.

Additional information can be viewed on the Kent State Academic Calendar.

 

Resources:

Leave of Absence Return Plan

College of the Arts Graduate Students that have applied for a Graduate Leave of Absence must also submit a Leave of Absence Return Plan form. University Policy 3-01.12 sets out the eligibility, implementation, and procedures for Graduate Leave of Absence and Re-enrollment. It is highly recommended that students read this policy before initiating the request for Leave of Absence.

Fill Out the Leave of Absence Return Form

About The Graduate College at Kent State

Although you are enrolled or enrolling in a graduate program in the College of the Arts, Kent State also is home to our Graduate College. Consider it a resource to help you with critical portions of this next step in your academic career. It can help by preparing students like you for scholarly, research and professional careers.

Visit the Graduate College Website

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