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 are invited to 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


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 & Technical Studies
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • College of the Arts

3 p.m. Ceremony

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

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.

Graduates were emailed detailed instructions on Feb. 13. 

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/registrar/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.