Stark 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 spring 2025 (and fall 2024) graduates will celebrate their graduation at two ceremonies on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
52nd Annual Spring Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Conference Center
Kent State University at Stark
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 and Technical Studies
- College of the Arts
- College of Arts and Sciences
3 p.m. Ceremony
- Ambassador Crawford College of Business & Entrepreneurship
- College of Communication and Information
- College of Education, Health and Human Services
- College of Nursing
STARK GRADUATE CHECKLIST
TICKETS
Due to limited seating in the Stark 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.
ADDITIONAL TICKETS
The deadline to make your reservation is Friday, May 2. Tickets not claimed by Friday, May 2, will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis to graduates desiring additional tickets. IF tickets are available, graduates may pick up two additional tickets beginning Monday, May 5, in the Office of Student Services, 132 Main Hall, while supplies last.
For disability accommodations for graduates and guests, please contact Ruby Groves at rbgroves@kent.edu or 330-244-3279.
STARK COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY DETAILS
GRADUATE ARRIVAL
Arrive one hour before your ceremony begins.
11 a.m. Ceremony - Arrive by 10 a.m.
3 p.m. Ceremony - Arrive by 2 p.m.
Your guests will be directed to the seating area. Graduates will be directed to the graduate check-in and staging area when you arrive. Leave your valuables with your guests. Graduates should come dressed in their cap and gown. Staff will provide graduates with ceremony instructions. The ceremony will start promptly at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m.
ATTIRE FOR GRADUATES
Acceptable attire for under your gown is smart casual dress, such as dresses, skirts or dress pants.
PARKING AT THE CONFERENCE CENTER
The Conference Center is located at the University Drive entrance at Kent State Stark. Ample, free parking is available at the Conference Center. Accessible parking is available. If overflow parking is necessary, parking will be available in the lot next to the Recreation & Wellness Center. Guests can be dropped off at the front entrance of the Conference Center.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Latex balloons are not permitted in the Conference Center or at the ceremony.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY
Each ceremony lasts less than 90 minutes.
PHOTO WITH THE DEAN
Graduates will have the opportunity to have a photo taken with Dr. Denise Seachrist in the staging area. Links to the photo gallery will be posted on this website the week following the ceremony.
RECEIVING YOUR DIPLOMA
Kent State University has partnered with Parchment Inc. to improve the diploma fulfillment process for graduates. Upon final degree approval:
- Your digital diploma will arrive approximately 4-5 weeks after commencement. Watch for an email notification.
- Notification will be sent to your Kent State email.
- Follow the link to set up your Parchment Digital credentials account.
- Share and Download your digital diploma as many times as you like.
- Paper diplomas will be mailed separately to your permanent address on file 7-10 days after you receive your digital diploma.
To verify a diploma or permanent address:
- Sign in to FlashLine
- Select the Student category
- Select Dashboard
- Select My Personal Information located under Profile
Contact the Office of the University Registrar directly at gradsvc@kent.edu with any diploma questions.