Commencement Ceremony

 
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY DETAILS FOR GRADUATES & GUESTS

Download the following information in pdf format. Download includes a parking pass and map.

DOWNLOAD CEREMONY DETAILS pdf

TICKETS & SEATING

Tickets are not required for the ceremony. Graduates may invite as many guests as they wish. There is abundant general and accessible seating at the stadium.

ARRIVE AT 9:30 A.M. 

Gates open at 9:30 a.m. for both graduates and guests. Your guests will be directed to the general 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.

PARKING AT THE HALL OF FAME VILLAGE - PARKING LOT CHANGED!

There has been a last minute request by the Hall of Fame Village. Because there will be several events happening at the Village on Saturday, they will be charging for parking. Kent State Stark graduates and guests DO NOT have to pay for parking, but our parking lot has changed. You will now park in the HONOR LOT. 

There is ample parking but not directly adjacent to the stadium. Expect a lengthy walk to the entrance gate and in and out of the stadium. The stadium is handicap accessible. Guests requiring accessible parking must have a valid handicapped parking permit. Guests with mobility issues can be dropped off near the gate. Parking is available in the HONOR LOT.

If you're able, please download and print a parking pass for yourself and your invited guests. This will make entry into the Hall of Fame Village easier. Remember, you do not have to pay for parking. Be sure to tell the parking attendant that you are attending Kent State Stark's Commencement ceremony.

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT PARKING PASS & MAP pdf

SECURITY CHECKPOINT

There is a security checkpoint at the gate. Safety of guests is a top priority of the Hall of Fame Village. The Hall of Fame Village maintains its own policies as well as adopting the NFL Bag Policy to enhance public safety and make venue access more efficient and secure by limiting the size and style of bags carried into the venue. Due to this policy, there are several restrictions on what is allowed in the stadium. These restrictions include large purses, bags and umbrellas. Be sure to review the entry policy.

VIEW ENTRY POLICY & PROHIBITED ITEMS  Scroll to bottom of page.

LENGTH OF CEREMONY

The ceremony starts promptly at 11 a.m. and lasts less than 90 minutes. It should conclude before 12:30 p.m.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

The ceremony takes place rain or shine. In the case of heavy rain, there may be a rain delay. Umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium. Rain ponchos are permitted. Seating in the stadium is uncovered.

ATTIRE FOR GRADUATES - DRESS COMFORTABLY FOR THE WEATHER

Acceptable attire for under your gown is smart casual dress, such as dresses, skirts or dress pants, and footwear appropriate for walking on stadium turf. You may be sitting in the sun during the ceremony so wear sunscreen if needed. Make sure you’re dressed comfortably for the weather under your gown. 

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

Instead of a traditional graduation stage, graduates will be making their way across the 50-yard line to receive their diploma. You will be lined up by degree and college. Staff will usher you to the field. When your name is called, you will proceed across the field to receive your diploma cover. The cover will include instructions on when you can pick up your diploma at the Kent Campus or when you should expect to receive your diploma in the mail.