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 2021 and Spring 2022 graduates are invited to celebrate their graduation at one ceremony on May 13, 2022.
So get excited, Flashes! Commencement is going to be a Hall of Fame experience!
Kent State University at Stark
49th Annual Spring Commencement
Friday, May 13, 2022, at 4 p.m.
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
2331 17th St. NW, Canton
Gates open at 2:30 p.m. for both graduates and guests. Tickets are required for admittance. Guests will be directed to the general seating area.
Graduates will be directed to the check-in table upon arrival. Plan to be settled in your seat no later than 3:15 p.m. Come dressed in your cap and gown. You'll have an opportunity to have your photo taken with Dean Seachrist before the ceremony begins. Our staff will provide you with instructions when you arrive. The ceremony will start promptly at 4 p.m.
The best way to enter the stadium parking lot is from 17th St., coming from the west from either Broad or Clarendon. For navigation purposes, use this address: 2331 17th St. NW, Canton. There is ample parking but not directly adjacent to the stadium. Expect a walk to the entrance gate.
Guests requiring special parking must have a valid handicapped parking permit and will be directed to parking. There will be a place to drop off guests with mobility issues near the gate. Please note: Plan for a lengthy inclined walk into the stadium. Ample accessible seating is available.
Graduates will be walking on the field and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium REQUIRES all those walking on the field to wear flat-soled shoes. No heeled shoes are permitted on the field. Basically, your shoes need to be fully flat on the bottom so you do not leave behind any indentations. This is very important! You will not be permitted to walk on the field if you're wearing unacceptable footwear. We've provided an image to help you put your best foot forward!
Instead of a traditional graduation stage, you'll be walking across the 50-yard line to receive your diploma! When you arrive, our staff will seat you in the graduate section by degree and college. Staff will line you up and you will be ushered down to the field. When your name is called, you will walk across the field to receive your diploma.
You will not receive your actual diploma at the ceremony. Instead, you'll receive an envelope that includes your diploma cover and 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.
The weather forecast is predicting sunny skies and temperatures in the low-80s. You may be sitting in the sun for the hour-long ceremony so wear sunscreen if needed. Make sure you're dressed comfortably under your gown. Acceptable attire is smart casual dress, such as dresses, skirts or dress pants. Leave any valuables you bring to the ceremony with your guests.
As a courtesy to all guests, we ask that your family and friends do not bring large items like balloon bouquets and oversized signs that would block the viewing of other guests. Umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium.
Renato "Ren" Camacho
President & Chief Executive Officer
Akron-Canton Airport
Ruby Groves
Office of Student Services
330-244-3279
rbgroves@kent.edu
STARK SPRING 2022 COMMENCEMENT PHOTOS
STARK SPRING 2022 GRADUATE PHOTOS
Kent State University will recognize the accomplishments of the fall graduates in December and the spring graduates in May. View details.
