Tuesday, April 14, 2020 1 p.m. - Faculty & Staff
Spring Commencement Update - Faculty & Staff
Dear 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ University Faculty and Staff,
In accordance with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s order to prohibit large gatherings due to COVID-19, 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ is postponing all in-person Spring Commencement ceremonies and pre-commencement celebrations.
We know how much commencement means to our entire university community, and we are pleased to announce that we will recognize the accomplishments of the Spring Class of 2020 with a virtual commencement recognition ceremony for each college and each Regional Campus. This will not replace the in-person commencement ceremony. All students who graduate this semester will be invited back to campus for commencement when it is deemed safe to do so.
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ students, faculty, staff, parents and friends are invited to tune into the virtual ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m. EDT at www.kent.edu/commencement. During the virtual ceremony, students will hear from 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ President Todd Diacon, Interim Senior Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, and college and campus deans. Students will receive individual name recognition and participate in the conferral of degrees and tassel turning ceremony.
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ will also host the College of Podiatric Medicine, Karamu Ya Wahitimu/Celebración de los Graduados and Lavender Graduation virtually. More information regarding these ceremonies is forthcoming.
All students who RSVP to participate in commencement will receive a commencement package so that they are all set on commencement day. These packages will include a copy of the commencement program, mortar board, tassel, alumni pin, diploma cover, honors cords for eligible graduates and hoods for doctoral graduates. Details on ceremony participation, diploma mailings and more can be found by visiting www.kent.edu/commencement.
We all look forward to when we can come together and recognize the Spring Class of 2020 in person. Until then, we encourage everyone to participate in the virtual ceremony.
Sincerely,
University Events and Protocol