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Graduation

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Effective Date: Fall 2026
Last Reviewed: Fall 2025
Last Revised: Fall 2009
Next Review: Spring 2036

Policy Statement

Kent State University awards undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates each December, May and August. The graduation requirements for these programs are outlined in the various sections of the University Catalog.

Reason For Policy

In order to be awarded their declared degree/credential, all students must formally apply for graduation. This policy outlines the general procedure the university community must follow regarding the graduation application process and posting of degrees.

Procedures: Application for Graduation

Graduation is not automatic. Undergraduate and graduate students applying for graduation should complete the online graduation application in FlashLine (Student / Resources / Graduation) by the dates listed below. The online graduate application is used for all degrees, minors and certificate programs on all Kent State campuses and locations. More information on application dates may be found on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website. Submitting an application after these dates may delay timely degree posting and inclusion in all graduation-related communications and commencement ceremony.

Degrees are posted to students' permanent academic record, including the student transcript, following their effective date of graduation.

December Graduation

  • Associate Degree: Students should submit their graduation application by the Friday of the first week of the fall semester in which graduation will occur.
  • Bachelor's Degree: Students should submit their graduation application by the 15th day of the preceding March.
  • Graduate Degree (master’s, post-master’s and doctoral): Students should submit their graduation application by by the Friday of the first week of the fall semester in which graduation will occur.
  • Undergraduate Certificate: Students should submit their graduation application by the 15th day of the preceding March.
  • Graduate Certificate: Students should submit their graduation application by the Friday of the first week of the fall semester in which graduation will occur.

May Graduation

  • Associate Degree: Students should submit their graduation application by the Friday of the first week of the spring semester in which graduation will occur.
  • Bachelor's Degree: Students should submit their graduation application by the 15th day of the preceding September.
  • Graduate Degree (master’s, post-master’s or doctoral): Students should submit their graduation application by by the Friday of the first week of the spring semester in which graduation will occur.1
  • Undergraduate Certificate: Students should submit their graduation application by the 15th day of the preceding September.
  • Graduate Certificate: Students should submit their graduation application by the Friday of the first week of the spring semester in which graduation will occur.

August Graduation

  • Associate Degree: Students should submit their graduation application by the Friday of the first week of the summer term in which graduation will occur.
  • Bachelor's Degree: Students should submit their graduation application by the 15th day of the preceding December.
  • Graduate Degree (master’s, post-master’s or doctoral): Students should submit their graduation application by by the Friday of the first week of the summer term in which graduation will occur.
  • Undergraduate Certificate: Students should submit their graduation application by the 15th day of the preceding December.
  • Graduate Certificate: Students should submit their graduation application by the Friday of the first week of the summer term in which graduation will occur.
1

Candidates for the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree must meet all graduation requirements before June 30 immediately following the May graduation. Completion of program requirements after June 30 but before the conclusion of the calendar year will result in a December graduation. After December, candidates will not be eligible for graduation until the following May. Attendance at the graduation ceremony is required.

Forms/Instructions

  • Graduation application in FlashLine (Student / Resources / Graduation)

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why do I have to apply for graduation?
    Since students advance through their program at their own pace, applying for graduation is the only way to notify the university of your intended graduate term. This allows the university time to review your academic record, make any necessary adjustments, prepare your diploma and forward your information to the Commencement Office for inclusion in the ceremonies.
  2. How do I know when I'm ready to graduate?
    One of the best tools to track your progress in your program is the GPS degree audit, which combines your declared program's requirements with your course registration and final grades. You can find your audit by logging into FlashLine and clicking on the “Student” tab; the GPS Audit and Plan is on the dashboard.
  3. I forgot to apply to graduate, and the date has passed. What should I do?
    You should still be able to apply through the online application for graduation. If your intended graduation term is no longer available, contact your college advising office or campus student services office for help in applying for graduation.

Additional FAQ: Graduation

Definitions

Commencement: Commencement is the formal ceremony that commemorates degree/certificate candidates.

Flashline: FlashLine is the web-based portal (entryway) for Kent State students, faculty, staff and alumni. For help with FlashLine, call 330-672-HELP (4357) or visit Tech Help.

GPS Degree Audit: The GPS (Graduation Planning System) degree audit is the official list of degree requirements merged with students' individual academic records to provide a real-time assessment of their progress toward graduation.

Graduation: The status of completion of a degree program.

Related Information

Revision History

Amended Fall 2026: Revised policy removes the late graduation application and changes application deadlines to recommended dates by which students should apply for graduation.

Amended Fall 2025: Revised policy to more accurately follow current practice and specify the distinction between graduation and commencement. Specific changes include removal of late application fee and change in language of awarding of certificates at commencement.

Amended Fall 2009: Revised policy adds a fee for students submitting a late application for graduation.

Amended Fall 1993: Revised policy changes application deadlines for undergraduate programs: from 10th week of the spring semester to March 15 for December graduation; from second week of the fall semester to September 15 for May graduation; and from last week of the fall semester to December 15 for August graduation.