Kent State University at Stark holds its commencement ceremony annually for graduates across its colleges. For 2025, the ceremonies are scheduled on Saturday, May 10 — with two sessions (11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.), grouped by degree level and college affiliation (e.g., associate, bachelor, applied/technical studies, arts & sciences, College of the Arts).

For commencement attire, all graduates are required to wear the standard black graduation gown and a black mortarboard cap — consistent across all degree levels. The “cap and gown set” may be purchased from the Regional Campus Bookstore at Stark, or graduates may borrow a gown or order via an authorized vendor such as Jostens.

The tassel colour is not uniform — it depends on the academic college or field awarding the degree. For master’s and advanced degrees (where hooding is applicable), graduates follow standard academic-regalia conventions: robes and hoods are defined by degree level, with velvet border and hood lining signalling field of study and institution.

Additional items such as honor cords or stoles may be part of the regalia for students who earn institutional honors or belong to honor societies. Eligible graduates are typically notified ahead of the ceremony regarding honor cords or stoles pick-up.

• Kent State’s academic-regalia colour-code applies uniformly across its campuses — for example:
• College of Architecture & Environmental Design → Blue-Violet
• College of the Arts (Fine Arts, Arts) → Brown; Music → Pink
• College of Arts & Sciences → Arts = White, Sciences = Golden Yellow

Thus, a Kent State Stark graduate’s cap and gown set consists of a classic black gown and mortarboard, with tassel (or hood) in a discipline-specific colour, and optional honor cords or stoles signifying academic distinction — ensuring a standardized yet meaningful academic regalia experience.

Graduates are encouraged to order or reserve their regalia via the campus bookstore before the published deadline (typically early April) to ensure availability and correct sizing.

Kent State Stark Campus – Commencement & Academic Regalia

Kent State University at Stark hosts formal commencement ceremonies annually. All participating graduates must wear the official academic attire: a classic black graduation gown and black mortarboard graduation cap. The tassel or academic hood colour reflects the academic college or discipline granting the degree.

Regalia by Degree Level

Associate / Bachelor’s Degree

• Black graduation gown
• Black mortarboard cap
• Discipline-specific tassel (available separately or as part of a cap & gown package)

Master’s / Doctoral or Graduate Degrees

• Black graduation gown
• Academic hood with velvet trim indicating discipline
• Standard cap and appropriate tassel or hood styling, per degree requirements

Academic Discipline Regalia Colour Guide*

• Architecture & Environmental Design: Blue-Violet
• Fine Arts / Arts: Brown; Music: Pink
• Arts (Humanities): White; Sciences: Golden Yellow
• Business / Entrepreneurship: Drab
• Communication / Information – Arts/Fine Arts/Science: Crimson; Library Science: Lemon
• Education, Health & Human Services: Light Blue

Honor Cords & Stoles (Academic Honors)

Graduates eligible for Latin honours or recognized honor societies may receive optional honor cords or stoles. These may be worn in addition to the standard cap, gown, and tassel/hood — symbolizing academic distinction or organizational membership.

Regalia Ordering & Ceremony Logistics

• Cap, gown and tassel (or full regalia) can be purchased or rented via the Regional Campus Bookstore at Stark or approved vendors (e.g. Jostens). Orders should be placed by the published deadline to ensure availability and correct sizing.
• Tassels, hoods and optional stoles are sold separately or as part of regalia packages.
• Graduation ceremonies are organized in sessions by college/degree group — graduates must reserve their attendance and pick up guest tickets in advance.

*Exact tassel or hood colour depends on your degree and academic college — verify with Kent State Stark bookstore or commencement office before ordering your cap and gown set.

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Kent State University at Stark, you can reach out directly to the college's administration or the office responsible for commencement and student services. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding academic regalia.