Kent State University announced the university will return to in-person commencement ceremonies in May for the Spring Class of 2021.

On Thursday, March 18, Kent State President Todd Diacon said the Class of 2021 will have outdoor ceremonies for all colleges and degrees the week of May 10 at the Centennial Court Green, which is located on Midway Drive south of the Centennial Court Residence Halls. There also will be a virtual commencement for all colleges and degrees on May 15. The university of the commencement ceremonies will be live-streamed as well.

According to the university, all graduation ceremonies will adhere to safety measures, such as physical distancing and the wearing of face coverings. To participate in the in-person commencement, graduating students are being asked to complete their ceremony RSVP by April 8. There will be four tickets per student for guests to attend their student’s commencement ceremony.

Students graduating from a Regional Campus will receive an announcement about their ceremony from the campus dean. As always, Regional Campus graduates are welcome to participate in the ceremonies on the Kent Campus as well.

“Congratulations for your perseverance in completing your studies during such an overwhelming time in history,” Diacon said. “This is an awesome accomplishment, especially in light of the challenges that you faced.”

Diacon has also shared with alumni who graduated during 2020 that as promised, they may return for an in-person commencement ceremony as part of Homecoming Weekend 2021, with more details to be announced.

Kent State will also host the College of Podiatric Medicine’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 21, at the Kent Campus Student Green. Karamu Ya Wahitimu/Celebración de los Graduados and Lavender Graduation ceremonies will again be virtual this year. More information regarding these ceremonies is forthcoming.

For additional information about the 2021 commencement ceremonies, go to the Kent State University website.