University of Missouri

Nov. 14, 2022
Contact: Deidra Ashley, ashleyde@missouri.edu

The University of Missouri will celebrate its December 2022 graduates with in-person commencement ceremonies on Dec. 16 and 17. Here are seven things you need to know before the big day:

1. Regalia

Regalia is now available at The Mizzou Store, and we encourage you to purchase it in advance. All participating graduates must wear a cap and gown in order to walk.

Caps and gowns can also be rented (for free) through Truman’s Closet.

Graduates who have earned an honors medallion or honors certificate may pick them up at The Mizzou Store. Graduates’ schools and colleges will notify those who are eligible.

2. Graduation application

Regardless of whether you plan to participate in commencement ceremonies, all students who plan to graduate in December need to complete the graduation application in MyZou. Before graduation gets here, make sure you also check out the rest of this pre-graduation checklist.

3. Guests, tickets and seating

Tickets are not required, and graduates can bring as many guests as they would like.

4. Livestreaming

Every ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded for guests and family members who are not able to attend. The commencement website will post links to livestreams closer to the events.

5. When to arrive

The Hearnes Center doors will open one hour prior to each ceremony. Jesse Auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to each ceremony. Graduates should plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. This allows time to be checked in and pre-seated.

6. Where to park

Free parking is available for commencement guests.

•  Hearnes Center: The majority of the guest parking is located east of the Hearnes Center. We recommend entering from Stadium Boulevard to Champions Drive. There is also parking available on the west side of the Hearnes Center, at Memorial Stadium, using the Mick Deaver Memorial Drive entrance.
• Jesse Auditorium: Parking is available in the Turner Avenue garage, south of Jesse Hall, and in the Conley Avenue garage, west of Jesse Hall.  There are no restrictions Friday evening after 5 p.m. or Saturday or Sunday except in fire lanes, loading zones, etc.

Visitors who encounter parking difficulties may call the MU Police Department at 573-882-7201.

7. Photo opportunities

Professional photographers will be at every ceremony to capture a photo of each graduate as they walk across the floor, as well as additional shots of the ceremony. Photographs are determined by each school or college. Graduates who pre-register for photos can receive a 20% off coupon. You can learn more about commencement photos here.