Things to know about winter 2023 commencement

You’re almost to the finish line, Tigers! Here are a few tips to help you prepare for commencement.

close-up of a class of 2023 stole, cords and medallion

Nov. 27, 2023
Contact: Deidra Ashley,
ashleyde@missouri.edu

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 may pick it up at the Mizzou Store. Schools/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

Exterior doors will open one hour ahead of the ceremony. The doors to Jesse Auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. It is highly recommended that graduates arrive no later than 30 minutes ahead of the ceremony.

Check the instructions from your academic unit for specifics about when and where to check in.

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. Accessibility and accommodations

Accessible parking, entrances and seating are available at all commencement venues and all ceremonies will include live captioning. If a graduate or guest requires an accommodation or has questions about accommodations to fully participate in the ceremony, they should contact their academic unit’s commencement coordinator two weeks before their ceremony. Additional accessibility information can be found at commencement.missouri.edu/accessibility/.

8. 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.

Other questions?

For more information, visit commencement.missouri.edu

 

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