April 19, 2024
Contact: Janese Heavin, HeavinJ@missouri.edu
Photo by Abbie Lankitus
1. Regalia
Caps, gowns, tassels and more are now available at The Mizzou Store. All participating graduates must wear a cap and gown in order to walk, so be sure to secure yours in advance. Those earning an honors medallion may also pick it up at the Mizzou Store. Schools/colleges will notify graduates who are eligible.
A limited number of caps and gowns are available to rent (for free) through Truman’s Closet.
2. Graduate application
Regardless of whether you plan to participate in commencement ceremonies, you must complete the graduation application in MyZou in order to graduate. Be sure to check out this checklist for other pre-graduation tasks to finish.
3. Guests and tickets
Tickets are not required for commencement ceremonies, and you may bring as many family members and friends as you’d like.
4. When to arrive
Graduates should arrive no later than 30 minutes ahead of their ceremony. Your academic unit will provide specifics about where and when to check in. Exterior doors will open one hour ahead of the ceremony; doors to Jesse Auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.
5. 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.
- Mizzou Arena: Guests can park in the Hearnes Center parking lots as well as the lots to the south and east of Mizzou Arena. From the south: Take Providence Road to Mick Deaver Drive and turn left into Lot P (south of Mizzou Arena). From the east: Take Stadium Boulevard to Champions Drive. From the north or west: Take Providence Road to Mick Deaver Memorial Drive and turn left into Lot P (south of Mizzou Arena) or take Stadium to Mick Deaver Memorial Drive and turn on Champions Drive.
- 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.
6. Accessibility and accommodations
Accessible parking, entrances and seating are available at all commencement venues, and all ceremonies will include live captioning. If you or a guest will require an accommodation or have a question about accommodations to fully participate in the ceremony, contact your academic unit’s commencement coordinator at least two weeks before your ceremony. Additional accessibility information can be found at commencement.missouri.edu/accessibility.
7. Photo opportunities
Professional photographers will be at every ceremony to capture a photo of each graduate as they walk, as well as additional shots of the ceremony. Photographs are determined by each school or college. Graduates who pre-register for photos will receive a 20% off coupon. Learn more about commencement photos.
Anyone wanting to take photos at the Columns, on Francis Quadrangle or on the north Jesse Hall steps should do so before the close of commencement weekend, as major construction on the Quad will begin May 13.
As you're taking photos on campus, remember to pick up after yourself: take corks, confetti and photo props home with you. Consider using flower petals, bubbles or biodegradable confetti rather than plastic or paper decorations. Be sure to reach your destination using sidewalks to avoid stepping on plants and stand outside of the flower beds when snapping a picture.
8. Livestreaming
Know someone who can’t make it to a ceremony in person? Encourage them to watch via livestream. Every ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded. The commencement website will post links to livestreams closer to the events.
