Apr. 27, 2026
Contact: Cary Littlejohn, carylittlejohn@missouri.edu
Photo by Sophia Scheller
Join us as the University of Missouri proudly hosts commencement ceremonies on May 15-17. Here’s what to know as you prepare for the celebration.
Tickets
Tickets are not required for commencement ceremonies, and you may bring as many family members and friends as you’d like. Exterior doors for Hearnes Center, Mizzou Arena and Jesse Hall will open one hour ahead of each ceremony. The doors to Jesse Auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. It is highly recommended that graduates arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of the ceremony.
Parking
Free parking on campus is available for commencement guests. Use this map to search by building name and see driving directions. To view parking options, click on the “Layers” tab on the left-hand menu. Then click on the “Parking & Transportation” tab (at which time you should see an icon of an eye with a diagonal line through it disappear). Parking options across campus will be highlighted on the map, and the majority of the relevant lots will appear on the lower portion of the map.
- Hearnes Center: The majority of the guest parking is located adjacent to the Hearnes Center in parking lots SG4 and SG5 (alternatively labeled J, K, M, N and O on the map). We recommend entering from Stadium Boulevard to Champions Drive.
- Mizzou Arena: The majority of guest parking is located near Mizzou Arena in parking lots SG4 and SG5 (alternatively labeled J, K, M, N, O and P on the map). ADA parking is available in lot I, located directly across from the front of the arena, on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA shuttles will not be operational for commencement.
- Jesse Auditorium: Parking is available in Turner Avenue Garage (TAG), located southwest of Jesse Hall. There are no restrictions on Friday evening after 5 p.m. or on Saturday or Sunday, except for reserved spaces, such as fire lanes and loading zones. Parking in drive lanes or non-designated parking areas is prohibited.
Clear bag policy
The University of Missouri has a clear bag policy for events at Mizzou Arena and the Hearnes Center. The following bags are allowed:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (such as Ziploc or similar)
- Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″
(about the size of a hand)
Restricted items
The following items are prohibited at all commencement ceremonies:
- Air horns and other artificial noisemakers
- Animals (except for assistive purposes)
- Banners/signs larger than 2’x 3′
- Cans and glass bottles
- Coolers (hard- or soft-sided)
- Firearms and weapons
- Laser lights
- Strollers
- Balloons
- Glitter
- Confetti
Accessibility and accommodations
Accessible parking, entrances and seating are available at all commencement venues, and all ceremonies will include live captioning. Additional accessibility information can be found at commencement.missouri.edu/accessibility.
Livestream
Know someone who can’t make it to a ceremony in person? Encourage them to watch online. Every ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded. The commencement website will include links to livestreams closer to the events.
Reminders for students
Regalia
Regalia is now available at The Mizzou Store, and we encourage you to purchase it in advance. Every participating graduate must wear a cap and gown in order to walk. You can also borrow regalia from Truman’s Closet.
Graduates who have earned an honors medallion may pick it up at The Mizzou Store. Schools and colleges will notify those who are eligible.
Graduation application
If you plan to graduate in May, you should complete the graduation application in MyZou, whether or not you plan to participate in commencement ceremonies. Before graduation, check out the rest of this pre-graduation checklist.
When to arrive
Arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your ceremony. Academic units will provide specifics about where and when to check in.
Photography
Professional photographers will be at every ceremony to capture your photo as you walk across the floor or stage, as well as additional shots of the ceremony. Receive a 20% off coupon when you pre-register. Learn more about commencement photos.
If you plan to take photos on campus, pick up corks, confetti and props when you are finished. Consider using flower petals, bubbles or biodegradable confetti rather than plastic or paper decorations. Use sidewalks to reach your destination and stand outside of flower beds when taking photos.
Outcomes Survey
Don't forget to take the Outcomes Survey and tell us your post-graduation plans. It only takes 3-4 minutes, and you'll be entered into a raffle for a Mizzou alumni hat or travel mug.
