For Guests

Celebrating the achievements of your Bear grad

We are excited to have you on campus for commencement! Thank you for helping celebrate our graduates and for all the support you have given them along the way.

Fall commencement will take place at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at JQH Arena. Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes. No tickets are required and there is no reserved seating. The event is open to the public.

Security Precautions

For security purposes, please take note of the following items:

  • All guests will be wanded, upon entering JQH Arena and all bags will be checked
  • Please do not bring any gifts, balloons, or any item that could be considered a type of weapon.  

The ceremony day

Get the inside scoop on what commencement day is like at Missouri State University.

Ordering announcements, cap and gown

Learn how your graduate can order custom announcements, and a cap and gown.

Traveling to campus

Parking is free for the ceremonies. Please use lots 15, 15A, 25, Bear Park North and Bear Park South garages.

Street closures

  • Harrison Street from John Q. Hammons Parkway to Holland Avenue
  • Clay Avenue from Harrison Street to Cherry Street
  • John Q. Hammons Parkway from Bear Boulevard to Harrison Street

One-way street

  • Bear Boulevard will be one way westbound from National Avenue to Holland Avenue
Video and Photography

Seating

Special, non-reserved seating areas are available for guests with permanent or temporary disabilities. No stairways are encountered. Guests in wheelchairs as well as those who are unable to climb stairs are permitted in these areas.

Due to space limitations, we ask that only one other family member be seated with the guest in the special areas. To seek assistance in locating this seating, you may see one of the ushers located at the entrances the day of the ceremony.

Special accommodations

The university must have at least one week’s notice of any disability accommodation (other than seating) in order to serve the needs identified. Submit your request to commencement chair Terry Weber.