Fall Commencement Instructions for Families and Friends of Graduates

FALL 2023 COMMENCEMENT
Saturday, December 16, 2023
11:00 a.m.
Pershing Arena


Print Instructions (PDF)

To commence is “to begin,” or “to start.” At the end of their college journey, our students begin a new chapter of their lives, as educated citizens who will protect our democracy and offer creative solutions to local, state, national and global problems.

Commencement is arguably the most exciting time of the academic year, if not of a student’s entire college journey. The Commencement ceremony celebrates the achievements of Truman State University students and honors the accomplishments of distinguished speakers and guests. Here are a few items that might be helpful as you plan your trip to Kirksville!

Schedule

10:00 a.m. Family and friends may start arriving at Pershing Arena.

  • Guests are encouraged to use the main Arena Entrance on the west side of the building and to park in the parking lots on South Franklin directly west of Pershing Building and the General Services Building and south of Patterson Street.

  • Guests needing handicapped parking may park on the east side of Pershing and enter the east entrance in order to utilize the elevator if needed.

  • The doors will be unlocked promptly at 10:00 a.m. and there will be staff handing out programs in the arena.

10:30 a.m. Faculty arrive via the east doors and rank is closed by the Grand Marshal
10:50 a.m. The Processional begins moving toward Pershing Arena
10:55 a.m. The Processional enters Pershing Arena
11:00 a.m. Commencement Ceremony

We ask that everyone stand as the candidates enter the arena! Our faculty will form two lines and greet the students as they enter the staging area. Once the faculty has moved to their seats, the President will begin the ceremony. When the ceremony has concluded, we ask that everyone remains in their seats until the students have exited the arena. Once students have exited the arena, guests are welcome to leave and meet up with their graduate(s) outside the arena. Please do not block entrances or stair areas.

Disability Accommodations

If disability accommodations (e.g., signing (ASL), wheelchair access) are required for guests, your graduate needs to contact the Disability Services Office by completing the Disability Seating Accommodation Request as soon as possible and no later than 5:00 pm on December 12. There will be no wheelchairs available to use in Pershing Arena. Guests requiring wheelchairs should bring them. The handicapped parking and entrance is located on the east side of Pershing Building. An elevator is accessible through the east entrance.

Broadcast of Commencement

Truman State University’s Public Relations Department will live stream the Commencement Ceremony so family and friends can watch in real-time on:

Lodging Accommodations

  • Baymont by Wyndham Inn & Suites: (660) 627-1100
  • Brashear House Bed & Breakfast: (660) 349-8213
  • Budget Host Village Inn: (660) 665-3722
  • Country Club Inn and Suites: (660) 665-8826
  • Days Inn: (660) 665-8244
  • Depot Inns and Suites (La Plata): (660) 332-4669
  • Hampton Inn: (660) 956-4686
  • Holiday Inn Express: (660) 956-4682
  • Knights Inn: (660) 665-8352
  • Quality Inn: (660) 665-2205
  • Thousand Hills Lakeside Cabins: (660) 665-7119
  • Accommodations outside of the Kirksville area

Useful Websites