Fall Commencement Instructions for Students

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Commencement Ceremony Information for Degree Candidates

Please review these Commencement instructions carefully, as no rehearsal will be held prior to the ceremony.

Fall 2026 Commencement

Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Location: Pershing Area
Time: 11:00 a.m.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from Truman State University. This guide provides important commencement instructions for undergraduate and graduate degree candidates, including arrival times, procession details, academic dress requirements, diploma information, and guest accommodations.

During the Commencement Ceremony, all degree candidates will be recognized individually as they cross the stage to receive a diploma cover. Candidates will be seated according to degree type rather than alphabetically.

Diploma Delivery

Official diplomas are mailed via USPS approximately six weeks after commencement to each graduate’s permanent address. Please verify that your mailing address is accurate before graduation to avoid delays. Diplomas mailed to International Addresses may take several weeks to be received.

Prior to Arrival

All degree candidates are required to be in academic dress during the commencement, which includes a black gown and mortar board, tassel, and any academic regalia, such as honor cords, honors medallions, or stoles.

To help ensure proper pronunciation during the ceremony:

• Include the phonetic spelling of your name on your reader card.
• Submit your name pronunciation through NameCoach using the link provided via email.
• Bring your reader card to hand to the commencement reader before crossing the stage.

Candidate Arrival and Assembly

All degree candidates must enter the Pershing Building through the main east entrance by 10:00 a.m. and bring their completed reader card with their name clearly printed. Degree candidates must also be in academic dress and regalia. Staff will direct candidates to the designated gathering area in the small gym, located in PB 130.

Important Arrival Information

• East doors open at 9:30 a.m.
• Candidates are seated by degree program.
• Late arrivals may be excluded from the commencement procession once the Grand Marshal declares the ranks closed.
• Optional graduation photos by GradImages will be available before the ceremony in the small gym.

Academic Procession

The academic procession begins with candidates following the Junior Marshals from the small gym into Pershing Arena.

Degree candidates will approach the stage when instructed, present their reader card to the reader, receive a diploma cover, and return to their seats with guidance from the Junior Marshals.

Procession Order

The academic procession will form in following order:

ROTC Color Guard
Grand Marshal
President and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Commencement Speaker
Board of Governors
Vocalist
Reader
Junior Marshals (2)
Administration
Faculty
Marshal
Junior Marshals (2)
Candidates for Masters Degrees
Junior Marshals (2)
Candidates for BFA, BM, BSN, and BA Degrees
Junior Marshals (2)
Candidates for BS Degree

Graduation Ceremony Process

Undergraduate Degree Candidates

Undergraduate degrees are officially conferred as a group by the University President. Students will then be recognized individually by degree category and invited to cross the stage.

Group 1

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Music (BM)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Group 2

• Bachelor of Science (BS)

Graduate Degree Candidates

Master’s degree candidates will stand as a group while their degrees are conferred. Following conferral, graduates will proceed individually across the stage to receive their diploma covers.

Students Receiving Multiple Degrees

Students earning degrees in both Group 1 and Group 2 may choose to participate in both recognition groups and receive a diploma cover during each presentation. Separate reader cards are required.

Academic Regalia Requirements

Bachelor’s and master’s caps, gowns, tassels, and hoods are available through the Truman Bookstore.

Tassel Colors by Degree

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): White
• Master of Arts (MA): White
• Master of Science (MS): White
• Master of Arts in Education (MAE): White
• Master of Accountancy (MAc): White
• Master of Athletic Training (MAT): White
• Bachelor of Science (BS): Yellow
• Bachelor of Music (BM): Pink
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Brown
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Apricot

Graduates earning multiple degrees may choose the tassel color they prefer.

Regalia Guidelines

• Gowns and caps (mortarboards) must be black.
• Gowns should remain zipped during the commencement ceremony.
• Wear your cap level on your head, not tilted or tipped back.
• Keep your tassel on the right side until instructed otherwise during the ceremony.
• Honor medallions should be worn if awarded.

Graduation Honors and Honor Regalia

Undergraduate students graduating with academic honors receive official commencement medallions.

Cum Laude

GPA 3.50–3.74

Magna Cum Laude

GPA 3.75–3.89

Summa Cum Laude

GPA 3.90–4.00

Final honors are verified after degree completion and official conferral.

Guest Seating and Accessibility

Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors to Pershing Arena open at 10:00 a.m.

Disability Accommodations

Graduates and guests requiring accessibility accommodations should contact the Disability Services Office before the published deadline.

Available accommodations may include:

• Accessible seating
• Sign language interpretation
• Elevator access
• Wheelchair-accessible entrances

Graduation Photography

Professional photographers from GradImages will capture graduates during the ceremony and at a designated photo station. Proofs and ordering information will be emailed within two weeks following commencement.

Commencement Live Stream

Family and friends who cannot attend in person can watch the Truman State University Commencement Ceremony via live stream on the University’s YouTube channel, Facebook page, and official commencement website.

Mailing of Diplomas

Diplomas are mailed through USPS after degree verification is complete. International diploma delivery may require additional transit time.

Questions About Commencement

For questions regarding graduation, commencement ceremonies, diploma mailing, or emergency situations, contact the Truman State University Registrar’s Office.

Email: registrar@truman.edu
Phone: (660) 785-4143