Commencement Dates

Saturday, May 8, 2010, 2:00 p.m., Stokes Stadium

Saturday, December 19, 2009, 11:00 a.m., Pershing Arena

Commencement is scheduled at the end of Fall and Spring semesters. Students who graduate in August must participate in the December commencement ceremony.

General Information

During commencement, all degree candidate (undergraduate and graduate) will be recognized individually while walking across the stage to receive a diploma cover. Candidates will be seated by degree, not alphabetically. Diplomas will be mailed 2 - 3 weeks after commencement.

Each degree candidate needs to bring to commencement the card provided with their name written on it. Students hand this card to the reader before crossing the stage to receive their diploma cover. Students with a difficult name to pronounce need to write the phonetic pronunciation on the card.

Academic Dress

1. Masters degree hoods can be picked up during business hours in the Graduate Office, McClain Hall 203. Hoods are available for purchase for $30.0 or can be rented for $10.00.

2. Rented masters degree hoods must be returned immediately after commencement to the graduate secretary or representative.

3. MA, MAE, MAc and BA candidates wear white tassels; BS candidates wear yellow tassels; BFA candidates wear brown tassels; BM candidates wear pink tassels; and, BSN candidates wear apricot tassels.

4. Students receiving two degrees can choose the color tassel of the group with whom they want to sit.

5. Caps should be worn straight, not tilted or tipped back.

6. Tassels should be worn on the left side. Tassels are not changed from the left side until students are instructed to move them to the right side during the closing part of Commencement.

7. Based on Truman tradition, students are encouraged to wear dark shoes, dark skirts or pants, and long sleeved white blouses or shirts.

8. Flowers should not be worn with academic dress.

Reception

Immediately following the Commencement ceremony, the University will host a reception. This reception is for all students, family members, guests, faculty, staff and administration. Light refreshments will be provided.

Miscellaneous Information
The deadline for disability services and media requests for the December 2009 graduation date is December 4, 2009.

FOR DEGREE CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES
Students unable to march in the procession because of physical reasons should notify Vicki Wehner in the Disabilities Services Office at (660) 785-4478 as soon as possible.

If disability accommodations (e.g., singing, wheelchair access) are required for graduates or guests, please contact the Disabilities Services Office (x4478) as soon as possible. Guests requiring wheelchairs should bring them.

MEDIA REQUESTS
Students who desire a personalized news story and photograph to appear in their home town paper must return a news release from with a photograph to the Public Relations Office in McClain Hall 101. 

GRADUATION PICTURES
GradTrak will be taking photographs of each graduate at the moment the diploma is awarded. Arrangements have been made to take a posed picture in the Small Gym before the ceremony beginning at ten am. Proofs and ordering information will be emailed to the student's within two weeks after graduation.

LOCAL BROADCAST OF COMMENCEMENT
KTVO (TV-3) will be airing the commencement ceremony in the Student Union Building and In Baldwin Auditorium. KTVO will have videotapes of Commencement available for sale.

SEATING
There is NO reserved seating for guests. Seating is first-come, first-served.

QUESTIONS
Please contact the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Office, McClain Hall 203, (660) 785-5406, with any questions concerning commencement.