Have a question you didn't find the answer to in the rest of this site? We've collected commonly asked questions from visitors, and answered them below.

Just click on the question in which you are interested, and you will go to an answer. If you would like to submit a question, e-mail it to Diploma@missouri.edu. A personal e-mail response will be sent directly to you.

QUESTIONS:

Q: How do I notify my Dean's office and the University that I plan to graduate? Are there forms to fill out? Are there deadlines for submitting those forms?

Q: I won't actually graduate until the summer session. Can I still participate in one of the May or December Commencement ceremonies?

Q: Can my parents stay in the residence halls if they don't wish to stay at a hotel/motel?

Q: Are tickets required for MU's Commencement ceremonies?

Q: Can I stay in my dorm room during graduation or will I have to move?

Q: I haven't received any mailings about graduation and neither have my parents ... what should I do?

Q: Do I have to wear a cap and gown to MU's Commencement exercises?

Q: What happens if it rains on Commencement morning?

Q: Is there a video made of the ceremonies?

Q: Is there a photographer at Mizzou's Commencement ceremonies, or do we provide our own?

Q: Do I have to graduate just because I've satisfied all the requirements or may I keep taking classes?

Q: Do I have to order my cap and gown ahead of time?

Q: Is there a graduation rehearsal I need to attend?

Q: Can I get extra copies of the graduation programs?

Q: Which side do I wear my tassel on?

How do I notify my Dean's office and the University that I plan to graduate? Are there forms to fill out? Are there deadlines for submitting those forms?

A student may apply for graduation up to one year in advance with their dean's office. Individual deans' offices determine deadlines for graduation applications.

Most deans' offices send letters out stating ceremony times and line-up times. They enclose a card that must be returned if a student plans to participate in the ceremony.

Consult your school or college's commencement liaisons for details.

Return to top of page.

I won't actually graduate until the summer session. Can I still participate in one of the May or December Commencement ceremonies?

Yes. MU no longer hosts August (Summer) commencement ceremonies, so students completing coursework in August may participate in Mizzou's May or December Commencements.

Return to top of page.

Can my parents stay in the residence halls if they don't wish to stay at a hotel/motel?

Unfortunately, no. MU is host to numerous academic and athletic camps, conferences and orientation groups as soon as each semester ends, and cannot provide accommodations to visiting parents.

Visit the Lodging and Entertainment page in this site for information on local hotels and motels.

Return to top of page.

Are tickets required for MU's Commencement ceremonies?

Tickets may be required at some of MU's Commencement ceremonies or events. Please check with your school or college's commencement liaisons for details.

Return to top of page.

Can I stay in my dorm room during graduation or will I have to move?

Yes. Graduates may stay in residence halls throughout the commencement weekend. Contact the Residential Life Office for more information.

Return to top of page.

I haven't received any mailings about graduation and neither have my parents ... what should I do?

Contact your dean's office immediately.

Return to top of page.

Do I have to wear a cap and gown to MU's Commencement exercises?

Yes. All faculty, staff and students taking part in MU's ceremonies are required to wear traditional academic attire.

Visit the Regalia page in this site for ordering and rental details.

Return to top of page.

What happens if it rains on Commencement morning?

Outdoor ceremonies have pre-determined rain locations. Visit the Ceremonies and Events page in this site for more information.

Return to top of page.

Is there a video made of the ceremonies?

No.

Return to top of page.

Is there a photographer at Mizzou's Commencement ceremonies, or do we provide our own?

Yes. MU contracts with a professional photography company to attend each ceremony. This company will send graduates information regarding their services or you may contact Chappell Graduation at www.gradimages.com or call 800-424-3686.

Return to top of page.

Do I have to graduate just because I've satisfied all the requirements, or may I keep taking classes?

Students completing degree requirements must graduate from their respective school or college. Additional coursework may be completed through the Graduate School.

Return to top of page.

Do I have to order my cap and gown ahead of time?

Bachelor's and master's degree graduates may purchase keepsake regalia (caps, gowns and tassels) at the University Bookstore in Brady Commons through Commencement weekend. It is advisable, however, to purchase regalia well in advance to ensure the correct sizes, etc.

Doctoral graduates and faculty members may rent regalia at the University Bookstore. Contact the University Bookstore for the deadline to rent doctoral regalia at least 1.5 months in advance of graduation.

Visit the Regalia pages in this site for specific information on bachelor's, master's and doctoral attire.

For information about renting and purchasing caps, gowns and tassels, contact the University Bookstore at (573) 882-7611 or visit the University Bookstore Web site.

Return to top of page.

Is there a graduation rehearsal I need to attend?

No, there is no rehearsal.

Return to top of page.

Can I get extra copies of the graduation programs?

Yes, a limited number of programs are available. Visit the Programs page for more information.

Return to top of page.

Which side do I wear my tassel on?

Undergraduate students should wear tassels on the right side of caps at the beginning of ceremonies, and after students are pronounced graduated, tassels are moved to the left side of the caps.

Because graduate and professional students already have graduated (with a bachelor's degree), they should wear tassels on the left side of caps, over their hearts, throughout commencement ceremonies.

Faculty members and administrators also should wear tassels on the left side of caps during processions and commencement ceremonies.

Return to top of page.