Visitors Attending Commencement
Using the University of Missouri Accessibility Map
The Mizzou Accessibility Map shows accessible and automatic entrances as well as other accessibility information, including ADA parking areas, elevators, and stair-free sidewalks and entrances for all University of Missouri buildings.
To use the map:
- Search for the building in the “find a building” tab, or zoom in closely on the area of campus you would like to visit, then
- Select multiple accessibility features, such as ADA parking areas, accessible entrances, etc. from the legend to view all features.
Commencement Ceremony Facilities
Hearnes Center
The east entrance is wheelchair accessible and most convenient for persons with disabilities to be dropped off and picked up. Most ADA designated parking spaces also are located on the east side, with a few spaces available on the west side. Limited accessible seating is available in sections A24, B2, and B30. The Hearnes Center elevator also is accessible from the east entrance.
Jesse Auditorium
The best location for dropping guests off is on Conley Ave on the south side of Jesse Hall. The accessible entrance to the building is about 80 yards down a gentle slope under the main staircase. Accessible parking spaces can be found in several of the small lots around Jesse Hall as well as in the Turner parking structure. Upon entering the building via the accessible door, visitors will use one of two elevators to reach the first floor for the main seating level of Jesse Auditorium or continue on to the second floor for balcony seating. Wheelchair accessible seats are located in several places throughout the auditorium, including in the balcony, and event staff can assist with finding seating areas.
Mizzou Arena
The north side of Mizzou Arena at the pullout on Champions Drive is wheelchair accessible and most convenient for persons with disabilities to be dropped off and picked up. There are ADA designated parking spaces located in the parking lots. All of Lot I directly north of Mizzou Arena is reserved for ADA parking during the event. Mizzou Arena event staff will be available to direct you to accessible seating. The Mizzou Arena elevator to access the lower sections 106-104 and 106 is located on the southwest corner of the building.
Accessible Seating
Accessible seating is available in all venues. These seating areas cannot be reserved in advance and are first come, first served, so we recommend that attendees arrive early if they anticipate needing to use accessible seating areas. Event staff will be available in every commencement venue to help locate accessible seating options.
ASL and Captioning
Live captioning will be available to visitors at all commencement ceremonies. We’re also happy to provide ASL interpretation for any commencement ceremony upon request. To request an ASL interpreter, contact the school or college’s commencement liaison.
Wheelchair Rentals
If you anticipate needing a wheelchair for use on the day of commencement, we recommend reserving one in advance at one of the vendors below, as we do not have wheelchairs available for visitors.
Kilgore’s Pharmacy
kilgoresrx.com
North Columbia
700 North Providence
573-442-0194
South Columbia
1608 Chapel Hill Road
573-447-4444
D&H Drugstore
dhdrugstore.com
East
1814 Paris Road
573-777-7373
West
1001 West Broadway
573-777-7333
Students Participating in Ceremonies
Students who anticipate needing accommodations during the ceremony due to a disability or a temporary injury should contact their school or college’s commencement liaison to request accommodations as soon as possible prior to the ceremony.
The following accessibility features are built into all commencement ceremonies:
- Live captions, and
- A ramp or other accessible path to the stage
However, timing of the procession to allow for more time to walk across the stage, other accommodations, and other logistical issues might need to be planned for in advance. To ensure that accommodations will be available, we recommend that students who have accessibility concerns contact their commencement liaison to request accommodations at least 1-2 weeks prior to the event.