Commencement

FAQs & Information

• 
  Can my guests watch my ceremony virtually?

  Yes, they can click on the links under each ceremony to watch the ceremonies live. Live stream link coming soon!

• 
  What time should we arrive for our ceremony?

  Arrive 30-60 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. Line-up activities begin 30 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony.

• 
  Do my guests need tickets to attend my ceremony?
  • All guests attending the undergraduate or graduate commencement ceremonies will require a ticket.
  • We will send ticket ordering information for spring ceremonies to students’ Maryville email address on Feb. 14, 2024.
  • Guests with tickets who arrive ten minutes after the start of the ceremony are not guaranteed seating.
  • High attendance is expected and tickets are required for guest entry.
  • Guests should be seated fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony.
  • Graduates and guests should plan to meet outside The Factory after the ceremony.
  • No outside food or beverages are allowed.  Non-alcoholic beverages and Maryville Alumni gifts will be available for purchase.
  • If you have commencement ticketing questions, please contact graduation@maryville.edu.
• 
  What do I need to do to prepare for graduation?
  • Visit the preparing for graduation and commencement page where students will find the information they need to complete all necessary preparations for participating in Commencement, such as verifying diploma information, name pronunciation, graduation announcements and class rings.
  • Students should arrive in their regalia.
  • Cap, gown, and tassel are standard regalia for Commencement ceremonies. For graduate ceremonies, the addition of a hood is customary.
  • Graduates will receive emails to their student email account specific to their ceremony outlining specific arrival times, check-in location, etc.
• 
  Where do I order regalia?
  • Regalia can be ordered within the graduation application or by clicking here.
• 
  Graduate Check-in/Processional Instructions
  • Students should arrive 30-60 minutes prior to the start of their ceremony. Line-up activities will begin 30 minutes prior to each ceremony.
  • Students should arrive in their regalia and master and doctoral graduates should hold their hoods.
  • Please leave personal items with your guests as there is not a secure place to store them during the ceremony.
  • Faculty and Staff will assist in lining up the students for the processional.
  • Some processionals may include walking outdoors. In the event of rain, graduates are permitted to bring a small umbrella which can be stored under their chair.
• 
  How do I purchase photographs from my Commencement Ceremony?

  After commencement, Trotter Photography will email links to each graduate’s Maryville email address for purchase.

• 
  What if my guests have an accessibility need?

  Accessible Seating
  There will be accessible seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We kindly ask that only one companion accompany the individual that needs accommodation.

  Sign Language
  Please email campusevents@maryville.edu if you require a sign language interpreter.

  Parking
  On campus, ADA parking is available in Lot 11 at the North Outer 40 entrance. At The Factory, ADA parking is available and marked.

• 
  When should guests arrive?
  • Doors will open for guests one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
  • Please be seated twenty minutes prior to ceremony start time to allow for the processional of graduates. Entrance and exit doors will be blocked during this time.
  • Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Staff will be present to guide guests.
• 
  When will guests be seated?
  • General seating and accessible seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Staff will be present to help assist guests.
  • Out of respect for graduates being recognized, guests are asked to remain in their seats for the duration of the ceremony and refrain from blocking aisles and passageways.
• 
  Where will the graduates and their guests meet after the ceremony?

  Please arrange to meet your graduate and other guests outside of the venue at the conclusion of the ceremony.

• 
  Can my children attend the ceremony?
  • Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the guest seating area.
  • Any child who is sitting on someone’s lap will not need a ticket.
  • Children will not be permitted to join their parents in the processional, recessional, or on the stage during the ceremony.
  • Maryville University does not provide childcare. Childcare resources for Missouri: https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care/find-care
• 
  The Factory Event Policy
  https://www.thefactorystl.com/general-information/venue-rules/

• 
  Parking
  All parking at the Maryville University campus is free general parking and available on site.

  Download the Maryville University Parking Map

  All parking at The Factory is free general parking and available on site.

  Download The Factory Lot Map

• 
  Are flowers or gifts available for purchase at the venue?
  • Flowers are not available for purchase at the venue, but guests may bring flowers for graduates after the ceremony. Balloons are not permitted during ceremonies.
  • The M Store, on campus and online, offers great options for Maryville University Alumni gifts.