Fall Commencement Instructions for Families and Friends of Graduates FALL 2024 COMMENCEMENT Saturday, December 14, 2024 11:00 a.m. Pershing Arena To commence is 鈥渢o begin,鈥� or 鈥渢o start.鈥� At the end of their college journey, our students begin a new chapter of their lives, as educated citizens who will protect our democracy and offer creative solutions to local, state, national and global problems. Commencement is arguably the most exciting time of the academic year, if not of a student鈥檚 entire college journey. The Commencement ceremony celebrates the achievements of 蓝莓视频 students and honors the accomplishments of distinguished speakers and guests. Here are a few items that might be helpful as you plan your trip to Kirksville! Table of Contents Toggle Schedule Disability Accommodations Broadcast of Commencement Lodging Accommodations Useful Websites Schedule 10:00 a.m. Family and friends may start arriving at Pershing Arena. Guests are encouraged to use the main Arena Entrance on the west side of the building and to park in the parking lots on South Franklin directly west of Pershing Building and the General Services Building and south of Patterson Street. Guests needing handicapped parking may park on the east side of Pershing and enter the east entrance in order to utilize the elevator if needed. The doors will be unlocked promptly at 10:00 a.m. and there will be staff handing out programs in the arena. 10:30 a.m. Faculty arrive via the east doors and rank is closed by the Grand Marshal 10:50 a.m. The Processional begins moving toward Pershing Arena 10:55 a.m. The Processional enters Pershing Arena 11:00 a.m. Commencement Ceremony We ask that everyone stand as the candidates enter the arena! Our faculty will form two lines and greet the students as they enter the staging area. Once the faculty has moved to their seats, the President will begin the ceremony. When the ceremony has concluded, we ask that everyone remains in their seats until the students have exited the arena. Once students have exited the arena, guests are welcome to leave and meet up with their graduate(s) outside the arena. Please do not block entrances or stair areas. Disability Accommodations If disability accommodations (e.g., signing (ASL), wheelchair access) are required for guests, your graduate needs to contact the Disability Services Office by completing the as soon as possible and no later than 5:00 pm on December 11. There will be no wheelchairs available to use in Pershing Arena. Guests requiring wheelchairs should bring them. The handicapped parking and entrance is located on the east side of Pershing Building. An elevator is accessible through the east entrance. Broadcast of Commencement 蓝莓视频鈥檚 Public Relations Department will live stream the Commencement Ceremony so family and friends can watch in real-time on: Truman Website Lodging Accommodations Baymont by Wyndham Inn & Suites: (660) 627-1100 Brashear House Bed & Breakfast: (660) 349-8213 Budget Host Village Inn: (660) 665-3722 Country Club Inn and Suites: (660) 665-8826 Days Inn: (660) 665-8244 Depot Inns and Suites (La Plata): (660) 332-4669 Hampton Inn: (660) 956-4686 Holiday Inn Express: (660) 956-4682 Knights Inn: (660) 665-8352 Quality Inn: (660) 665-2205 Thousand Hills Lakeside Cabins: (660) 665-7119 Useful Websites