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Commencement Information for Graduate and Professional Students

Master’s and Educational Specialist candidates

Master’s and Educational Specialist candidates may participate in the Graduate School’s Commencement Ceremony if within one term of completion of the degree.

Doctoral candidates

Doctoral candidates may participate in the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony after successful defense of the dissertation. The Graduate School must have the final approved “Report of the Dissertation Defense” form prior to the commencement ceremony.

Requirements

1. Update your diploma address (where you want your diploma mailed) and diploma name (the name you wish to appear on your diploma). Changes to both diploma addresses and names must be completed at least one week prior to the end of the term. See the Diplomas page for additional information and instructions. It generally takes 60-90 days for you to receive your diploma in the mail.
2. Notify your department that you intend to graduate.
3. Make sure all incomplete grades for previous terms have been turned into the Graduate School.
4. Pay off your student account. Transcripts and diplomas will not be released if you have any University financial obligation. You may confirm your billing status with the Cashier's Office.

Commencement

1. If you would like your name listed in the printed program, but have indicated that the University may NOT release your directory information without your written consent, you may contact the Office of the University of Missouri Registrar at 573-882-7881 or 800-225-6075 (MO & IL students only). If you are unsure of the status, you may check with MU Direct prior to contacting the Office of the Registrar.
2. Distance students can request copies of the graduation program (prior to the ceremony) if you do not plan to attend. Contact MU Direct.
3. Order regalia (cap, gown and tassel) from the University Bookstore in Brady Commons no later than one and a half months prior to graduation. Visit the Regalia page in this site for more details.
4. Order announcements.
5. Most divisions request that graduates notify them of the number of guests attending commencement activities so adequate seating, etc., may be arranged. Contact your dean's office with this information or inquire with your school/college's commencement liaison.
6. Inform the Graduate School of your impending graduation, so it may plan for your participation in the Graduate School ceremony.
7. Doctoral students must have successfully defended their dissertations in order to participate in the Graduate School ceremony. Contact the Graduate School for more information.

Since the University of Missouri does not hold summer commencement ceremonies, summer graduates may attend the following fall or spring commencement ceremony. Please contact the Graduate School for more information.

Graduating students will receive a packet of some information from the Graduate School, however, for more complete information go to the Graduate School Commencement web site, for additional information concerning commencement go to the Commencement web site.