Traditions of the Mizzou College of Arts and Science Commencement
The College of Arts and Science commencement ceremony at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) is a momentous occasion steeped in tradition, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for its graduates. As graduates prepare to embark on their future endeavors, the ceremony serves as a bridge between their academic pursuits and the professional world.
The Processional
As "Pomp and Circumstance" fills the commencement venue, the ceremony commences with a symbolic and dignified processional. A pair of outstanding students from the graduating class take on the responsibility of marshaling a procession of university and system leaders onto the stage. This act highlights the achievements of the students and their central role in the academic community.
In a recent commencement, Emily Fredrick, a double major in German and International Studies (with an emphasis in East Asian Studies) and minors in Korean Studies, Russian, and Chemistry, was selected as one of the student marshals.
Elisha Schoor, majoring in Constitutional Democracy and Economics, was the second student selected as marshal. Schoor chose to study constitutional democracy and economics given the types of video games that they like to play, along with the obvious insightful societal-level lessons to be gleaned if they can make use of them.
Recognizing Excellence
The University of Missouri commencement ceremonies celebrate the achievements of its graduates. According to University of Missouri President Mun Choi, “We are proud to celebrate the excellence of our graduates. Mizzou empowers students to become independent thinkers to achieve career success."
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The University of Missouri expects to award 6,428 degrees, including 4,638 bachelor’s degrees, 1,101 master’s and education specialists’ degrees, and 689 doctoral and professional degrees.
Venue and Logistics
The College of Arts & Science Commencement ceremonies are divided by major. The Hearnes Center serves as one of the primary venues for the commencement ceremonies. Guest parking is primarily located east of the Hearnes Center, with entry recommended from Stadium Boulevard to Champions Drive. Jesse Auditorium is another venue, with parking available in the Turner Avenue garage, south of Jesse Hall.
To ensure a smooth and organized event, graduates are advised to arrive no later than 30 minutes before their ceremony begins. Exterior doors of commencement venues open one hour before each ceremony, except for Jesse Auditorium, which opens 30 minutes prior. Accessible parking, entrances, and seating are available at all commencement venues, and live captioning is provided during all ceremonies. The University of Missouri enforces a clear bag policy for events at the Mizzou Arena and the Hearnes Center.
Capturing Memories
GradImages serves as the official graduation ceremony photographer, capturing memories of this special day. Graduates can receive a 20% discount on their entire order by registering before graduation day. GradImages photographers also take candid photographs after the ceremony. Representatives, easily identifiable in red vests, are available to capture graduates with their friends and families.
Virtual Participation
Recognizing that not all family and friends can attend in person, Mizzou ensures that every ceremony is livestreamed and recorded. This allows loved ones to participate virtually and share in the celebration.
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Honorary Doctorates
In addition to the graduating students, Mizzou also confers honorary doctorates to individuals of exceptional distinction who have provided meritorious and outstanding service to the university, the State of Missouri, the United States, or to humanity at large.
Student Experiences
The experiences of students during their time at Mizzou's College of Arts and Science are varied and enriching, often shaping their perspectives and future paths.
Emily Fredrick, for example, found her volunteer work as a cultural ambassador for the LEAD program within the Asian Affairs Center to be a transformative service learning experience. This position allowed her to learn from individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds and form lasting friendships. She credits this experience with helping her develop new perspectives and approach challenges differently. Fredrick also fondly recalls her Korean language courses with Professor Eun Young Choi, praising the engaging and educational environment created in the classroom. She also thanks Professor Sang Hun Chun for his help in finding opportunities to go abroad for the second time via Mizzou.
Elisha Schoor highlighted the influence of Dr. Thomas Kane during their time working on the Journal of Constitutional Democracy. The intellectual environment and the opportunity to engage with fellow students on thought-provoking exercises were particularly impactful. Schoor also acknowledged Jordan Pellerito for her contributions to the Kinder Institute.
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