Tickets are not required for guests to attend the commencement ceremonies and there is no limit to the number of guests you may bring to the Gale Bullman Building. To maintain a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone, we request that families and friends limit their in-person attendance in Gibson Arena, which has a capacity for up to 4,000 people, to a maximum of 8 guests per graduate. However, we understand the significance of this event, and we want to make it accessible to all. Therefore, we will livestream the ceremony from the adjacent Student Recreation Center for those unable to join us in the arena.

Once the allowed seating capacity is met by fire code safety, all guests will be directed to the overflow section in Student Recreation Center, located downstairs, with a live video stream. 

Doors to the arena will open one hour before each ceremony begins. To ensure a smooth and timely experience, we ask all guests in the arena who plan to watch the graduate procession to be seated 10 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Late arrivals will be asked to wait until the academic procession is finished (approximately 15 minutes) before they are seated. 

As a courtesy to others, guests are asked not to save seats for members of their party who are arriving later.

Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in any of the campus lots. No S&T parking permit is required.  Nearby lots, which will also have ADA-designated spaces, include:

• Lot X-38 – 825 W. 10th Street
• Lot C – 450 W. 9th Street
• Lot E-18 – 670 W. 10th Street
• Lot E-48 – 630 W. 9th Street

Guests who have requested ADA accommodations are encouraged to park in Lot X-20, located at 861 W. 10th Street. This lot, located directly south of Gibson Arena, is reserved for ADA parking during the event. 

Our concession stands will have bottled water and graduation gifts available for purchase. If you anticipate needing additional items, we recommend planning ahead and bringing those items with you.

If you're planning to attend commencement ceremonies in Rolla, start by checking out the local Chamber of Commerce website for information on hotels and restaurants. It's advisable to make reservations as early as possible. 

You may take pictures and videos during the ceremony. Cameras must be battery-operated and you must remain seated while taking photographs and videotaping. No outside professional photographers are allowed. No one is allowed on the platform unless designated, especially after the ceremony.

Grad Images is the official photographer for S&T commencement ceremonies, and there will be many opportunities to get professional-quality photographs taken of your graduate. Following commencement, GradImages photographers will also be circulating outside the commencement venue to capture additional candid photographs of our graduates with their loved ones. The GradImages staff will be wearing red vests, so they’ll be highly visible and easy to locate. Grab a red vest and snap some candid shots!

Distracting and discourteous behavior will not be tolerated. Balloons are not permitted in the seating area. Air horns and noisemakers are not permitted at any time during the ceremony.

Graduates with family members who need disability accommodations for commencement should fill out the Commencement Accommodation Request Form no later than 14 days before graduation to ensure that all guests with a need can be accommodated. Please be advised — ADA seating is available for up to four guests per graduate to ensure all guests with a need can be accommodated. All other seating is general seating.

Commencement accommodation packets are scheduled to be sent to the graduating student's official university email account approximately one week before the ceremony for requests received 14 days before the event. All other packets will be sent within three business days following receipt of the request.   

If you have questions or concerns about the ADA Accommodation process for commencement, please contact the Office of Equity and Title IX via email: equity@mst.edu or 573-341-7734. 

Any items lost during or left behind following the commencement ceremonies will be delivered to the marketing and communications department in Kummer Student Design Center. Please call 573-341-4260 or email commencement@mst.edu with any questions.