Attending as a Guest

Arrival

  • Arena doors open one hour before each ceremony.
  • Guests should be seated 10 minutes before the ceremony starts to watch the procession.
  • Late arrivals will wait until the academic procession ends (about 15 minutes) to be seated.
  • Please do not save seats for late arrivals.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

No Tickets Required, However...

  • The arena seats up to 4,000 people.
  • Please limit in-person attendance in Gibson Arena to 8 guests per graduate.
  • No guest limit at Gale Bullman Building: additional guests will be directed to the Student Recreation Center for a live video stream.

Parking

  • Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in campus lots; no S&T parking permit required.
  • ADA Accessible parking is available.
  • Please see the map below for details.

ADA Accommodations

  • Graduates with family members needing disability accommodations should request an accommodation at least 14 days before graduation.
  • Reserved seating is for those requiring an accommodation and accompanying guests. Seating is available for up to two (2) seats per graduate. All other guests are welcome to sit in the general seating area.

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 during and 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.

You can pre-register with GradImages to receive a 20% off coupon for orders of $50 or more.

Behavior

  • 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.

Additionally, guests are encouraged to remain seated during the ceremony and refrain from blocking aisles or standing in front of others to take photos.

Prohibited Items

  • Balloons
  • Confetti
  • Air horns or other noise-making devices
  • Signs or banners
  • Outside food or beverages
  • Alcohol or drugs
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Large bags or backpacks
  • Drones or other aerial devices
  • 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.

Campus Map