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General Instructions

To commence is “to begin,” or “to start.” 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’s entire college journey. The Commencement ceremony celebrates the achievements of Truman State University 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! 

Schedule of the Day

12:30 
Graduation Candidates should be arriving in Baldwin Hall. 

1:00
Family and friends may start arriving at Stokes Stadium. 

1:15
Faculty arrive at McClain Hall and rank is closed by the Grand Marshal. 

1:30
The Processional begins moving towards Stokes Stadium 

2:00
The Processional enters Stokes Stadium and the Commencement Ceremony begins. 

We ask that everyone please stand, if able, as the graduates enter the stadium. 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 stadium. 

Livestream of Commencement

Truman State University’s Public Relations Department will live stream the Commencement Ceremony on the Truman website at test.truman.edu/watch-ceremony and on Truman’s YouTube Channel so family and friends can watch in real-time.

Disability Accommodations

If disability seating is needed for commencement, please have your graduate complete the Graduation Disability Seating request at disabilityservices.truman.edu/ by Sunday, April 28, 2024. There will be no wheelchairs available. Guests requiring wheelchairs should bring them. Accessibility parking is available in front of Pershing Building and in the lot south of Stokes Stadium.

If disability accommodations (e.g., interpreter, wheelchair access) are required for guests, please have your graduate contact Disability Services at jsneddon@truman.edu.

General Parking

General parking is available in most campus parking lots. The closest lots serving Stokes stadium are the lots along Franklin Street across from Pershing Building and the Ryle Hall, Pershing Building, Barnett Hall, and Campbell Apartment parking lots.

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

For accommodations outside of the Kirksville area, see visitkirksville.com/t/where-to-stay

Dining Out

Visit visitkirksville.com/t/where-to-eat/ on the official Kirksville website for a list of the restaurants and diners in the Kirksville and surrounding areas.

Useful Websites

Kirksville Chamber of Commerce

Visit Kirksville

Truman Bookstore

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