We are excited to celebrate the achievements of our graduates at the Ozarks Tech Commencement Ceremony! No tickets are required to attend the event, and there is no limit to the number of guests that may attend for each graduate.
Commencement FAQ for Guests
- Doors to both Great Southern Bank Arena (formerly JQH Arena) and Hammons Student Center will open 90 minutes before the ceremony. Grads must report to Hammons Student Center. All guests go directly to Great Southern Bank Arena. Seating is open, and no tickets are required.
- Great Southern Bank Arena security procedures require all guests to be scanned by a metal detector and all bags to be searched. Backpacks, balloons, flowers, outside food and drinks, and weapons are strictly prohibited by MSU and cannot be brought into the venue. Flowers are available for purchase once inside. While bags or gifts are allowed, bringing these items into Great Southern Bank Arena will slow entry due to the thorough search process. Guests are encouraged to leave unnecessary items at home to ensure a quicker entrance.
- Grads and their guests may park for free in MSU parking lot #25 or Bear Park North.
- Wi-Fi is not available in Great Southern Bank Arena unless the individual already has a Missouri State University account and password (MSU students, faculty and staff).
- The ceremony will end with a recessional of the platform party, faculty, and graduates. Graduates are required to stay during the duration of the ceremony and cannot exit early. Graduates will then exit on the northeast side of Great Southern Bank Arena. It’s recommended to agree to a meeting place outside the arena before arriving at the ceremony.
Special, non-reserved seating areas are available for guests with permanent or temporary disabilities. No stairs are encountered. Guests using wheelchairs, as well as those who are unable to climb stairs, are permitted in these areas.
We ask that guests respect the rights of all the graduates and not celebrate your grad’s achievement in a way that infringes on the rights of others.
- Commencement ceremony guests are asked to remain in their seats during the entire ceremony and to respect the rights of others to view the ceremony in its entirety, without being distracted or having their view blocked by others.
- Please refrain from applauding except at times when invited to do so. Loud applause and cheers often make it difficult for others to hear the next grad’s name when announced. Each grad deserves equal recognition for their accomplishment.
- Guests will be given an opportunity to applaud their grads during the ceremony.
Thank you for your cooperation in observing these guidelines.
The commencement ceremony will be livestreamed. Please visit the Ozarks Tech Commencement Ceremony homepage for the link, which will be made available in advance.
Looking for that special gift for your grad? The Ozarks Tech Bookstore sells OTC-branded diploma frames and other gifts suitable for grads. Check out the bookstore website for more information. Flowers will be available for purchase at Great Southern Bank Arena (formerly JQH Arena) on the day of the ceremony.