Guest Information

For everyone’s health and safety, if you or one of your guests are feeling ill, please use caution and stay home. The event will be livestreamed so you won’t miss a moment. View or share the live-stream.

Arrival

• The Mark Twain Building  will open 90 minutes before the start of each ceremony. Graduates and guests, please do not arrive before that time.
  

Guest Rules of Conduct

• Guests should arrive on campus at least 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony and be seated 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.
• Late arrivals may be asked to wait until the academic procession is finished (approximately 15 minutes) before they are seated.
• Accessible guest seating is available on a first-come basis.  
• Guests are not permitted in the graduate seating area.
• Guests are to remain seated during the entire ceremony.
• No strollers, car seats, or baby carriers of any kind will be allowed in the seating area.
• Balloons are not permitted in the seating area. You will be directed to leave any balloons brought to the venue in the First Aid area for pickup after the ceremony. 
• Air horns, noisemakers, or noise amplification devices are not permitted at any time during the ceremony.
• No food, drink, or alcoholic beverages are permitted in the seating area.
• Taking pictures and video recording is allowed, but tripods and monopods are not permitted. Cameras must be battery operated and patrons must remain seated while taking photographs and video recording. No standing will be permitted and ushers will ask guests to return to their seats.

Students

Please inform the Coordinator of Disability Access Services immediately of any special arrangements that will enable you to participate fully in the commencement exercises by calling 314-516-6554.

Guests

Accessible guest seating is available on a first-come basis. Please check the building map for that location. 

Shuttles

Shuttles will be running from the parking area to the front entrance of the Mark Twain Building.

*Interpreting services will be available for each ceremony. Interpreters will be located in front of the ramp on stage right. See map for location.

Below is a list of Hotels near UMSL's Campus that we can recommend. Some hotels listed have a special UMSL Commencement Rate, so be sure to call and ask if one is available. 

Crowne Plaza–St. Louis Airport
11228 Lone Eagle Drive
(Approximately 12 minutes)
314-291-6700
read reviews

Drury Inn–St. Louis Airport
10490 Natural Bridge Rd.
(Approximately 8 minutes)
314-423-7700
read reviews

Embassy Suites–St. Louis Airport
11237 Lone Eagle Drive
(Approximately 12 minutes)
314-739-8929
read reviews

Hampton Inn–St. Louis Airport
10820 Pear Tree Lane
(Approximately 8 minutes)
314-429-2000
read reviews

Hilton Garden Inn–St. Louis Airport
4450 Evans Place Drive
(Approximately 3 minutes)
314-521-6444
read reviews

Hilton–St. Louis Airport
10330 Natural Bridge Rd.
(Approximately 7 minutes)
314-426-5500
read reviews

Marriott St. Louis Airport
10700 Pear Tree Dr.
(Approximately 11 minutes)
314-423-9700
read reviews

Renaissance–St. Louis Airport
9801 Natural Bridge Rd.
(Approximately 5 minutes)  
314-429-1100
read reviews