Traffic impacts expected as University of Missouri graduation weekend continues

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

University of Missouri commencement ceremonies are set to continue through the weekend as nearly 6,000 students have earned degrees.

The majority of ceremonies are taking place on Saturday in Jesse Auditorium and Mizzou Arena:

• College of Health Sciences - 8:30 a.m. in Mizzou Arena
• School of Medicine - 10 a.m. in Jesse Auditorium
• College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources - Noon in Mizzou Arena
• College of Health Sciences (Professional/Clinical) - 2:30 p.m. in Jesse Auditorium
• College of Arts & Science (part 1) - 3:30 p.m. in Mizzou Arena
• School of Law - 5:30 p.m. in Jesse Auditorium
• College of Arts & Science (part 2) - 6 p.m. in Mizzou Arena

Ceremonies will also continue through Sunday:

• Trulaske College of Business - 9 a.m. in Mizzou Arena
• Graduate School (PhD/EdD) - Noon in Mizzou Arena
• Honors College - 1 p.m. in Jesse Auditorium
• Army ROTC - 2:30 p.m. in Monsanto Auditorium
• Graduate School (Master's/Education Specialists) - 3 p.m. in Mizzou Arena

Over 4,700 students will receive bachelor's degrees, and over 1,000 will receive master's degrees, according to the university's website. The class of 2026 is also made up of over 1,000 first-generation students, 80 active-duty military and over 70 student athletes.

Traffic impacts are expected, with the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau reporting hotels in the area are at around 75-80% occupancy. Drivers should expect many graduates and families on campus. This includes traffic on Conley Avenue, Ninth Street, Tiger Avenue and Rollins Street.

Major roads, including South Providence Road and Stadium Boulevard, are also expected to see some backups.