Disability Accommodations

When applying for graduation, all graduates will fill out an accessibility accommodation section in which graduates can tell us about disability needs for themselves or their guests (e.g., sighted guide, escort as a result of a recent injury, pregnancy). 

Student Accommodations

A graduate in academic regalia goes across the stage in a wheelchair during commencement.

Accommodations available to all graduates attending Commencement include:

  • Sign language interpreters
  • Live captioning
  • Wheelchair seating
  • Mobility impairment assistance

After applying for graduation, graduates will be contacted to make sure their needs are met. Graduates who need assistance can make arrangements to meet with access marshals when they enter the student lineup area at Pioneer Hall on Commencement Day.

Guest Accommodations

Mobility-impaired/Wheelchair Seating

There is wheelchair-accessible seating on the first row of the bleachers within Pioneer Hall and every other row in the floor seating. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Important Note: There are no wheelchairs available for use at Pioneer Hall.

A father and daughter wave to their wife/mother as she graduates and sign "I love you" in American Sign Language.
A father and daughter signed "I love you" in American Sign Language to their wife and mother as she crossed the stage.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Sign language Interpreters will be available at every ceremony. Guests who would like to use the interpreters can sit in the front left section of Pioneer Hall. There will be reserved seats for guests to view interpreters and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Live Captioning

All ceremonies will be captioned live. The captions will be viewable on the large screen at the front of Pioneer Hall. 

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking will be available in the parking lot directly across from Pioneer Hall, in front of the Student Union. Bell Ave. will be closed so that graduates and their families can safely walk across the street. Accessible parking will also be available in front of the Dining Hall, on the north side of Pioneer Hall.

For information about disability parking for celebrations taking place on campus, visit the parking maps website to find accessible parking across campus.

Other Ceremony Accommodations

There are many group graduation celebrations that take place on campus. Graduates needing assistance may contact the event coordinators for the ceremonies they are attending to make sure any accessibility needs are met.

Page last updated 1:16 PM, April 20, 2023