Accessibility

Accessible parking spaces are available throughout campus. Guests with a state-issued license plate or hang tag can park in any available marked accessible space. Comprehensive commencement parking information can be found here.

Main Ceremony
Accessible parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in Stadium Drive Garage. Additional accessible parking spaces are available in lots 1 and Z. Gate E at SECU Stadium is the designated comfort entrance for guests with accessibility needs.

School and College Ceremonies

• The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center: Accessible parking is located in lots 1 and Z. You may also drop off guests in the drop-off loop directly in front of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center prior to parking.
• Memorial Chapel: Accessible parking is located at Regents Drive Garage. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available between Regents Drive Garage and Memorial Chapel. You may also drop guests off on Chapel Lane directly beside Memorial Chapel before parking.
• Reckord Armory: Accessible parking is available in lot L and surrounding lots on a first come first serve basis. Once full, additional accessible parking is located at Regents Drive Garage. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available between Regents Drive Garage and Reckord Armory. Once full, you may drop off guests at Reckord Armory then mark at Regents Drive Garage. A map of dropoff options at the Reckord Armory is available here for download.
• Xfinity Center: Accessible parking for the Xfinity Center is available in Terrapin Trail Garage. Guests requiring ADA seating should enter through gate E and proceed to section 120.

Main Ceremony

The ceremony will have designated seating areas for persons using wheelchairs, in sections 2, 9, 28, 200, 300, at SECU Stadium. Seating is available for individuals with disabilities on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests using wheelchairs and their companions can enter through any gate. Guests seated in a wheelchair can have up to three companions sit near them.

Commencement volunteers, wearing red shirts, will be available to assist guests in finding a seat.

For guests with limited mobility issues who can access stairs, it is strongly recommended that you arrive early to ensure you are able to find a seat that meets your needs. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and all entrances to the stadium are accessible. Should you need assistance, please see a commencement volunteer wearing a red shirt.

A large screen above the stage will project the ceremony so that all guests will have a view of the ceremony without needing a close seat. Seating section 27 is designed for guests who require ASL interpretation. Closed captioning is available on screens throughout the venue.

School and College Ceremonies

All venues for school & college ceremonies have accessible seating arrangements. If you have specific questions or requests, please contact the ceremony coordinator for the ceremony you plan to attend.

All Ceremonies

English and Spanish captioning will be available on personal devices, such as a phone, for all ceremonies. Links to captioning will be available on this website and at the ceremony on the day of the ceremony.

Main Ceremony

Captions will be displayed on the screens in the venue.
ASL interpretation will be available in SECU Stadium section 27.

School and College Ceremonies

ASL interpreters can be made available for any ceremony if the service is requested in advance. If you require ASL interpretation, please contact the ceremony coordinator for the ceremony you plan to attend.

English and Spanish captioning will be available on personal devices, such as a phone, for all ceremonies. Links to captioning will be available on this website and at the ceremony on the day of the ceremony.

Main Ceremony

Assisted listening devices are available upon request. An individual who may need assisted listening devices can approach any customer service or volunteer staff to be directed to a fan assistance location in order to check one out.

School and College Ceremonies

If you require assisted listening devices, please contact the ceremony coordinator for the ceremony you plan to attend in advance.

Wheelchairs are not provided at commencement venues but are permitted to bring.

If you require a wheelchair and do not have one, we encourage you to research local medical supply companies, such as Karters Medical Supply. The University of Maryland does not endorse any specific wheelchair suppliers for events.

Service Animals

Service animals are the only animals permitted in commencement venues. Emotional Support Animals and other pets are not permitted.

Bag Policy & Medical Bag Exemptions

Bags that are up to 12" x 6" x 12" in size are permitted. Whenever possible, items should be carried in a clear bag – however, clear bags are not required for commencement. Should you or a guest possess a bag that does not fit size requirements necessary for a medical need (to carry special equipment, to keep medicine cold, etc.), please check in with event staff at your gate and ask to speak to a supervisor. It will be searched and tagged to notify other staff that the bag has been inspected.

SECU Stadium
If you are attending the main ceremony in SECU Stadium, additional information on accessibility can be found on the SECU Stadium accessibility webpage.

Xfinity Center
If you are attending a ceremony at the Xfinity Center, additional information on accessibility can be found on the Xfinity Center accessibility webpage.

Reckord Armory
If you are attending a ceremony at the Reckord Armory, additional information on accessibility can be found on the Reckord Armory accessibility webpage.

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
If you are attending a ceremony at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, additional information on accessibility can be found on The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center accessibility webpage.