--- title: Accessibility date: 2024-08-28T12:55:00-04:00 author: Jiayu canonical_url: "https://commencement.umd.edu/accessibility" section: Pages --- # Accessibility **Accessibility** The main commencement ceremony will feature strobe lights and fireworks. Please exercise caution to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and your guests. Ceremonies happen in multiple venues. Be sure when you review the information on this page that you are checking the information for the specific venue you will be attending. If you are unsure which venue your ceremony will be in, consult the [School & College ceremony page](https://commencement.umd.edu/school-college-ceremonies). ### Entrances and Getting around For the **main ceremony**, all SECU Stadium entrances are accessible. However, Gates E and F are closest to [**Stadium Drive Garage**](https://maps.umd.edu/map/index.html?&feature=building&name=218&basemap=detailed). Gate E is set up for guests who may need a little more time to enter. Metal detection for medical devices can also occur here. Inside Gate E, you will find commencement team members in red shirts. These team members can direct guests to seating, including wheelchair and limited-mobility seating. ### Seating **Main Ceremony** SECU Stadium is an open-air stadium. All seats are subject to exposure to the elements, including sun, rain, and wind. SECU has bleacher-style metal benches; chair backs [**within guidelines**](https://umterps.com/sports/2018/8/17/football-game-day-info-guide) are welcome. Commencement staff in red shirts will be available to help guests find a seat. It is strongly recommended that all guests arrive early to ensure you are able to find a seat that meets your needs The main ceremony has designated seating areas for persons using wheelchairs, in sections 2, 9, 28, level 200, and level 300 at SECU Stadium. Three companion chairs are available to accompany each wheelchair. Any other companions are welcome to sit in nearby bleacher seating. Guests using wheelchairs and their companions can enter through any gate. Gate E is the closest to Stadium Drive Garage parking. For guests with limited mobility who prefer to use minimal stairs, additional seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the top rows of sections 2-9 and 21-28. 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. - [Contact Main Ceremony Coordinators](mailto:commencement@umd.edu) - [Contact Main Ceremony Coordinators](mailto:commencement@umd.edu) --- **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. - [Contact Individual Ceremony Coordinators](https://commencement.umd.edu/school-college-ceremonies) ### Assisted Listening Devices **Main Ceremony** Assisted listening devices are available upon request. Individuals who need assisted listening devices can request them at the information location on the west concourse (under the large video board) or approach any customer service or commencement staff, who can direct them to a guest information location to check one out. - [Contact Main Ceremony Coordinators](mailto:commencement@umd.edu) --- **School and College Ceremonies** If you require assisted listening devices, please contact the ceremony coordinator for the ceremony you plan to attend in advance. - [Contact Individual Ceremony Coordinators](https://commencement.umd.edu/school-college-ceremonies) ### Captioning & ASL Interpreting **All Ceremonies** English and Spanish captioning will be available on personal devices, such as a phone, for all ceremonies. --- **Main Ceremony** Captions will be displayed on the screens in the venue. ASL interpretation will be available in SECU Stadium section 27. Contact if you intend to use ASL services at the main ceremony. - [Contact Main Ceremony Coordinators](mailto:commencement@umd.edu) --- **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 [the School and College Ceremonies](https://commencement.umd.edu/school-college-ceremonies?token=tum7snM2s2I3gESc2h8wsdpnwBodxUpI) page the week of commencement. - [Contact Individual Ceremony Coordinators](https://commencement.umd.edu/school-college-ceremonies) ### Graduate Accomodations **Main Ceremony** Graduates seeking accessibility accommodations should contact [**commencement@umd.edu**](mailto:commencement@umd.edu) to plan for the main ceremony. Cole Field House and Jones-Hill House, where graduates check in for Main Commencement, feature many stairs. Check-in requires standing, and it is approximately a 0.5 mile walk to the SECU Stadium field. Cole Field House and Jones-Hill House offer many alternate, accessible entrances and options for conveyance to SECU Stadium field. Other graduate accommodations are also available upon request. - [email commencement.umd.edu](mailto:commencement@umd.edu) --- **School & College Ceremonies** Accommodations for school and college ceremonies should be arranged through the coordinator for the respective ceremony. - [Contact Individual Ceremony Coordinators](https://commencement.umd.edu/school-college-ceremonies) ### Stadium Alerts **Main Ceremony** In the event of stadium announcements, such as weather evacuations, the large video boards at the east and west end of SECU Stadium will display information. Public address announcements may also be made. First Aid stations are located near sections 14 (under the large video board) and 24. ### Wheelchairs Wheelchairs are not provided at commencement venues but are permitted to bring. All venues are wheelchair accessible. If you require a wheelchair and do not have one, we encourage you to research local medical supply companies. The University of Maryland does not endorse any specific wheelchair suppliers for events. ### Additional Venue Information including Service Animals **Service** **Animals** Service animals are the only animals permitted in commencement venues. Emotional Support Animals and other pets are not permitted. Find more information on UMD policies regarding service animals [here](https://accessibility.umd.edu/policies-procedures/service-and-support-animals). --- **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 all commencement activities. Clear bags are required at SECU stadium. 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](https://umterps.com/sports/2022/11/10/secu-stadium-accessibility-information.aspx). **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](https://umterps.com/sports/2022/11/10/xfinty-center-accessibility-information#:~:text=The%20XFINITY%20Center%20is%20designed,accessible%20to%20guests%20with%20disabilities.&text=Assisted%20listening%20devices%20are%20available%20upon%20request%20at%20the%20XFINITY%20Center.). **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](https://recwell.umd.edu/facilities/accessibility). ### More information If you need more information or have a specific request not mentioned here contact [**commencement@umd.edu**](mailto:commencement@umd.edu) **Stay Updated** — Sign up to receive updates via email and text message.