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. Detailed parking and drop-off information is available below. 

All UMD shuttles are wheelchair accessible. Shuttle routes and parking information can be found on the parking and transportation map. The 2026 map will be released soon.

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

• 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 park at Regents Drive Garage or other available parking.
• 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.

Parking & Transportation Map - 2026 Map Available Soon

All entrances to SECU stadium are accessible. However, Gate E and F are closest to stadium drive garage. Gate E is set up for guests who may need a little more time to enter. Metal detection of medical devices can also occur here.

Inside gate E you will find Commencement Team members in Red shirts. These team members are available to direct guests to seating, including wheelchairs and limited mobility seating. 

Main Ceremony

SECU Stadium is an open-air stadium. All seats are subject to exposure from the elements including sun, rain, and wind. SECU has bleacher-style metal benches, chair backs withing guidelines are welcome.
Commencement staff, wearing red shirts, will be available to assist guests in finding 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 able 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.

 Doors will open at 5 p.m., and all entrances to the stadium are accessible. Should you need assistance, please see a commencement staff member.

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 the School and College Ceremonies page.

Main Ceremony

Captions will be displayed on the screens in the venue. ASL interpretation will be available in SECU Stadium section 27. Contact commencement@umd.edu if you intend to use ASL services at the main ceremony.

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 request them at the information location on the west concourse (under the large video board) or approach any customer service or volunteer staff to be directed to a guest information 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.

In the event of stadium announcements, such as a 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.

If you need more information or have a specific request not mentioned here contact commencement@umd.edu

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.

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.

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.

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 an event at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, additional information on accessibility can be found on The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center accessibility webpage.

Graduates seeking accommodations not mentioned should contact commencement@umd.edu to plan for main ceremony. 
Cole Field House and Jones-Hill house features many stairs, the processional requires standing, and is approximately a 1/2 mile walk. Many alternate accessible entrances and processional options are available at Cole and Jones-Hill House. 
Other graduate accommodations are also available upon request. 
Accommodations for school and college ceremonies should be made directly with the ceremony.