UMBC has a variety of accessibility options for persons with disabilities who will be attending Commencement. Accessible features for this event include:
- Accessible parking and Transportation
- Stair-free and wheelchair accessible seating
- ASL Interpreters/Captioning
Guests and graduates who have disability-related requests that are not addressed below submit a request as soon as possible to commencement@umbc.edu. Commencement staff work in partnership with Accessibility and Disability Services on requests.
In addition to email requests, staff will be available in person on each ceremony day to answer questions, address concerns, and assist with guest seating options. There will be an Accessibility Services table in the arena lobby.
Accessible Parking and Transportation
Guests who have state-issued accessible parking plates or hangtags may park in designated accessible parking near the Event Center, in the Commons Garage, as well as in other accessible spaces. A designated drop-off area will also be available for guests who may not be able to walk longer distances.
For Non-Drivers:
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has buses that connect with UMBC including CityLink Yellow (YW) & Purple (PR), LocalLink 37, 76 and 77. The Halethorpe MARC train station is 1.5 miles from UMBC’s campus. Consult the MTA website for route and schedule information. For app-based transportation please inform the driver that the destination is Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena at UMBC for the closest arrival point.
Wheelchair and Stair-Free Seating
UMBC’s CEI Arena has both wheelchair and accessible seating for guests who cannot manage stairs and/or use standard seating.
- Stair-free seating is located in each 100-level section with standard fold-down seating. Please preserve these seats (marked with accessibility icons) for guests who need them and one companion, while seating the remainder of the group in front of them, or as close as available seating permits.
- Wheelchair seating is available in Sections 108, 107, 106, 105 and 100 and are limited to the person who requires alternate seating and one companion due to space limitations. Please check in with Accessibility Services when you enter the Event Center for the smoothest experience.
- Degree candidates have a stair-free route upon arrival and throughout the ceremony. Those with disability-related needs are encouraged to request accommodations when registering to participate in Commencement. If they are not using provided seating, or have questions about managing with crutches or similar access concerns, they should email commencement@umbc.edu and include their ceremony and major to facilitate seating location, line-up arrangements and similar support.
Guests who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present at each ceremony. ASL seating will be available in section 104. Seating is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Please check with Accessibility Services when you enter the Event Center. Due to space limitations, ASL interpreter services seating may be restricted to the guest needing the service plus one companion.
Each ceremony will be captioned, both within CEI Arena and during the live stream.
Graduate accommodations
Graduates who are participating in the commencement ceremonies and would like to request accommodations for themselves can email commencement@umbc.edu for assistance.
Additional Information:
Accessible Seating Information and Seating Charts for CEI Arena.
UMBC Campus Map with Accessible Routes
Guests with mobility limitations may bring their own wheelchair or mobility devices for use with accessible and stair-free seating, and there are several rental locations nearby.
Prior to Commencement, send accessibility-related questions or concerns about commencement to commencement@umbc.edu. During the day of the event, staff will be on site, find us in the front lobby.