Notify the Commencement Office of Accessibility Needs
Students/Guests should notify the Commencement Office of any special accommodations requested to participate/attend the 2024 Commencement ceremonies.
Fill out the Accessibility Notification Form by Saturday, April 20, 2024.
Parking/ Drop-Off
Students/Guests who have a handicap parking placard may park in Lot F, directly in front of the Events Center. For those who do not have a parking placard, but need to utilize the ADA Accessible entrance, they may be dropped off in front of the Events Center. Refer to the campus map to see referenced parking lots. If you can display your parking placard when you pull onto campus, it will help our Police and Parking staff direct you to the correct parking lot.
The ADA Accessible entrance will be at the far left of the Events Center (there will be a sign). Students/Guests may enter there and check in at the Guest Services table. There will be volunteers to assist with seating and additional information.
Accessibility Seating for Guests
Limited accessibility seating is located around the top of the concourse. We cannot guarantee seats for everyone in your party in this section, as we have to ensure there is enough space for other guests with limited mobility. We can typically allow at least one family member to sit with the guest requiring limited accessibility seating. If there are other guests in your group who do not require limited accessibility seating, they may be able to sit nearby, at the top of the bleacher seating (just below the Limited Accessibility Seating).
Sign Language and Captioning
A sign language interpreter is present at all Commencement ceremonies. The interpreter will be seated in front of the west side of the stage. This is the left side as you enter the venue and look at the stage. To request seating with a clear view of the interpreter fill out the Accessibility Notification Form. The ceremony captions are located at the bottom of the jumbotron which is visible from anywhere in the Events Center.
Wheelchairs
We highly recommend bringing a wheelchair or transport chair to campus. We have a limited supply of wheelchairs, which we can lend for transport from the front door to a seat, however we cannot leave the chair with each person, as we may need it for another person. If you require a wheelchair to get you to your seat, the volunteer who lent you the wheelchair will return at the end of the ceremony to transport you back to the front door.
Wheelchair Rentals
Penn York Medical
(607) 773-3622
69 Main St. Binghamton, NY 13905
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are located on the East and West side of the Events Center. If you need to be seated near a bathroom, be sure to notify the volunteer at the Guest Services Table. Student bathrooms will be located on the floor level, if you need to be seated near a bathroom - please be sure to note that on the Accessibility Notification Form.
FM System
The Events Center has FM systems (wireless assistive hearing devices). If you require an FM system, fill out the Accessibility Notification Form and visit the Guest Services table located at the Accessible Entrance to the far left of the Event Center entry doors.
Graduate Seating and Processional/Recessional
Graduating students who require disability accommodations should fill out the Accessibility Notification Form AND reach out to the Commencement Office, commence@binghamton.edu to discuss the best option for them.
- Graduates may choose to process/recess in with the other graduates, or they may choose to sit in the student section during the processional/recessional. (Graduates have the ability wait in the Student Check-in area until closer to the ceremony).
- Graduates may choose to be on stage for the entire ceremony, or they may choose to sit in the student section and utilize a lift when it is time to cross the stage.
The lift is located behind drape directly behind the stage left stairs. The Commencement Office works with each student to ensure their name is read in the correct order. The graduate then poses for their photo and may return to the lift to then go back to their seat. Graduates may also choose to remain on stage for the remainder of the ceremony after their name is announced.
Additional Questions or Concerns:
Contact the Commencement Office at commence@binghamton.edu.
