For Graduates With Special Needs (Other Than Sign Language Interpreters): please contact Ms. Suzi Gould, Commencement Coordinator, at commencement@umit.maine.edu or (207) 581.1516, prior to Friday, May 3rd, if you need special arrangements or assistance. The student line-of-march will start at the Field House and process to Alfond Arena. You will also process from your seat to the stage to receive your diploma folder and return back to your seat. It is imperative that you call so arrangements can be made for you.
For Families and Guests: The Harold Alfond Sports Arena is accessible. Special seating will be provided on the ground level of the Arena. Seats are not reserved. They are on a first come, first serve basis. There is an elevator at the south end of the Arena, individuals with special needs are encouraged to use it. Families may sit together, unless the number exceeds four. If the number exceeds four, we respectfully request that you leave the ground level seats for those in need plus one or two for their assistants. Tickets and/or special passes are not used.
Please Note: Individuals who are seated on the floor will not be allowed to approach the stage or stand in the aisles for photographs at any time during the ceremony. In addition, any departure from the floor must occur by using the exits at the rear of the arena. This will be strictly enforced by our ushers.
Overflow Seating: Should the arena fill to capacity, determined by the fire marshal, guests will be directed to Bennett Hall where the ceremony will be on a live video stream.
Captioning
Interpreters and Listening Receiver Information
Large display screens at both ends of the Alfond Arena enable us to provide captioning for all attendees. Listening receivers can be made available as well. If you have need of these, please call Ann Smith, Director of Disability Support Services, TTY (207) 581.2325 or voice (207) 581.2319 or E-mail: Ann.Smith@umit.maine.edu prior to Friday, May 3rd. Letting us know your needs as soon as possible will allow us to provide you with the best possible accommodations.
Parking: Parking for handicapped license plates or placards is designated in red on the Commencement Parking Shuttle Map located on the Commencement website. The Special Needs Parking Entrance will be at the north end of Alfond Arena. Look for directional signs. You may also elect to drop off those who have difficulty walking distances but please be cautioned that traffic will be heavy. Accessible shuttle buses will be available from designated parking lots around campus. See Commencement Parking Shuttle Map (www.umaine.edu/commencement) for route and pick-up/drop off points. If you have a special needs placard, (including out-of-state) please display it appropriately. Please feel free to contact the Parking Office, located at (207) 581.4047 if you have any questions.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are also located at the ground level of Alfond Arena.
Telephone: A portable TTY will be available in the Operations Office, south end of Alfond Arena, ground level.
Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs are available to transport guests with special needs to their seats; however, they must be released for others to use. If you need a wheelchair for the entire ceremony, please call Black Bear Medical at (207) 992.2337 or www.blackbearmedical.com for rental assistance.
Caution: The ceremonies are expected to last approximately 90 minutes. Driving time to the campus will be slow as heavy traffic is expected. It will take you approximately 1 hour to leave campus after the ceremony, so please plan accordingly.