Tips for attending UMaine’s Commencement ceremonies May 12

The University of Maine’s 2018 Commencement is May 12, with ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Alfond Sports Arena.

Motorists in the Orono area will encounter heavier traffic than usual throughout much of the day.

Anyone attending Commencement should plan to arrive early. Doors open at 8 a.m. for the morning ceremony; 1 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony.

People attending Commencement are urged to park in the Collins Center Lot on campus, where three shuttle buses will transport them to the arena. The Collins Center Lot is easily reached by traveling on Rangeley Road and following signs.

Shuttle buses also will provide transportation to Alfond Arena from the following parking lots: the Steam Plant Lot on College Avenue, Belgrade Lot on Belgrade Road, Hilltop Lot on Rangeley Road and Buchanan Alumni House at College Avenue and Munson Road.

Backpacks and large bags of any type cannot be brought to Alfond Arena during Commencement. People are strongly encouraged to leave large bags and any unnecessary items in their vehicles. Strollers may not be set up in the aisles of Alfond Arena.

Spectators are not allowed on the Commencement floor for any purpose, including photos. Only professional photographers hired by the university with proper credentials are permitted to photograph the ceremony from floor level.

Students are asked to remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.

Vehicles with handicapped plates or placards can be parked in the Satellite Lot behind Alfond Stadium. There will be a designated handicapped drop-off area on the side of Alfond Arena, where University Volunteer Ambulance Corps personnel will be available to assist attendees. Entrance to the drop-off area will be the same as the Reserved SkyBox Parking Area. The entry point will be plainly marked from College Avenue at Tunk Road, behind Alfond Stadium.