Tips for Attending University of Maine Commencement Ceremonies May 11

University of Maine 2013 Commencement is May 11, with ceremonies at 10 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.

People attending Commencement are urged to park in the Collins Center Parking 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: Steam Plant, Belgrade, Hilltop and Buchanan Alumni House.

The ceremonies will be broadcast live in Bennett Hall in the event that Alfond Arena reaches its legally allowable capacity as determined by the Orono fire marshal. Captioned, live video streaming will be available online for both the morning and afternoon ceremonies.

Backpacks and large bags of any type brought to Alfond Arena during Commencement will be searched at the entrance. People are strongly encouraged to leave large bags and any unnecessary items in their vehicles. Strollers are prohibited in 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 the floor.

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 the Alfond Arena, where University Volunteer Ambulance Corps personnel will be available to assist attendees.

Visitors are reminded that the University of Maine is a tobacco-free campus.