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Accessible Ceremony Seating

Graduating students were asked to identify guests who would need to reserve accessible seating tickets for the ceremony through their Commencement Checklist. The tickets will be distributed to the graduates. Please note that accessible ceremony seating is reserved for individuals requiring mobility assistance, not hearing assistance.

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices for guests during commencement weekend. Guests who require mobility assistance are encouraged to bring their own personal mobility device. Please contact one of the following organizations if you need to borrow or rent a wheelchair for the weekend.

For guests who are coming to Hamilton but prefer to remain indoors, rain or shine, the ceremony will be broadcast in the Class of 1965 Arena (no ticket needed). The facility is wheelchair accessible and will open at 9 a.m.

Sign Language Interpreting

ASL interpreters will sign during the commencement ceremony and the baccalaureate service.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices will be available during the commencement ceremony. Graduating students were asked to identify guests who need to reserve a unit through their Commencement Checklist. Upon arrival, guests can speak with an usher, who will direct them to the equipment sign-out table. We will ask for a driver's license or other identification at sign-out.

Language Translation Services

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø has secured Spanish translation services for the commencement ceremony, which can be accessed with a smartphone or tablet. If you choose to listen, please bring your own headphones. The translation will be available via a link provided on the day of the ceremony.

Closed Captioning

Event live streams will include closed captioning.

Service Animals

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø welcomes the service animals of our guests to the campus, including commencement weekend events. Service animals must remain under the control of their handler and not cause a disruption to the event. Commencement staff may need to relocate a guest’s seat if the service animal impacts fire code regulations or cannot reasonably fit within the space provided by the individual’s seat.

Please note that, per University policy, pets and assistance animals (often known as emotional support or comfort animals) are not allowed in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø buildings or tents, and we ask that you leave your pet at home for the safety of all graduates, guests, and your pet.

Accessible Restrooms

Accessible restrooms will be available at the commencement ceremony site. Additional facilities can be found on campus, including James C. ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Student Union and Little Hall. See the campus map for details.

Parking

ADA-accessible parking and drop-off locations will be available for individuals with disabilities and those with limited mobility for the Friday commencement dinner and Sunday commencement ceremony. Please understand that non-disabled drivers will be asked to move their cars to general parking after dropping off a guest with accessibility needs. 

Drop-off

For safety reasons on this busy thoroughfare, please do not plan for any drop-offs on Broad Street (NY State HWY 12B) and only use designated drop-off locations.

Golf Carts

Staff members will be driving golf carts on Sunday to help transport guests parked in accessible parking lots to commencement ceremony seating. Please plan to arrive early to ensure you can be seated before the ceremony starts.

More Questions?

Contact University Events: commencement@colgate.edu; 315-228-4444

Please include your full name, email address, and phone number as well as your specific questions with your outreach.