Accessibility
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is committed to promoting the full participation of all individuals with disabilities in our commencement ceremony. Here is information pertaining to accommodations made for individuals with disabilities:
Livestreaming of the Ceremony
The entire commencement ceremony will be livestreamed with both open and closed captioning and can be watched in real time on UMB’s Commencement homepage at www.umaryland.edu/commencement.
Guests who are hearing impaired and require American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, please reach out to Events@umaryland.edu or 410-706-8035 and provide the name of the guest and contact information no later than April 21.
Parking
The UMB commencement ceremony will be held at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), which is located right off major interstates and roads.
There are over 1,000 parking spaces in the four dedicated lots adjacent to Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, with additional lots and parking garages located on campus within walking distance. Parking during the event is free to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessible Parking
There are a limited number of disabled parking spots directly next to the arena. Disabled tags must be displayed. Additional information and directions to the arena can be found at the link below.
NOTE: Traffic and parking can easily become congested around the circular entrances to the UMBC campus. We highly recommend arriving one hour before the ceremony. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Graduates must arrive by 8 a.m.
Seating
Seating is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is recommended.
Accessible Seating
Wheelchair accessible seating is located in several locations throughout the venue.
Designated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seating areas are in the following locations*:
- Section 100
- Section 105
- Section 106
- Section 107
- Section 108
*Certain sections may not be available depending on stage location.
The arena’s 200-level sections are not ADA accessible. Guest must access the second level via the stairs from the concourse.
Graduate Seating
Students will process into the arena led by school marshals and will be seated by school on the main floor. Students will process to the stage by ramp access not stairs.
Special Requests from Degree Candidates
If you need any specific accommodation for the ceremony, including stage access, please contact University Events at Events@umaryland.edu so we can assist you further.
Wheelchair Escorts
Patrons with mobility impairments who do not have access to a wheelchair may request a wheelchair to transport the individual to/from their seat, free of charge. Please be aware that arena personnel cannot remain with you during the event, nor will they allow you to remain in or keep the wheelchair for the duration of the event. In the event a patron requires the use of a wheelchair for the duration of the event, we recommend bringing your own wheelchair or other mobility device.
Service Animals
Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed at the commencement ceremony. All other animals are prohibited from the ceremony.
If you or a member of your party is bringing a service animal, we strongly recommend that you contact the venue in advance. The venue offers seating locations throughout the arena that will provide a dedicated space for the animal.
Contact Information
Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250
(443) 612-3840
https://www.chesapeakeemployersinsurancearena.com/p/about/contact-us