Towson University makes several accommodations for persons with disabilities attending Commencement. These accommodations include the following and are described below in detail:
Degree candidates will receive one parking permit for their use. Parking will be limited, as such, degree candidates and their guests are strongly encouraged to carpool in the vehicle with the Commencement permit. Paratransit services will also be available for guests who need assistance getting from parking lots and garages to the entrance of the SECU Arena.
Degree candidates who do not have a candidate parking permit will be directed to park in the Union Garage. For those with mobility impairments, lift equipment shuttles will be available. Those needing assistance may speak with a staff member or call 410-704-RIDE.
Accessible parking spaces are located in lot 8, approximately 6-minute walking distance to the arena. The majority of parking is in the lot in front of the Towson Center. It is, approximately, a 5-minute walk through the Center to the Arena.
Shuttles from the garages or the lots on the other side of the stadium drop off in front of the Towson Center. Garage shuttles typically run every 3-5 minutes before and after the ceremonies, and every 15-20 minutes between ceremonies.
ParaTransit is on-demand from lots 4 & 5 on the other side of the stadium for those with mobility issues. Times could vary from a few minutes to 10-15 min. depending on current demand. Garage shuttles typically are running every 3-5 minutes before and after the ceremonies, and every 15-20 in the middle of the ceremonies.
Towson University offers accessible seating areas on both the North and South sides of SECU Arena. Guests who require accessible seating should notify an usher when they enter the arena.
The university can provide wheelchair transport from the Towson Center to the Arena for guests needing assistance. Elevators are available throughout the facility and all guests requiring a wheelchair must provide them for their own use.
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be present at each ceremony. This seating is located in section 104 in SECU Arena and anyone requiring ASL interpretation is welcome to sit in this area. Seating in this area is on a first come, first served basis. Notify an usher if you need seating near an ASL interpreter. This area is limited in seating, so please be courteous to other guests using these accommodations. Due to space limitations, interpreter services seating is available to the guest needing the service plus one additional companion only.
For Hard of Hearing guests, the ceremony in the stadium and live stream will be captioned. Additionally, there will be a QR code to access the live captions on your phone or other portable device during the ceremony.
Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in accordance with university policy are allowed at the ceremony. All other animals are prohibited from the commencement ceremonies. See the University Policy 06-18.00 for additional information.
Guest accommodation requests should be submitted via the Visitor Disability Accommodation Request Form with as much notice as possible. Requests received after April 30, 2023 will be processed, but we unfortunately cannot guarantee that specific accommodations can be made.