Colgate strives to provide an experience that is accessible to all guests.
- Planning ahead: If you anticipate needing specific accessibility accommodations during the weekend, please email commencement@colgate.edu by May 3 to help ensure our ability to meet your request.
- Questions regarding accessibility at affinity group events should be directed to the organizers.
- While on campus: View the campus map for ADA Accessibility location information as well as information about any road or facility closures. If you have any other questions or concerns related to accessibility, please visit the Commencement Welcome Center.
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 when they pick up their caps and gowns.
For guests who are coming to Hamilton but prefer remaining indoors rain or shine, the ceremony will be broadcast into 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 be signing during the commencement ceremony and 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.
Closed Captioning
Event live streams will include closed captioning.
Service Animals
Colgate University 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 Colgate University buildings or tents, but are allowed in outdoor spaces.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms will be available at the commencement ceremony site. Additional facilities can be found on campus, including James C. Colgate 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.
Wheelchairs
We cannot provide wheelchairs. Please contact one of the following organizations if you need to borrow or rent one for the weekend.