Disability Accommodations
The University of Tennessee encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you are a graduating student or will have a guest with a disability that requires assistance at commencement, please fill in the appropriate section on the commencement RSVP form to make arrangements prior to the ceremony.
Disabled Parking and Elevator Access
Free parking will be available for graduates and their guests in the G-10 parking garage adjacent to the arena and on the Agriculture Campus in Lot CFN1. (For a campus map of these areas, visit http://www.utk.edu/maps/campus/. G-10 is in starting location #8; CFN1 is in starting location #5.)
G-10 has fifteen spaces reserved for disabled parking and is adjacent to the arena. The shuttles that transport guests from CFN1, however, are wheelchair accessible (including electric wheelchairs) and will take passengers directly to the arena. Guests with physical disabilities may access the concourse level (3rd floor) and students with physical disabilities may access the ground floor through the passenger elevator located inside the double-door entrance at McAlister's Deli on Phillip Fulmer Way.
Reserved Seating
Areas will be designated on the concourse level (3rd floor) for guests requiring wheelchairs . Please include information regarding these guests on the commencement RSVP form. One companion seat is allotted per guest in these designated areas. Additional companions may sit in the rows located directly in front of this area. Should you need assistance, please see an usher or commencement worker.
Guests with Mobility Concerns
Guests with mobility concerns may access the concourse level (3rd floor) through the passenger elevator located inside the double-door entrance at McAlister's Deli on Phillip Fulmer Way. From the concourse level, guests will need to go down a minimum of one step to enter the seating area. Large screens will project the commencement ceremony and each graduate as he/she crosses the stage, so guests need not sit close to the stage to have a "good seat."
Interpreter Services
A sign language interpreter (using American Sign Language) will be projected onto the large screens provided during commencement. Please include information regarding these guests on the commencement RSVP form.
Braille Copies of Commencement Program
A limited number of commencement programs printed in Braille will be available at the ceremony. Please let a commencement worker know a copy is needed, and he/she will be happy to locate one for you. Please list guests who will use a Braille copy of the program on the commencement RSVP form.
Additional Needs
If you or your guests anticipate needing any other type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please call Heather Cockrum at (865) 974-4377 or email at hcockrum@utk.edu prior to the ceremony.