All candidates and guests requesting accommodations should complete the Accommodations Request Form by Friday, May 30.
A form must be filled out for EACH individual needing accommodations. Accommodations are not guaranteed, and accessible seating is first-come, first-served.
If you require a live interpreter, please select the hearing-impaired–live interpreter required/preferred option in the form. Live captioning will be available at the University-wide ceremony on the projected screens next to the stage.
FOR CANDIDATES (students):
- Fill out the Accommodations Request Form.
- If you are a candidate of the College, you will be seated in the front row accommodations seating area for the University-wide ceremony. The College staff will send information regarding accommodations at your College Diploma ceremonies approximately (1-2) weeks prior to Convocation.
- If you are a candidate of a Division or School and are seated in the front row accommodations seating area for the University-wide ceremony, you may not be able to be seated with your unit. Division and School staff will send information regarding accommodations at your unit-specific ceremonies approximately (1-2) weeks prior to Convocation.
FOR GUESTS:
- Fill out the Accommodations Request Form.
- At the University-wide ceremony, each guest requesting accommodations may be seated in the accommodations seating area with up to a maximum of two (2) companions. Additional companions will not be accommodated due to capacity restrictions.
- If you are attending a unit-specific Division or School ceremony, candidates will receive information from their division or school staff approximately (1-2) weeks prior to Convocation. This information will be shared with you
Parking
If you have a state-issued disability parking placard or plate, you are welcome to park on pre-marked handicapped spots. While we cannot guarantee availability, all University parking lots have ADA accessible parking. Additional Information on University parking lots is available on the Safety and Security Visitor Parking webpage. University of Chicago Maps provides information on accessible spaces in University parking lots.
Drop-Off Pass
On Convocation day, the majority of streets near the Main Quadrangle will be closed. The drop off pass allows a driver to drop off guests at the intersection of 59th Street and University Avenue, near the accommodations entrance. A map of the Accessibility and Accommodations entrance will be published closer to Convocation. The drop off pass is recommended for individuals who are mobile themselves and plan to transport guests with mobility limitations. This pass does not provide any reserved parking for the pass-holder.
To utilize this service, please fill out the Accommodations Request Form and you will receive a the drop off pass via email approximately one week prior to Convocation. Please plan to print the pass and place it on the dashboard of your transportation vehicle. The pass will alert police officers to direct the vehicle into the correct drop off line.
Accommodations Entrance
The accommodations entrance is located just north of the intersection of 59th Street and University Avenue. While it is designated for guests with accommodation needs who have submitted an Accommodations Request Form, it is open to all guests and congestion may occur.
The accommodations entrance is a 5-minute walk from the drop off point at 59th Street and University Avenue. A limited number of golf carts will be available to transport guests with limited mobility from the drop off point to the security check point. From the security check point, guests are allowed entry to the accommodations entrance.
Security
Guests must stop at a security checkpoint area before entering the Main Quadrangle. Please allow adequate time to get through security and check in.
All bags are subject to inspection. Items that may interfere with guests seeing or hearing the ceremony are not permitted. Guests will be asked to check over any items that are deemed not permissible within the Main Quadrangle. Following the University Convocation Ceremony, guests may pick-up those items at the same entrance.
Please refrain from bringing pets; service animals are permitted.
Accommodations Check-In
Following the security checkpoint, please proceed to the Accommodations tent to check in with staff. Please check in with the name of the person who filled out the Accommodations Request Form. It is important that all guests in your party are present to check in. Guests with accessibility needs will receive a wristband for themselves and up to a maximum of two (2) companions. Your wristband allows entry to the Accessibility and Accommodations seating area.
Accommodations Seating
Staff will escort you to the Accessibility and Accommodations seating area. A Convocation program, hand fan, and water bottle will be at your seat. Additional water stations can be found throughout the Main Quadrangle.
We will do our best to accommodate all guests who have filled out the Accommodations Request Form. However, seating is very limited and is first come, first served.
The seating area is uncovered and receives direct sunlight. All guests should arrive prepared for the weather and dress accordingly. Guests who prefer an indoor viewing location may view a live broadcast of the ceremony either in Kent Auditorium, Pick Hall, or Bond Chapel. These spaces are located within the Main Quadrangle. Seating is limited and early attendance is recommended.
A map will be published closer to the week of Convocation.
Accessible Restrooms
All portable restroom locations will have accessible portable restrooms. In addition, indoor accessible restrooms are located in buildings around the Main Quadrangle. Please note, Pick Hall is the closest location to the Accommodations Seating area for indoor accessible bathrooms.
Additional Resources
Wheelchair Rentals
The University of Chicago does not supply wheelchairs or scooters. To arrange for a wheelchair or scooter rental, please see below for a preferred rental company in the Chicagoland area.
Angelcare and Medical Equipment Supply Co.
66 E. 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: 773-602-2170
Email: angelcarerentals@gmail.com
Rental Request Form: https://angelcaremedical.com/rental-request-form/
Scootaround
2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 1-888-441-7575
Email: info@scootaround.com
Equipment Rental Quote: https://scootaround.com/en/rental-quote
Windy-City Wheelchair Service
1735 E. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60649
Phone: 773-420-3087 ext. 1
Email: Rent@windycitywheelchairservice.com
Rental Booking Form: https://windycitywheelchair.com/chicago-rental/
Wheelchair Shop, Inc.
635 S. La Grange Road, La Grange, IL 60525
Phone: 708-369-0438
Email: WheelchairShop1@gmail.com
For additional questions or concerns, please contact Convocation staff at convocation@uchicago.edu.
