Accessibility and Accommodations

The following accommodations are available for guests with accommodation needs who are attending the University-wide Convocation ceremony taking place at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Guests who require accommodations and who are attending Class Day on Friday, May 31, a College diploma ceremony or an individual division and school ceremony, should fill out the Accommodations Request Form and will receive information from corresponding division and school staff approximately (1-2) weeks prior to Convocation. Candidates who require accommodations may refer to the Student Requests section below.

Accessible seating is available for guests with disabilities and up to two (2) companions. It is important to note that additional companions may not be accommodated due to capacity restrictions. This is to ensure that the area remains safe and comfortable for individual’s using wheelchairs, persons with limited mobility, and/or guests with visual or hearing impairments. If you require a live interpreter, please select the hearing-impaired– live interpreter required/preferred option in the Accommodations Request Form. Live captioning will be available on the projected screens next to the stage.

To make arrangements, the University asks that you submit your request(s) by completing the Accommodations Request Form. Please note that your party’s reservation will be under the name of the person who fills out this form. A form must be filled out for EACH individual needing accommodations.

Accessible seating opens at 7:00 a.m. and is first-come first-served.

Accessible Parking

If you have a state-issued disability parking placard or plate, you are welcome to park on pre-marked handicapped spots on campus, but we cannot guarantee their availability. University of Chicago Maps provides information on accessible spaces in University parking lots. For additional information on accessible parking, please visit Accessible Parking webpage.    

Accommodations Entrance and Seating

While the Main Quadrangles are open year-round with multiple entry points, for the University’s 538th Convocation, a fence is erected restricting access to all but three security-staffed entrances. 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 about a 5-minute walk from the drop off point located at 59th Street and Woodlawn Avenue. There will be a limited number of golf carts available to transport guests from the drop off point to the security check point. From the security check point, guests are allowed entry to the accommodations entrance.

Security Checkpoint

At the accommodations entrance to the Main Quadrangles, all guests must stop at a security checkpoint area. Please allow yourself 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 Quadrangles. Following the University Convocation Ceremony, guests may pick-up those items at the same entrance.

Please refrain from bringing pets; service animals are permitted.

Umbrellas and strollers are permitted.

Seating

Following the security checkpoint, please proceed to the Accommodations tent where you will check in with staff and receive wristband(s) that will allow you entrance to the Accessibility and Accommodations seating area on the Main Quadrangle. Your party’s reservation will be under the name of the person who filled out the Accommodations Request Form, so it is important that all guests in your party are present in order to check in. Once checked in, all guests in your party will receive a red wristband which allows entry to the seating area. A team member will then escort you to your seat where you will find a clear plastic bag that contains a Convocation program, and hand fan. A water bottle will also be at your seat. Water stations can be found throughout the Main Quadrangles. Due to limited space for seating, we encourage you to fill out an Accommodations Request Form so we are aware of your need(s). We will do our best to accommodate all guests who have filled out the form. As noted, guests with disabilities will receive a wristband for themselves and up to two (2) companions.

The security check point, the accessibility and accommodations check in area and the seating area are all outdoors. The seating area itself is uncovered and receives direct sunlight. It is recommended that all guests dress accordingly and arrive prepared for the weather.

Please see below for alternative viewing options available on campus.

Alternative Viewing Options

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.

Drop Off Passes

On Convocation day, the majority of streets near the Main Quadrangle are closed due to Convocation activities and safety for all participants and guests. Drop-off passes allow a driver to drop off a guest with mobility issues near the Main Quadrangle on Convocation day. Drivers then either leave campus or park their vehicle elsewhere on campus if staying for Convocation activities. This pass does not provide any reserved parking for the holder. These passes are recommended for individuals who will be transporting guests with mobility concerns but who are mobile themselves.

To utilize this service, please fill out the Accommodations Request Form and you will receive a drop off pass via email approximately one week prior to Convocation. When you receive this drop off pass, please place it on the dashboard of the vehicle wishing to drop guest(s) off so that police officers can direct the car into the drop off queue. The drop off location is at the corner of 59th Street and University Ave.

Accessible Restrooms

​Throughout the weekend, accessible portable restrooms will be available wherever portable restrooms are situated. In addition, 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.

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.

Howard Medical
3450 N. Kostner Avenue, Chicago IL 60641
Phone: 773-278-1440
Email: info@howardmedical.com

Scootaround
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive S, Chicago IL 60616
Phone: 1-888-441-7575
Email: info@scootaround.com

Wheelchair Rental Pros
66 E. 71st Street, Chicago IL 60619
Phone: 312-404-8802

Windy-City Wheelchair Service
1735 E. 75th Street, Chicago IL 60649
Phone: 773-420-3087

Wheelchair Shop, Inc.
635 S. La Grange Road, La Grange IL 60525
Phone: 708-369-0438
Email: WheelchairShop1@gmail.com

Student Requests

Candidates needing accommodations and who are participating in the University-wide Convocation Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. should fill out the Accommodations Request Form. Please note, candidates of graduate schools and divisions seated in the accommodations seating area for the main ceremony may not be able to be seated with their unit. For individual division and school ceremonies, candidates with special accommodation requests should contact their Dean of Students Office for guidance and inquiries. Candidates who request special accommodations for individual division and school ceremonies will receive information from corresponding division and school staff approximately (1-2) weeks prior to Convocation.

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