The University of Tennessee is committed to providing equal access for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in commencement ceremonies and related activities. Commencement staff work closely with campus partners to ensure appropriate accommodations are available for graduates, guests, faculty, and staff.

Graduates

Graduating students who require accommodations for commencement should indicate their needs when completing the commencement RSVP form received after applying to graduate. Students who use wheelchairs or have mobility-related concerns are encouraged to provide detailed information about their accommodation needs.

All graduates are seated in a reserved section on the arena floor. During the ceremony, graduates will access the stage via a ramp to greet their dean; no stairs are required. Information regarding elevator access is provided below.

Accessible Parking and Elevator Access

Please visit the Parking and Transportation Commencement webpage for the most current information regarding accessible parking locations and transportation services.

Wheelchair Accessibility Information

Designated wheelchair-accessible seating areas are available on the concourse level (third floor) for guests requiring wheelchair accommodations. Each guest using these designated areas may be accompanied by one companion. Guest tickets are not required, and accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that guests are not permitted on the arena floor.

The university does not provide wheelchairs; however, wheelchairs and other mobility devices may be rented through the following local providers:

Lamberts Healthcare

• Broadway Location: 865-523-1103
• Turkey Creek Location: 865-691-7305

Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals of Tennessee

• 865-280-3390

Mobility Plus Knoxville

• 865-217-0854

Guests with Mobility Concerns

Guest seating is primarily located in the lower bowl of the arena, with the upper bowl opening as overflow seating if needed.

All guest seating is first come, first served. Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to arrive early, as doors open 90 minutes before each ceremony and seating areas fill quickly.

From the concourse level, guests may need to navigate at least one step to access seating sections. We respectfully ask that the upper rows of each seating section remain available for guests with mobility needs. Guests are not permitted on the arena floor at any time.

Service Animals

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville welcomes guests accompanied by trained service animals. Service dogs must be individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability and must remain under the control of their handler at all times.

In accordance with university policy, emotional support animals are not permitted at commencement ceremonies.

Restrooms

Family restrooms are located near Sections 114 and 127 of Food City Center adjacent to the medical stations. Lactation rooms are available outside each family restroom. Access keys may be obtained from medical attendants stationed nearby.

Interpreter Services and Real-Time Captioning

Large video screens located throughout the arena will display the commencement ceremony and graduates as they cross the stage. Guests needing assistance locating accessible seating should contact an usher or commencement staff member.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be displayed on dedicated screens positioned on both sides of the stage throughout the ceremony.

Real-time captioning will be available on arena screens during each commencement ceremony and through the live webcast.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices are available upon request through the Arena Management Office. A valid photo ID is required and will be held until the device is returned.

For availability and assistance, contact Arena Management at 865-974-0953. Devices are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessible Commencement Programs

Printed commencement programs will be available on the concourse level of Food City Center.

A limited number of large-print programs (18-point font) will be available at each ceremony on a first-come, first-served basis.

Requests for Braille programs must be submitted at least two weeks before the ceremony by emailing [email protected]. Braille copies may be picked up on the concourse level during the event. Please consult commencement staff for assistance.

Medical Bag Check

Medical bag screening for all commencement events is located at Gate D on the east side of Food City Center.

Please note that diaper bags are not considered medical bags. All permitted items must be carried in a clear bag in accordance with venue policies.