Individuals with Disabilities

At Delaware State University we want to ensure that all our graduates and guests taking part in any commencement activities have the ability to participate fully and equally. If you are a graduate or a guest with a disability and feel you will need an accommodation in order to have equal access in any commencement-related event or you have any disability-related questions, please contact the Center for Disability Resources (CDR) no later than May 2, 2025.

The CDR can be reached via email at cdr [at] desu.edu or by phone at 302.857.7042.

PLEASE NOTE: The only animals allowed at the Commencement Ceremonies are Service Dogs. No other pets or emotional support animals are permitted.

Accommodative Measures Already in Place

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting will be available for the Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremonies. The interpreters will be featured on the jumbotrons for the entirety of the ceremonies.
Real-Time Closed Captioning (CART) will be available for the Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremonies.
Golf cart transport will be available from the parking areas to the location of the Commencement Ceremony for these individuals.
Wheelchair and Mobility Access
- ADA Parking
  - Specific parking lots/areas will be designated for Guests and Graduates with mobility impairments. To park in these lots, you must have a handicapped license plate, placard, or courtesy pass from the CDR.
  - Those needing ADA Parking should enter through Gate 1.
  - ADA/Wheelchair Accessible Shuttle: In addition to the courtesy golf cart transportation offered in all lots there will be ADA/Wheelchair accessible vans making loops in the lots designated for handicapped parking. Please look for the “ADA SHUTTLE” signs.
    - Guests with disabilities may have 1 companion ride with them on the Shuttle or golf cart, other members of the party should follow the signs and walk to the Ceremony location.
- Courtesy ADA Parking Pass – Deadline May 6th
  - If you do not have a handicapped license plate or hang tag but will be driving someone who needs disability access you can request a 1-day, Courtesy ADA Parking Pass for Commencement from the Center for Disability Resources (CDR).
  - Requesting a Courtesy ADA Parking Pass
    - Email cdr [at] desu.edu on or before May 6, 2025, and provide:
      - Name and D# of the Graduate
      - Which ceremony you are participating in (undergrad/grad)
      - Mailing address for Courtesy Pass
  - Requests received on or before April 28th – passes will be mailed to you by the CDR
  - Requests received from April 29th to May 6th – passes will not be mailed and must be picked up by the Graduate in person. The Graduate is also responsible for providing the pass to their guest before the day of Commencement.
    - Wednesday, May 7th between 1-4pm at the Washington House
    - Thursday, May 8th between 1-4pm at the Washington House
    - Immediately following the Mandatory Undergraduate Commencement Rehearsal (Undergraduates only)
  - No Courtesy Parking Pass requests will be accepted after Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
- Seating
  - Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony: A dedicated area for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments will be provided with signage on the field immediately in front of the first row of bleachers on the Home side and the first row of bleachers on either side of the stadium will be reserved. The Home bleachers have a wheelchair lift and the Away bleachers have a ramp. Guests may have one companion join them in this area. First come, first served no special tickets required.
  - Graduate Commencement Ceremony: A dedicated area for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments will be marked by. Guests may have one companion join them in this area. First come, first served no special tickets required.

(This section will be updated as more information becomes available; please check back often.)