Disability Accessibility

Disability Accessibility

Navigating Liberty’s Campus during Commencement involves considerable walking, often through congested areas. Please be aware that the Commencement ceremonies require graduates to stand for periods of time and/or use stairs to access the stage where you are recognized. We recognize that these factors may present challenges for some individuals, and we’re dedicated to providing equal access to all students. To ensure the best possible experience, we encourage graduates to plan and communicate their needs with us in advance. While we are here to assist, graduates are responsible for planning ahead to make their participation as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Graduates that require access that isn’t addressed in published Commencement information can email Commencement@liberty.edu.

Venue Accommodations – Degree Presentation Ceremonies

All major sidewalks throughout campus, as well as the entryways to each major venue, are ADA-accessible and designed to accommodate mobility devices such as wheelchairs and powered chairs. Ramps, automatic doors, and wide pathways ensure smooth navigation, allowing all guests to move comfortably between locations. In addition, the following accommodations are in place for degree presentation ceremonies.

Vines Center:

• An elevator is located between seating sections 111 and 112 that provides graduates access to the court level of the venue. Choosing floor 1 leads to court level.
• A few steps are required to access the stage where you will receive recognition. A handrail is in place.
• A stage lift will be in place to provide stage access for graduates using powered mobility equipment or a wheelchair. Please email Commencement@liberty.edu if you need to use the stage lift for access.
• ADA seating for guests is located along the concourse level of the venue at each seating section.
• ASL interpreters will be at the bottom of seating section 116.

Liberty Arena:

• An elevator is located near section 16 of the Arena and provides access to the court level of the venue.
• A few steps are required to access the stage where you will receive recognition. A handrail is in place.
• A stage lift will be in place to provide stage access for graduates using powered mobility equipment or a wheelchair. Please email Commencement@liberty.edu if you need to use the stage lift for access.
• ADA seating for guests is in seating sections 7, 9, 12, 14, 17 and 20 along the concourse level of the venue.
• ASL interpreters will be at the bottom of seating section 13.

Thomas Road Baptist Church:

• A few steps are required to access the stage where you will receive recognition. A handrail is in place.
• A ramp with access to the staging area is located to the left of the stage (if you’re facing the front of the room). The ramp is located behind a set of double doors.
• ADA seating inside the sanctuary is located along the middle of the room, in the open area that separates the front and back seating sections.
• ASL interpreters will be positioned in the front-right seating section near the stage. Please see a staff member for directions.

Liberty University Multipurpose Center:

• This venue is one level. Any open seating areas would serve as accessible ADA seats.
• A few steps are required to access the stage where you will receive recognition. A handrail is in place.
• A stage lift will be in place to provide stage access for graduates using powered mobility equipment or a wheelchair. Please email Commencement@liberty.edu if you need to use the stage lift for access.
• ASL interpreters will be at the front right seating section near the stage. Please see a staff member for directions.

Liberty School of Music Concert Hall:

• An elevator is available to the right of the lobby (with DeMoss Hall at your back). Take the elevator down one level, then exit to the right. A nearby door will lead you directly into the Concert Hall. Once inside, graduate seating, ADA seating for guests, and the stage can be accessed via small ramps.
• ASL interpreters will be at the front of seating section 103 near the left side of the stage.

Williams Stadium:

• Graduates are seated on the football field and use the stadium steps to access field level. If you’re unable to navigate stairs or inclines, please email Commencement@liberty.edu to discuss alternative options for field access.
• Accessible bathroom trailers will be set up behind the staging area.
• A few steps are required to access the stage where you will receive recognition. A handrail is in place.
• A stage lift will be in place to provide stage access for graduates using powered mobility equipment or a wheelchair. Please email Commencement@liberty.edu if you need to use the stage lift for access.
• ADA seating for guests is available along the concourse level on both sides of the stadium.
• ASL interpreters will be at the bottom of seating section 109.

Parking Accommodations – Degree Presentation Ceremonies

Guests needing ADA parking should use the designated ADA parking lots on campus. A valid handicapped parking permit is required for access into these lots. If you do not have a permit, your local DMV may be able to provide a temporary pass for Commencement weekend.

Please see the Commencement Weekend Guide to view a parking map of campus.

ADA Parking Locations:

• Thomas Road Baptist Church
• DeMoss Hall parking lot
• Tennis parking lot
• Speakman parking lot
• North Campus Garage
• Academic Commons Garage

Shuttle Services:
Complimentary ADA accessible shuttles will operate near all parking locations for additional transport. Shuttle stops will be marked with a banner flag. All shuttles are equipped to accommodate individuals using mobility devices such as wheelchairs and powered chairs.

Please note that the shuttle service makes multiple stops along its route, which may add to travel time. Guests using the shuttle service should plan accordingly and allow extra time to ensure they arrive at their events on schedule.

Main Ceremony – Parking & Seating Accommodations

ADA Parking:
Guests needing ADA parking for the Main Ceremony can enter campus at two different locations, via Candler’s Mountain Road or the Wards Road tunnel at 3501 Wards Road.  Guests choosing to park at the Speakman Lot should enter campus via the tunnel entrance off Wards Road, turn right onto Regents Parkway, and follow the road around campus to the ADA checkpoint.  Valid ADA credentials are required for entry into the Speakman lot.

Guests choosing to park at the North Campus Parking Garage should enter campus via Candler’s Mountain Road and follow all posted signage and direction from law enforcement officers in the roadway.  Valid ADA credentials are required for entry into this garage.  Shuttle services will be available from North Campus Parking Garage to the front gate of Williams Stadium.

Shuttle Services:
Complimentary ADA accessible shuttles will operate near all parking locations for additional transport. Shuttle stops will be marked with a banner flag. All shuttles are equipped to accommodate individuals using mobility devices such as wheelchairs and powered chairs.

Please note that the shuttle service makes multiple stops along its route, which may add to travel time. Guests using the shuttle service should plan accordingly and allow extra time to ensure they arrive at their events on schedule.

ADA Seating:
Guests needing ADA seating are encouraged to arrive early. The gates to Williams Stadium will open at 3:00 pm on Friday, May 9th. ADA seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis along the concourse level on both sides of the stadium and is not reserved in advance. Guests may bring seat cushions or chair backs for added comfort. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend arriving early to settle in before the ceremony. Pre-roll footage featuring highlights from campus life will be shown leading up to the event. Concessions and accessible restrooms are available along the entire concourse level.

To ensure that ADA seating remains available for those who need it, we kindly ask that each ADA guest be accompanied by no more than one companion in the designated ADA seating area. This will help preserve space for other guests who require ADA accommodations. Additional family members are welcome to sit nearby in other seating sections.

Main Ceremony – Accommodations for Graduate Participation

Graduates are asked to report to Osborne Stadium (Liberty’s soccer field) by 5:00 p.m. to prepare for the student processional, where the graduating class marches into Williams Stadium to Pomp & Circumstance. Osborne Stadium is located directly next to the football field and serves as the graduate lineup area. There are stadium bleachers available in Osbourne Stadium for graduates to sit in while waiting for the processional to begin.

The route for the processional includes a small incline as you transition from Osbourne Stadium to Williams Stadium.

The processional will begin around 5:30 p.m., and continues at a slow pace, as several thousand graduates will be walking together. All graduates will be seated on the football field by 7:00 p.m.

Additional Notes:

• If you use personal mobility equipment (i.e., wheelchair, powered chair, walker) we recommend that one family member accompanies you to the lineup field and stays with you during the processional march. This family member can be seated on the field with you. We ask that they wear navy blue, to match the color of Liberty’s cap and gown.
• Graduates are not required to participate in the processional march. Those who choose not to participate can watch the Main Ceremony with their guests from Williams Stadium general seating.
• If you would like to skip the processional but still sit on the football field for the Main Ceremony please notify a staff member when you arrive to be seated on the field early.
• At the conclusion of the Main Commencement Ceremony, graduates will exit the football field along designated pathways. A designated ADA accessible field exit is located to the right of the stage. Please be aware that due to the large number of participants and guests leaving at the same time, exit wait times may be long, and movement may be slow. We appreciate your patience as staff work to ensure a safe and orderly exit for everyone.
• If you have any questions or concerns about participating in the Main Ceremony please email Commencement@liberty.edu.

FAQ:

• Does the University offer mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters?
  • No, the University does not provide mobility devices for guests and graduates.  If mobility assistance is needed, we recommend renting or bringing a personal wheelchair or device.
• Does the University provide aides or staff to assist individuals with walking, standing, or transferring?
  • No, the University does not provide personal aides for guests and graduates.  Graduates and guests needing mobility support should bring a personal caregiver or attendant.

Additional information: