UTEP Graduation Ceremonies

May 18, 2013

The Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS) provides services during the UTEP graduation ceremonies for students and members of the community that will be attending these events. There are separate sections in the following text for:

• Students that are participating in the graduation ceremonies, and for
• Members of their families and guests.

Services for students with disabilities that are participating in the ceremonies:

Degree Candidates with disabilities needing accommodations to participate during the ceremonies are asked to contact their college, school, or department representative to ensure proper arrangements are made prior to arrival. Once notified, CASS will provide these students with services prior to and during the ceremonies.

Such services include:

• Pre-admission to the ceremony
• Preferred seating in the case of mobility/hearing impairment
• An accessible entrance for students with mobility-related disabilities

For all participating students, ramps are available to ensure access to the stage during the ceremony. Please contact our office in advance if you need special accommodation during the event.

Prior to May 18, 2013 please contact:

The Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS)
Union Building East, Room 106
Phone: (915) 747-5148
Email: cass@utep.edu

Listed below you will find the names and phone numbers of the CASS designated staff that are available to assist families and guests of the graduates during the three ceremonies on May 18, 2013.  For individuals needing wheelchair accessibility, CASS staff will also be available in the Guest Services area. Guest Services is located inside the East entrance of the Don Haskins Center.

**Staff member names are subject to change upon availability**

Services for family members with Disabilities:

For visitors with disabilities, additional services will be provided during Commencement ceremonies such as:

• A reserved seating section for deaf or hard of hearing guests requiring sign language interpreting services.
• A limited number of wheelchairs will be available only for transportation within the Don Haskins Center. Such assistance is available at each of the main building entrances.  It is recommended that those with wheelchairs, walkers, canes and strollers use the North and East entrances.
• For those with their own wheelchair, the CASS staff can help identify the accessible seating sections. 
• Ushers will direct you to the designated accessible seating sections. Only one family member may accompany the individual in these designated areas. All other family members must find seating as available. Please note; limited seating is available for family members needing assistance.
• Seating on the floor level is limited to only those that are directly participating in the ceremony.

Other specifications:

• The Glory Road Parking Garage located on Glory Rd. and Mesa Street, is accessible for individuals with disabilities and is equipped with an elevator. All family members and guests with mobility impairments will need to enter the Don Haskins Center via the Mesa Street entrances only. The Dons Haskins Center is not accessible via the South tunnel.
• Use of courtesy wheelchairs are strictly limited only to areas inside the Don Haskins Center.
• It is recommended that any passenger needing assistance be dropped off at the East Entrance of the Don Haskins Center via Mesa Street. CASS Staff will be available with wheelchairs to assist guests to the available seating locations reserved for people with disabilities. Following the ceremony, staff will also assist guests in returning to the drop-off location.
• For the easiest building access, please park in the accessible parking lot R-3 via the North entrance of the Don Haskins Center as indicated below. Please use Sun Bowl Drive to access lot R-3.

Accessible parking areas are located in the following map in gray:

Disclaimer:

Please note the CASS staff cannot take responsibility for any personal items such as strollers, walkers, canes, or any other items for the duration of the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

For family members and friends attending the graduation ceremonies

Q: I have a disabled or elderly passenger who cannot walk very far. What should I do?

A: Drop the passenger off at the East entrance (off Mesa Street) of the Don Haskins Center. Staff will be available with wheelchairs to assist guests to accessible seating locations that are reserved for people with disabilities. Following the ceremony, staff will also assist guests in returning to the drop-off location.

Please Note: A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available as a courtesy to transport guests with special needs to the reserved seating section. These wheelchairs are not available for use during the duration of the program.

Q: My family member is deaf or hard of hearing. Will an interpreter or any other accommodations be provided?

A: A reserved seating section for deaf or hard of hearing guests requiring sign language interpreting services will be available. Please be aware that all three graduation ceremonies will have ASL Interpreter signing for the duration of the ceremony.

If you have further questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact our office at:

The Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS)
Union Building East, Room 106
Phone: (915) 747-5148; Fax: (915) 747-8712
Email: cass@utep.edu