2009 Political Science Commencement
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

If you or any of your guests have a hearing loss that will require a sign language interpreter or real-time captioner, please email the department at polisci_commencement@lists.berkeley.edu by April 2009 (tba). Advance notice is required to ensure the best possible arrangements.

Guests using wheelchairs or who need to limit stair use should contact polisci_commencement@lists.berkeley.edu by May 2009 (tba) to inquire about seating arrangements. Reserved seating is available for guests in wheelchairs and guests who need to limit stairs. Due to space constraints, seating in the reserved area is limited to one companion for each disabled guest.

Graduating students who use a wheelchair or expect to be using crutches or a cane on Commencement Day should contact Suzanne or Efrat in 296 Barrows (or email psadvise@berkeley.edu) to arrange seating and plan access to and from the stage.

IMPORTANT! We recommend that guests reserving space in either the wheelchair section or accessible section arrive when the gates open at 1:00pm, in order to be seated before the crowds arrive. The department will reply to those requesting reserved space with an entrance ticket. Please bring this ticket with you to confirm your space in the reserved section.

Please keep in mind that the Greek Theatre is an outdoor amphitheatre and the audience faces directly into the sun. There is no shade. Fire regulations require that guests in wheelchairs sit in the wheelchair section. Guests in the special seating area will be sitting on metal folding chairs, which may get hot, so seat cushions are recommended. All guests should wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and layered clothing, and bring plenty of water.

Parking

Drivers with disabled placards or license plates may park in the Bowles Lot ($10 fee) or in any disabled-designated campus space. The entrance to the Bowles Lot is on Stadium Rim Way, just around the corner from Gayley Road, immediately south of the Greek Theatre. Reservations are not required. There's plenty of parking in the Bowles lot but some of it is uphill and the pavement is uneven, so arrive early for the most accessible spaces.

For additional information about accessible parking, please visit the Parking and Transportation website.

Traffic is likely to be heavy around the campus and parking may be difficult, so be sure to allow plenty of time to get there.