• Commencement Information

  • Attire and Flowers
  • Accessibility Information
  • Diplomas
  • Graduation Eligibility, Application and Fees
  • Latin Honors and Regalia
  • Parking Information
  • Alcohol Policy, Prohibited Items and Clear Bag Checks
  • Traditions, Memorabilia, & Mementos
  • Weather Policy
  • School Marshals
  • The Hub
• Previous Commencements

In an effort to effectively support the celebration of our students, we have compiled accessibility information to assist guests attending College of Charleston commencement ceremonies.

If you are a guest with a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at eop@cofc.edu at least 10 business days in advance of the ceremony.

If you are a student with a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Center for Disability Services at least 10 business days in advance of the ceremony.
 
Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available on a first come, first served basis in TD Arena (Winter Commencement) and Cistern Yard (May Commencement).

Accessible Parking
Persons with a valid state-issued placard can park in a garage free of charge. Upon exiting, the driver must present their driver's license to the cashier for verification. Cashier hours vary by location; please check signage at the garage entrance for cashier hours to ensure one will be on duty when you exit.

Visitors to the College of Charleston who require accessible parking should park at a meter or in a garage.

TD Arena

Disability-related accommodations will be made available for guests with wheelchairs, limited mobility, or in need of services for the hearing impaired.

To help facilitate all guests needing accommodation, one additional guest can accompany the guest who requires the accessibility accommodation. All additional guests are welcome to sit in the open seating directly in front of these sections on a first come, first served basis.

For guests with wheelchairs or with limited mobility, ushers will direct individuals to the location of the elevator. Guests using the elevator will proceed to the second floor. Upon exiting off the elevator, turn left to enter the seating area for Commencement. Seating options for guests are available throughout this floor.

Ushers will be available to direct guests to seating throughout TD Arena.

Captions
Captioning of the live stream video will be available on the College of Charleston Facebook page and the College of Charleston YouTube page.

Interpreters

American Sign Language interpreters will be at commencement ceremonies.

Service Animals

Whether you are a graduating student or a guest, service animals – as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – are allowed at commencement ceremonies. All other animals are prohibited from College commencement ceremonies.

Parking

Graduates and guests may use the nearby garages for parking and are welcome to use alternative transportation (e.g., walk, bike, carpool, ride CARTA buses, use car services).   

Garage parking will be available in the core of campus at the following locations:

• The George Garage, located at 34 St. Philip Street between George and Liberty Streets (next to CVS)
• The College’s St. Philip Street Garage, located at 81 St. Philip Street between Vanderhorst and Calhoun Streets (next to the BellSouth building)

The hourly rate for these locations is $1 per half hour, or portion thereof, with a daily maximum of $18 per day.

There is also a City of Charleston surface lot located at 31 George Street. Parking at this location is pre-paid at the entrance.

The College of Charleston surface parking lots will be available only to faculty, staff and students working the ceremonies.

Wheelchairs and Other Mobility Devices

College of Charleston does not provide mobility devices for commencement, but they can be rented directly from one of the following area vendors:

Herbert’s Mobility
1930 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29407
843 571-1515