Philadelphia University is committed to accommodating the needs of individuals with special needs and ensuring that all members of the community are able to celebrate Commencement day.

Seating
There will be no designated special needs seating at Commencement. We will accommodate wheelchairs by removing a chair in the seating area. We ask that families with special needs arrive an hour-and-a-half in advance of the ceremony. We will have ushers to assist with seating.  For transportation purposes, please be mindful that the ceremony is taking place on a field.

Parking
Handicapped parking is designated in the parking lot outside of Downs Auditorium. You will only be able to access the lot from School House Lane. It is first-come, first-served for guests with a valid handicap license plate, placard or other authorized identification. We will provide hospitality cart service from the parking lot to the entrance of the field for those with special needs. Should these parking spaces fill up, we will offer bus service back and forth from the other parking lots (please refer to the map). Please note that the University cannot provide wheelchairs.

Sign Language Interpreters
Graduates and guests needing sign language interpreters should contact the Provost’s Office at commencement@PhilaU.edu or (215) 951-2705 at least 30 days prior to the ceremony. Guests will be escorted to specific seating for optimum use of this service. Each guest needing this service may have only one additional person sit with him/her.

For more information, call the Office of the Provost at 215.951.2705 or email The Office of the Provost at Commencement@PhilaU.edu.