Colorado State University strives to ensure its campus and events are accessible to all. This includes disabilities, as defined by the ADA, and it also includes accessible efforts for people who are hypersensitive to sensory inputs, parents of small children, and many others who may request accommodations.  

Accommodation requests for both University-wide Commencement and recognition ceremonies should be submitted through the graduate RSVP form. Specific questions or needs for commencement activities can be emailed to [email protected].  

CSU’s accessibility team will follow up on all student RSVPs that have indicated an accessibility need. 

Canvas Stadium 

The Canvas Stadium premium entrance, on the west side of the stadium, will serve as the primary accessible entrance for University-wide Commencement. While guests may still enter through other entrances, you will find the Accessibility Concierge team right outside the premium entrance to help direct you to seating, connect your family with a golf cart from standard parking, and support you with anything else you may need. 

Accessible seating is available throughout Canvas Stadium at the concourse level (2). Elevators are available near the north entrance, in addition to those accessible via the premium entrance. Volunteers and security staff will be available to point you in the right direction. 

All Venues: Seating

Accessible seating is available at all commencement venues, with space for at least one companion. Please ask a volunteer or usher upon arrival to help locate the best seating for your needs.

• Moby Arena
  Graduates, platform party members and faculty who need ramp access or cannot use stairs should enter through the southwest entrance of Moby Arena. Upon entrance, you will pass through a metal detector. Volunteers will be available to escort graduates to the auxiliary gym for processional line-up. Guests who cannot use stairs are able to use the main entrance on the north side of Moby Arena.
• Lory Student Center Ballroom and Theater
  Elevator locations and additional accessibility features are outlined in the LSC Event Accessibility Guide. Ushers will be available to assist guests with accessible seating. Graduates should notify college volunteers in the line-up area of any specific accessibility needs.
• University Center for the Arts
  Ushers are available to assist with accessible seating, including designated wheelchair-accessible locations in Griffin Concert Hall. Graduates should inform college volunteers in the line-up area of any accessibility needs upon arrival.

Communication Assistance 

For University-wide Commencement, real-time captions will be displayed on the Canvas Stadium jumbotron, and guests will be able to scan a QR code to access English captions on their personal devices.  

An ASL interpreter will be on the stage and be projected to the jumbotron throughout University-wide Commencement. ASL interpreters are also available upon request for recognition ceremonies.  

In addition, simultaneous Spanish translation will be accessible through personal devices at this link. If you plan to use live Spanish translation during the in-person event, please bring headphones for the best experience. 

Real-time captions will not be available for recognition ceremonies, but other accommodation may be requested through the student RSVP form. 

Mobility & Transportation Resources 

Accessible parking is available in every parking lot. Parking passes are required across campus for all Friday events, and accessible parking passes can be requested through the RSVP form by graduating students. Parking passes will be distributed with guest tickets through student accounts. Passes are not required for Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. For additional parking details, visit the FAQ. 

For Friday, May 16: ADA parking lots for guests and graduates are lots 240 (adjacent to the stadium), 577 (1st level), and 575. ADA shuttles will be running to and from the stadium to these lots, and vehicles may drop off guests at lot 240, nearest the west entrance of Canvas Stadium if needed. Review the campus map for lot locations.
*Note: Most parking in these lots will not have additional space to unload beside vehicles – we recommend dropping off guests in wheelchairs directly by the entrance via lot 240.

Courtesy golf carts will be rotating through parking lots during commencement events. Security staff in orange vests can help you find a nearby ride if none are immediately available.  

For guests requiring a drop off, vehicles may drive down Pitkin Street from Shields Street to parking lot 240 (west of Canvas Stadium) where they may drop off their guest(s). The vehicle will then need to park in their assigned parking lot. 

Local transportation is also built for accessibility, including TransFort buses and CSU’s “Around the Horn” shuttle. Wheelchairs can easily roll on to these buses, and there is space near the front to secure them. Bus drivers will assist to ensure safety. 

Service Animals 

Subject to some limitations, a service dog may accompany an individual with a disability throughout campus, such as in classrooms, recreational facilities and campus residences. It is strongly encouraged, but not required, that a service dog be identifiable to others through a visible signifier (e.g., vest or harness). 

Please consider Canvas Stadium an indoor venue with service animal relief areas outside the stadium. Review CSU’s service animal policy for additional details. 

Facilities 

CSU’s main campus is equipped with the facilities you need, from lactation rooms to quiet spaces that provide a reprieve from sensory overload. Review the interactive campus map to find what you need: 

• • Lactation rooms and changing tables 

• • All-gender restrooms 

• • “Reflection” or quiet rooms 

For University-wide Commencement, the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center, at the northeast corner of Canvas Stadium, will also be open and welcoming guests (by request*) who may want to watch the ceremony in a quieter environment. 

*Those who indicated an accommodation request through the RSVP form will be contacted directly to ensure needs are met. If your graduating student did not indicate an accommodation need in their RSVP and your group has a specific request, please email [email protected].