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Safety and Accessibility

Safety Protocols and Security Information

  • All graduates, faculty, staff, vendors, and guests will be screened by metal detectors. 

  • To help ensure an expedited entry process, we ask guests to not carry bags with them, unless they are medically or otherwise necessary. Bags will be subject to search upon entry into the UNF Arena.

  • It is recommended that all guests arrive early. Doors will close ten minutes prior to the ceremony start time.

Accessibility for Disabled Graduates and Guests 

  • Graduate accessibility: Participating graduates requiring accessibility accommodations, such as an interpreter or escort, should email commencement@unf.edu at least two weeks prior to the ceremony. 

  • Deaf and hard-of-hearing guests: UNF Commencement designates a section of the UNF Arena for our deaf and hard-of-hearing guests. Spectators sitting in this section will have an unobstructed view of an ASL interpreter signing for the ceremony. Guests needing access to this section should notify an usher once inside the UNF Arena.  

  • Seating for limited mobility guests: Guests with limited mobility should notify an usher inside the Arena who will direct them to designated ADA seating. There will be limited wheelchair seating on the floor.

  • Captioning and Visual Aids: While in the UNF Arena, the commencement ceremony will be displayed on its jumbo-tron and include open captions, name display when graduates are crossing the stage, and picture-on-picture of the ASL interpreter.  

  • Shuttles: ADA accessible, complimentary shuttles run between Lot 18 to the UNF Arena.

  • More information can be found on the UNF Student Accessibility Center webpage.

Prohibited Items

  • Any firearms, edged weapons (including pocket knives), replicas, tasers, and pepper spray

  • Smoking, vaping or tobacco use

  • Pets unless clearly marked as service animals

  • Any sign, banner, or poster larger than 8.5" x 11"

  • Bull horns or artificial noisemakers

  • Drones

  • Laser pointers or light pointers

  • Unapproved pamphlets, handouts or advertisements

  • Skateboards, roller blades, roller shoes, etc.

  • Backpacks and bags, including large camera bags (See below for bag exceptions) 

Permitted Items

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12".

  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).

  • Diaper/baby bags.

  • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”), with or without a handle or strap.

  • Any medically necessary items. 

    Commencement is a celebration honoring the achievements of our graduates. We appreciate your help in making this event both safe and special for all.  Your safety is our priority. UNF Commencement partners with the University Police Department and security and ambulance services for every ceremony.