Gettysburg College welcomes the participation of people with disabilities. Please note that there is some distance between the various Commencement venues. While we provide accessible parking and shuttle services, some walking is still necessary, so we encourage guests who need additional assistance to bring personal mobility aids.
In order to better meet the needs of guests with disabilities or special needs, Gettysburg College will provide
- accessible parking,
- shuttle service,
- special seating, and
- CART service
during key Commencement Weekend events. Ushers and other College staff are on duty at all functions throughout the weekend. Please do not hesitate to ask for any assistance you may need. Ushers and College staff can be identified by name tags with orange ribbons.
Accessible Parking
To arrange for accessible parking, please call the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 717-337-6912. They will need the following information to process your request:
- name of person needing parking accommodations,
- make/model/color of car,
- license plate # (including state),
- specific events for which you are requesting parking (see events below), and
- needs (parking, drop-off, etc.).
Senior Class Party
Accessibility parking and drop-off will be available along Lincoln Avenue as well as in campus parking lots. The accessible entry to the CUB is at the Bullet Hole entrance on the east end of the building.
Baccalaureate
Accessible parking is in the Admissions Lot which is close to the Baccalaureate site at Pennsylvania Hall. See how to make arrangements above. Two vans (one of which is accessible) will loop before and after the ceremony from the Admissions Lot to Penn Drive.
When you reach the ceremony site, ushers with orange ribbons will be available to assist you with finding seating. Wheelchair spaces with companion seating are dispersed throughout the site’s general seating area. Accessible restrooms are available in campus buildings surrounding the ceremony site. Please ask an usher for assistance. Additionally, ADA compliant outdoor portable restrooms will be available adjacent to the Commencement site for guests with limited mobility. They will be located along the sidewalk at the east end of Musselman Library.
Accessible restrooms are available in campus buildings surrounding the ceremony site. Additionally, ADA compliant outdoor portable restrooms will be available at the back of the venue, along the sidewalk at the east end of Musselman Library. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Commencement (Saturday late morning)
Accessible parking is in Admissions Lot (see how to make arrangements above). Shuttle service will be available to transport your party between the Admissions Lot and the Commencement site. Two vans (one of which is accessible) will be running from 8:45 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 (approximate end of ceremony) - 2:30 p.m. When you reach the ceremony site, ushers with orange ribbons will be available to assist you with finding seating. Wheelchair spaces with companion seating are dispersed throughout the Commencement site’s general seating area. Accessible restrooms are available in campus buildings surrounding the ceremony site. Please ask an usher for assistance. Additionally, ADA compliant outdoor portable restrooms will be available at the back of the venue, along the sidewalk at the east end of Musselman Library. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Campus Map (PDF)
CART Service
Internet-based CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) service will be available at Baccalaureate and Commencement.
CART service will allow anyone to see the closed-caption transcription in real time on any wireless device that can access the Internet. The URL for accessing this service will be posted on the Commencement homepage prior to Commencement Weekend.
iPads for CART
If you wish to borrow an iPad to view the CART closed-captioning, please contact Human Resources at 717-337-6207 by Friday, April 30, 2021, to reserve one. A limited number of extra iPads will also be available at the ceremonies. Please contact an usher to pick up a reserved iPad or if you wish to borrow one. Ushers can also help if you have difficulty accessing the CART link.
ASL Interpretation
ASL interpretation will be available at Baccalaureate and Commencement.
If you need seating with a direct sightline to the ASL interpreter, please ask an usher for assistance.
Translations
Translated copies of the Baccalaureate and Commencement scripts in languages based on graduates' requests will be available as PDFs on the Commencement homepage prior to Commencement Weekend. Printed copies may be picked up at the usher station closest to the Band Tent (near the East side of Pennsylvania Hall) and at the remote viewing sites.
Rentals
Wheelchairs and Electric Scooters
The following local businesses may be contacted directly. Please make your arrangements as soon as possible to guarantee availability.
For wheelchairs:
Dick’s Homecare, Inc.
238 West Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-338-0711
Gettysburg Rental Center
720 York Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-334-0021
For electric scooters:
Mobility Mike
717-253-6859
If you or your guests need additional assistance or have needs that require specialized accommodation, please call Human Resources at 717-337- 6207.