UCF Graduation Parking Information: A Comprehensive Guide
Graduation day is a momentous occasion, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for graduates and their families at the UCF Commencement held at the Addition Financial Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd N., Orlando FL, 32816) on the main campus of UCF, it’s crucial to plan ahead, especially concerning parking. This guide provides detailed information about parking, accessibility, arena rules, and other essential details for the UCF graduation ceremony.
Planning Your Day
It's your day to shine! Dress for the occasion, capture those memorable moments with photos, and celebrate this significant achievement with your family. Remember to toast to your success!
Tickets and Entry
Graduates will receive five (5) commencement tickets for the ceremony held at the Addition Financial Arena. These wristbands are for guests to use for entry into the arena. Tickets for adults, children, and infants are required for admittance. It is important to note that children will not be permitted to sit on laps or stairs; all children must occupy a seat in the arena.
Arrival Time and Seating
Plan to arrive approximately one hour and 30 minutes prior to the commencement ceremony. Doors open for guests 60 minutes prior to each ceremony. Early arrivals will have the best choice of seating, as most guest seating is general admission. Some seating is reserved for platform party guests and doctoral families.
Parking Information
Free parking is available in the parking garages surrounding the Addition Financial Arena. Graduates and guests may park in Garage D and Garage H. Those with state disability parking permits may park in Garage D.
Read also: Comprehensive Preschool Graduation Guide
Accessible Parking and Drop-Off
Accessible parking is available in parking Garage D and F. Those with state disability parking permits may park in either Garage D or F. Mobility impaired individuals may be dropped off in front of the Addition Financial Arena prior to parking.
Arena Accessibility
Guests should use the main entrance of the Addition Financial Arena. An elevator is located on the west side, to the left upon entering the main door of the lobby, to access seating areas. Signage will be posted to lead guests to this entrance. A person that would like accessibility support will have seating available in the upper portion of the arena at the main doors. Posted signs and university staff will direct the guest and one companion to an accessible seating section in the Addition Financial Arena. Guests will have to check their walking assistive device if they choose to sit in the regular bowl seating area and not the accessible seating section.
Arena Rules and Prohibited Items
The Addition Financial Arena does not allow backpacks of any kind or bags larger than 12’’ x 6’’ x 12’’ inside the arena. Guests who bring backpacks or large bags will be asked to return them to their car before entering the building. Everyone is prohibited from bringing the following items into the Addition Financial Arena: balloons, bottles, cans, containers, glass vases, alcoholic beverages, noisemakers, air horns, laser pens, silly string, confetti, flags, banners, signs or posters.
Security Measures
A security check will be conducted for all guests and graduates entering the arena.
What to Bring
It is recommended that you limit the items you bring into the arena to car keys, cell phone and your reader card. The commencement ceremony should last approximately two hours. Commencement attendees will receive a diploma cover. Diplomas and certificates are not distributed at the ceremony.
Read also: Commencement Speakers at UCLA
Reader Cards and Name Pronunciation
Graduates need to bring their reader card to the ceremony. You will give this card to the provost when you step on stage so they can read your name. Some cards will have your name written phonetically for the provost to say it correctly from the pronunciation provided to him by either you, your advisor, program director, and/or dean.
Regalia
Every student must be wearing their regalia (cap and gown) when they check in. Students may decorate their graduation caps.
Photography and Videography
Your family may take photos and videos during the event. However, photos need to be taken from their seats in the arena. Professional photographers will be at the Rotunda prior to the ceremony beginning to take your photo after you check-in and at the ceremony to take each student’s photos. When the student’s name is called, they will approach the stage and walk across it to a marked space for a photo with the University President.
Live Stream and Virtual Recognition
A live stream of the ceremony will be provided, as well as a virtual recognition video of all UC graduates. Guests who do not have tickets may watch the live ceremony in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. The Alumni Center’s seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not required for the live telecast, and it is closed captioned.
Accessibility Services
An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided at the commencement ceremony for guests with hearing impairments. Closed captioning is also provided on large screens near the commencement stage. Assistive listening system receivers are available at Guest Relations, located on the main concourse level. Personal identification must be submitted and will be held until the receiver is returned. Seating near the interpreter is available to guests with hearing impairments.
Read also: UCLA Graduates: Earning Potential
First Aid and Lost & Found
First aid is available on the main concourse level of the Addition Financial Arena. Paramedics will be available onsite throughout each ceremony. Lost and Found is located at the Addition Financial Arena Guest Relations office on the main concourse.
Flowers and Gifts
Guests can purchase graduation day flower bouquets and leis at the Addition Financial Arena the day of commencement. Guests can also pre-order flower items online prior to the day of commencement at a discount price. Orders can be picked up at the Addition Financial Arena before and during each ceremony, but they are only permitted to be given to graduates after the ceremony.
University Bookstore
The University Bookstore will be open on Friday afternoon for special hours of operation and on Saturday after your ceremony. An online store is also available.
Additional Information
UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus. Guests should be made aware that the temperature inside the Addition Financial Arena is much cooler than outside, and they should plan to bring a jacket or sweater.
Contact Information
Guests with questions should contact the Addition Financial Arena at 407-823-3070. A variety of hotel accommodations are available near UCF. Contact the hotels directly to inquire about any discounts or special rates for guests attending the UCF Commencement.
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