SAS provides a shuttle for people with disabilities or medical conditions to locations throughout the campus during Commencement and Reunion Weekend. The shuttle is wheelchair-accessible. Please indicate if wheelchair access is needed when you call.

Rides should be scheduled in advance if possible. Due to heavy ridership, Sunday rides must be planned in advance. Please note: wait times may be longer than usual around the time of the University Ceremony. To reach the SAS shuttle dispatcher, call 401-225-9572. The Access Shuttle operates during the following time frames during Commencement and Reunion Weekend:

• Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
• Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you have a state-issued hang tag, you are welcome to park in pre-marked handicapped spots on campus, but we cannot guarantee their availability. (The tag can be from any state.) View a map of accessible parking spots on campus to identify potential options.

Two accessible lots are available for those who complete the Accessible Parking Permit form. Please note that accessible spaces are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Drop Off Passes are recommended for individuals who will be transporting guests with mobility concerns who are able to navigate the campus themselves. These passes allow individuals to drop guests off near College Green for Commencement ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday. Drivers then park their vehicle on campus or in the local area. This pass does not provide any reserved parking for the holder. Learn more in the Drop Off Passes section below, where you will find a link to download and print the pass when it is available.

If you have questions or need additional information about parking, please contact the Office of Transportation and Parking Services at 401-863-3157.

See the medical school section for information about parking near the medical ceremony.

Drop Off Passes are available to help guests with mobility concerns access The Warren Alpert Medical School Ceremony at First Unitarian Church. This pass allows the holder to go past the barricade at the corner of Benefit and Charlesfield streets to drop off guests. After guests are dropped off, the vehicle must make a u-turn and immediately exit the barricaded street to find street parking. No vehicles will be allowed after 8:30 a.m. Please email medschool-commencemetn@brown.edu to request a pass. If you are unable to print the pass, passes will be available for the students to pick up at the Saturday rehearsal.

Guests needing additional time to be seated can enter the church early at 8:45 a.m. along with one guest. Please go to the back entrance of the church located on Benefit Street. A staff member will direct you to the designated seating area.

Throughout the weekend, accessible portable restrooms are available wherever portable restrooms are provided. In addition, accessible restrooms are located in buildings around College Green. A complete list will be posted on this site closer to Commencement and Reunion Weekend.

Guests requiring wheelchair assistance must reserve a wheelchair or scooter rental in advance of Commencement through a local vendor, who will deliver and pick up right from the campus. Brown University does not provide wheelchairs.

During Baccalaureate, the Master’s Ceremony and the College, University and Doctoral ceremonies, usher staff are available to assist guests in finding seating. Seating is not permitted in aisles or walkways, but ushers will assist guests in wheelchairs in finding seating and/or removing chairs from the end of rows as space allows. Please keep in mind, all seating is on a first come, first served basis.

For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, captioning is available on both large screens for Baccalaureate and the College, University, Master’s, Doctoral and Warren Alpert Medical School ceremonies, as well as some departmental ceremonies. Assistive listening devices are also available for checkout on College Green at the sound booth.

Navigating campus with the anticipated high volume of guests and cars can be challenging. In addition, weather can also be unpredictable. As such, we offer two options to view the ceremonies remotely — online and at indoor viewing location(s) on campus. A list of livestream locations will be posted closer to Commencement.

On Commencement Day, the majority of streets near College Green are closed due to the Procession and lineup. Drop Off Passes allow individuals to drop guests off near College Green for Commencement ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday. Drivers then park their vehicle on campus or in the local area. This pass does not provide any reserved parking for the holder. These passes are only recommended for individuals who will be transporting guests with mobility concerns who are able to navigate the campus themselves.

Drop Off Passes will be available on this page closer to Commencement.