JSU Commencement parking, special needs plans announced

Plans for parking for Jackson State University’s Fall Commencement ceremonies and accommodations for persons with special needs have been announced.

 

Commencement will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center. Featured speaker is former New Orleans mayor Marc H. Morial.

CommenceParkingMap

According JSU Police Officer Janet Samuel, parking will be allowed during the exercises as follows:

Athletic Assembly Center Parking Lot:

South Parking Lot — VIPs

South and Southwest Parking Lot – Special Needs

North Parking Lot – General Parking

West Parking Lot  – General Parking

Pearl Parking Lot – General Parking

John A. Peoples Parking Lot – General Parking

Just Science Hall Parking Lot – General Parking

Tiger World Parking Lot – General Parking

Eastview Parking Lot – General Parking

 

According to Monica Wall-Jones, assistant director of Disability Services and ADA Compliance, limited disabled parking will be available in certain designated lots for those in need of special parking.

“Spaces will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. When these reserved lots are full, parking will be available in the regular parking areas. Those who request it will be directed to the disabled parking area. A state-issued handi-plate or placard must be in or on the vehicle,” Wall-Jones said.

There will be a campus shuttle system to transport individuals, with or without special needs, around the campus from the various parking lots to the Athletic and Assembly Center and Rose McCoy throughout the ceremony, she said.

Seating: Special seating is reserved on first three rows of each section for guests who require specials seating, because of age, illness, or physical impairment. These individuals must be seated 30 minutes to an hour prior to Commencement.

Arrival time begins at 4 p.m. At that point, the area becomes open to the public. Please note that one family member may accompany the person with special needs; however, the rest of the family will need to sit in the stands, Wall-Jones said.

Sign language interpretation of the ceremony will be provided. The interpreters will be near the front on the left and right as one faces the stage via video screen.

For any special assistance, notify the Disability Service Office by Dec. 8, at (601) 979-3704 or email: monica.w.jones@jsums.edu.

According to Dr. Sheila C. Porterfield, associate dean of the College of Business, a live streaming and overflow location will be set up for Commencement at Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.