George Mason University is committed to providing accessible ceremonies and events in which the entirety of the GMU community (students, faculty, staff, and guests) can fully participate. In addition to providing effective communication access through the provision of sign language interpreters and captioning at these events, if you or a family member or guest has a disability-related access need to participate in the ceremonies or would like accessibility information please reach out.
Graduating students will connect directly with Disability Services at [email protected] or by calling 703-993-2474 to discuss accessibility requests for the ceremonies.
Faculty/staff, families, guests, and community members will connect directly with the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community at [email protected] or by calling 703 993-8730 to discuss accessibility requests for the ceremonies.
Accessible Parking and Entrances
Eagle Bank Arena (EBA)
Accessible parking for ceremonies at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena is located in Lot A, outside the south entrance. These spaces are well-marked and are monitored by our staff. Please remember that all vehicles must display state-issued accessible parking tags or placards to park in these spaces.
Directions: Use the Roanoke River Road or Nottoway River Lane entrances off Braddock Road to reach accessible parking spaces.
All entrances to the arena are at street/concourse level. There are no steps or ramps to maneuver in and out of the entrances.
An elevator is normally available for use in assisting guests with disabilities to access seats on the arena floor. Elevator availability can be limited, however, depending upon the type and nature of a given event. The elevator only goes between the concourse/entry level and the arena floor. There is no elevator access to the top of the arena or any other seating.
Concert Hall – Accessible Parking: Free accessible parking is available on Mason Pond Drive directly in front of the Center for the Arts with a valid DMV-issued accessible permit or hangtag.
Drop-Off Zones: A designated drop-off zone sits directly in front of the venue for guests needing to avoid longer walks.
Accessible Seating Areas
Eagle Bank Arena (EBA) – Seating and Venue Accommodations
Eagle Bank Arena (EBA) has accessible seating located around the venue. The ASL interpreters are visible from section 102 or your mobile device. For more information please visit the Eagle Bank Arena website.
Accessible seating is located in Rows E, F, and G in all sections of EagleBank Arena. Ushers are available at each entrance of the arena to assist individuals in finding these seats. There should also be signs in the venue directing attendees to ADA seating. Guest Services, located between the South and West sides of the arena (left after entering from the South/Lot A entrance), will be the folks you work with for any help getting to accessible seating, using the elevator, or any other needs.
No stair entry: Enter at the concourse level to reach the accessible seating without climbing stairs.
Wheelchair spaces: There are designated wheelchair-accessible seating located in Sections 4, 8, 13, and 17.
Concert Hall – Seating and Venue Accommodations – SPRING ONLY
Accessible Seating: Wheelchair-accessible spaces and companion seating are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Assistive Listening: FM assistive listening devices (72MHz) can be picked up at the Concert Hall Courtesy Desk in the main lobby.
Sign Language Interpreters & Captioning
Graduating students who require ASL interpreting services for their participation in ceremonies or related activities should contact Aja Puopolo directly at [email protected].
ASL interpreters and live captioning are provided for the general audience. Guests do not need to request these services in advance.
ASL Interpreters will be positioned near the stage and visible from many locations throughout Eagle Bank Arena (EBA). Live captioning will also be displayed on screens throughout the arena.
For additional viewing options, the ASL Interpreters will be accessible through Mason’s YouTube channel. A QR code will be provided so attendees can view the interpreters on their personal devices.
Reserved ADA seating is available for graduates, guests, families, and community members who require closer access to the ASL interpreters.
Service Animals
George Mason University welcomes guests accompanied by trained service animals. Service dogs must be individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability and must remain under the control of their handler at all times. Only animals that meet the definition of a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted to accompany a person with disabilities into GMU facilities.
Wheelchairs, Motorized Scooters, and Canes
Eagle Bank Arena
George Mason University does not provide wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Guests who require mobility equipment should bring their own or arrange a rental through a local provider. We have provided a list of local rental agencies:
Grace in Motion
703 .556.8998
8480 A Tyco Rd. Vienna, VA 22182
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Evening hours available by appointment
Delivery-$39.00 both ways
Scooters are available
The Medical House
703-533-2290, (703) 214-0462, (703) 686-8310
440 S. Washington St. {Lee Hwy)
Falls Church, VA 22046
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 10am-3pm
Fax 703-533-2291
Toll Free 877-527-8516
Delivery (call a day in advance)-$20.00 plus a pick up fee of-$20.00
Freedom Mobility Solutions
(443)445-3518, (443) 251-3053
21055 Ashburn Crossing Dr.
Ashburn, VA 2014 7 + Location in MD
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Set up Showroom Appt. day before
Concert Hall – SPRING ONLY
Courtesy wheelchairs are available at the drop-off zone to transport guests to their assigned seating areas and back.
Lactation, Nursing, and Accessible Restrooms
Eagle Bank Arena
Restrooms are accessible on both the concourse level and arena floor in EBA.
Accessible Bathroom, Lactation Rooms, and Gender-Neutral Bathrooms
Concert Hall
Fully accessible restrooms are available inside the facility.
For the Spring ceremony at the Center for the Arts (CFA) they can also provide: Large print programs; Braille programs (request 2 weeks in advance); Audio description (request 2 weeks in advance); Low-vision seating areas, size inclusive seating; and a designated lactation space. These options are available for both graduates and their guests when registering for their CVPA Degree Celebration tickets on Tassel.
Frequently Asked Questions
For students, please reach out to your department and Disability Services at [email protected] to request additional accommodations. For guests, please reach out to ADA in Office of Access, Compliance, and Community at [email protected].
George Mason University does not provide wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Guests who require mobility equipment should bring their own or arrange a rental through a local provider.
Yes. Those using accessible seating may have 1 additional person with them in the seating area.
Yes, but the companion will need a ticket to enter the arena with the graduate. The Office of University Events will need to be contacted to ensure everything is correctly in place for the ceremony. A chair will also be provided for the companion so that they may sit with the graduate as well. The companion may also assist the graduate in crossing the stage.
The accessible parking spaces are located in Lot A, directly outside of the south entrance to Eagle Bank Arena.
Guest Services, located between the South and West sides of the arena (left after entering from the South/Lot A entrance), will be the folks you work with for any help getting to accessible seating, using the elevator, or any other needs.
Chairs can be removed on the floor for graduates in wheelchairs so that they may sit with their class. Please reach out to [email protected] in advance to ensure that the seating arrangements are prepared in advance of the ceremony.
Yes, the stage in Eagle Bank Arena has a ramp and can be accessed by wheelchairs.
ASL/INTERPRETING SPECIFIC FAQs
Questions regarding ASL interpreting or captioning should be directed to [email protected].
Graduating students who require ASL interpreting services for their participation in the ceremony or related activities should contact Aja Puopolo directly at [email protected].
Yes. ADA seating is reserved for guests who would like to sit closer to the ASL interpreters for a better line of sight.
ASL interpreters are positioned near the stage and can be seen from many locations throughout EagleBank Arena (EBA). Live captions are displayed on the screens throughout EBA. The ASL interpreters can also be viewed through Mason’s YouTube channel. A QR code will be available to access the YouTube stream on a personal device.
Yes. ASL interpreters and live captioning are provided for the general audience. Guests do not need to request these services in advance.