Visiting Campus

Georgetown University is committed to providing an accessible experience to everyone who visits our campus. We would like to offer a few tips to assist you while visiting our Hilltop campus.

Arrival and parking

Designated accessible parking spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis in the Southwest Quad Garage. Individuals who utilize designated accessible parking spaces must display a state-issued disability license plate or placard. To maximize the availability of accessible parking spaces in the garage, if possible, please consider utilizing the drop-off area located at the entrance of the parking garage prior to parking in the garage. 

The University provides free, accessible, shuttle buses for guests with disabilities to escort people from the parking facilities to the graduation site. These on-campus shuttles will make stops around Georgetown’s campus, including the front gates of the University. Please consult the shuttle route map for a list of stops.

The front gates of the University, at the intersection of 37th and O Streets, is an accessible drop-off location. Please be advised that neighborhood traffic is heavy during commencement and there may be unannounced road closures as the Metropolitan Police Department manages traffic in our neighborhood.   

The shuttles will make continuous runs on the following schedule:

• Thursday, May 15: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday, May 16:  7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 17: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sunday, May 18: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Accessible maps

Georgetown University provides maps outlining accessible routes from the Southwest Quad Garage to locations on campus commonly accessed by visitors. This includes barrier-free routes to Gaston Hall and McDonough Arena (the severe weather site for many of our ceremonies).

Pro tip: The barrier-free route to White-Gravenor provides the most direct and accessible route to Healy Lawn.

Georgetown also offers an interactive campus map, highlighting accessible routes on our Hilltop campus.

Wheelchair and mobility device rentals

Complimentary wheelchairs will be available at Healy Circle. Graduates are encouraged to indicate the need for a wheelchair (for themselves or guests) in their commencement registration form (via Tassel). Wheelchairs are for on campus use only and can be checked in and out on a daily basis according to the schedule below. You must provide a valid driver’s license or credit card to borrow a wheelchair.

• Thursday, May 15: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday, May 16: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 17: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Sunday, May 18: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For information about rental of additional mobility devices, please consider reaching out to one of our external vendors.

Service animals

Service animals are welcome to accompany individuals with disabilities in all areas on campus that are open to members of the public. Personal pets are not allowed in any campus buildings or in the seating area for outdoor ceremonies.

​​Quiet/sensory space

We recognize that a high-paced celebratory environment can be overwhelming and overstimulating for many of our students, faculty, staff, and guests.

The Ecumenical Chapel will be available as a quiet space with sensory tools available. The chapel is located on the first floor of Isaac Hawkins Hall, accessible from its entrance in Dahlgren Quad.

This space will be available:

• Thursday, May 15, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Friday, May 16, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, May 18, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.