SALISBURY, MD — Drivers should prepare for major traffic delays and road closures this week as Salisbury University hosts its Spring Commencement ceremonies across two days in May.
The university’s graduate ceremony kicks off Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. inside the Maggs Physical Activities Center. Campus parking lots near Chesapeake Hall and the Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons will be designated exclusively for graduating students and their families. Special accessible parking will be set up at Perdue Hall for those who received advance permits from the university.
Additional parking for the graduate event will be open at the Guerrieri University Center, Commons area, and the Wayne Street Garage. Motorists can expect minor backups on Route 13 near the campus starting around 4 p.m. as families begin arriving.
Thursday’s undergraduate ceremony at Sea Gull Stadium at 9 a.m. will create much more significant disruptions. Wayne Street between Bateman and Power streets will be completely shut down from 6 p.m. Sunday, May 17 through 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21 for event setup and cleanup.
The most severe congestion is anticipated Thursday morning from 6-9 a.m. and again from noon-2 p.m. on all major campus approaches, including Route 13, Milford Street, Beaglin Park Drive and College Avenue. Several campus-area streets including Avery, Bateman, Wayne and Power will be off-limits to regular traffic from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Families driving from Route 13 via Bateman Street will be routed to the Wayne Street Garage, while those coming from South Division Street should head to the Avery Street lot. A special drop-off zone for guests needing mobility assistance will operate on Power Street near the stadium, with designated accessible parking available at the East Campus Complex.
Additional parking spaces will be available in campus lots near the Guerrieri Student Union for overflow crowds and those planning to watch the ceremony from remote viewing locations at the Academic Commons and Physical Activities Center.
Regular shuttle service will connect multiple parking areas to the graduation venue, including stops at the Commons, Student Union, and College Avenue solar installation lot.
University officials warn that street parking near campus and athletic facilities will be prohibited. Graduates and guests are also reminded that unauthorized parking at nearby businesses or schools could result in tickets or towing. The university encourages carpooling when possible to reduce congestion.
Detailed parking maps and additional ceremony information can be found on the university’s commencement website at www.salisbury.edu/administration/academic-affairs/commencement.
