Access and Accommodations for Students
Students needing an accommodation to fully participate in commencement should contact Student Access and Accommodation Services. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
Access and Accommodations for Guests
Illinois State University provides accessible entrances and seating for each commencement ceremony. Details are provided below for the specific locations. If you have further questions, please contact Student Access and Accommodation Services.
Accessible Parking and Guest Drop-Off
Braden Auditorium
Please pardon our progress during our revitalization!
The Bone Student Center Revitalization is now underway. Please be aware of the alternate entrances being utilized during this construction project.
Bone Student Center parking lot/building entrance: The main Bone Student Center parking lot is located just north of the Bone Student Center on Locust Street. To enter the Bone Student Center, follow the signage for the marked entrances on the east and west side of the building. Bone Student Center staff will be in the Bone Student Center lot to provide additional guest direction. The recommended first floor entrance is located on the west side of the building. Those entering the first floor from the east side will be directed through a temporary walkway. This entrance is not ADA accessible.
Bone Student Center accessible parking/building entrance: Accessible parking will be available in Parking Lot M64, across the street from the west entrance to the Bone Student Center, at 201 North University Street. Additional accessible parking will be available in the North University Street Garage, as well as the parking lot directly behind the Bone Student Center, on Locust Street. Please enter the Bone Student Center through the ADA accessible entrance located on west side of the building.
All parking is first-come, first-served.
Redbird Arena
The north entrance of the Redbird Arena features a circle drive and is the most accessible of all entrances. This area is the recommended place to drop off individuals with disabilities and guests with mobility limitations. The east, west and south entrances have only stairs leading to the doors. Please note that this circle drive area is for drop off only. To allow all guests the opportunity to utilize the drop off area, no parking will be allowed. Limited accessible parking is available near the east, west and north entrances. The commencement parking map highlights the lots available for commencement guests. Parking attendants will provide direction to the nearest available lot. All parking is first-come, first-served.
Seating
Accessible seating is available for individuals with disabilities and mobility limitations. Each guest requiring the accessible seating may have only one additional family member/friend seated with her/him. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are required. Arrival 60 minutes prior to ceremony is recommended.
Staff Assistance
In Redbird Arena, Student Access and Accommodation Services staff and volunteers are available to assist guests to accessible seating. The staff will each be wearing a red ribbon with the wheelchair insignia. Staff will be available at each entrance to assist guests and direct guests to the available seating locations. In Braden Auditorium, ushers will assist guests in directing them to their seats.
Wheelchairs and Other Mobility Devices
Wheelchairs and other mobility devices are NOT provided. If needed, please bring a wheelchair or mobility device for the day of the event.
Sign Language Interpreters/Live Captioning
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are provided for all commencement ceremonies. Guests will be escorted to specific seating for optimum use of this service. Each guest needing this service may have only one additional family member/friend sit with them.
Live captioning of the ceremony on the Arena video boards is provided for the Redbird Arena ceremonies.
Alternative Formats
Materials are available in alternative formats. Please contact Student Access and Accommodation Services at least 10 business days prior to the ceremony and provide information on which type of alternative format is required.
Helpful Tips
Please plan to allow enough time for travel. Weather and road construction can often lead to unforeseen delays. Also, due to the large number of guests attending commencement, traffic is congested on the roads leading to and around Redbird Arena and may also lead to delays.
Parking attendants will assist guests in locating the nearest parking spot. However, as commencement is a highly attended event, guest parking for the Redbird Arena ceremonies may be a distance from the venue. Please plan to allow enough time to park and get to the Arena.