Access and Accommodations for Students
Students needing a special 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
The west entrance of the Bone Student Center features a circle drive. This area is an optimum place to drop off individuals with disabilities and guests with mobility limitations. Please note this 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 and west entrances. Both the east and west entrances are fully accessible, featuring power assist doors. Guest parking is also available in the lot located to the north of the Bone Student Center. 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 impairments. 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
Participants and guests needing sign language interpreters should contact Student Access and Accommodation Services at least 30 days prior to the ceremony.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are provided for ceremonies Braden Auditorium. 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. However, participants and guests needing a sign language interpreter for Redbird Arena should contact Student Access and Accommodation Services at least 30 days prior to the ceremony.
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.