Guests with Accessibility Needs
Northwestern University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all events and programs. Accommodations such as sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and presentation materials in alternate formats are provided upon request. Please contact the Graduation Office at graduation@northwestern.edu or 847-491-3600 by June 1, 2024. Every reasonable effort will be made to implement accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
On Campus Accommodations
Seating Accommodations
Tickets to all ceremonies are general admission. When ordering tickets, the system will prompt students to enter how many guests in their party require accessible seating for a guest who uses a wheelchair. Please note: every wheelchair space has one companion seat included. Because these spaces are limited and in high demand, we are not able to seat entire parties.
Transportation
Accessible parking is provided for all of our Graduation Weekend venues, however, due to the limited amount of accessible parking spots, we recommend you utilize our Accessible Drop Off Locations for guests with accessible needs.
Shuttle Information
Please visit our Transportation Page for information.
Hearing Accommodations
Captions
For guests who need hearing assistance, real-time captions-only (without video or audio) of the ceremony will be available on any device. Captioned languages include English, Spanish, and Mandarin, and can be selected from the Commencement page after streaming begins.
Sound Enhancement
For guests who need additional sound enhancement, the ceremony will be live-streamed with audio, video, and captions. Headphones can be plugged into a mobile device so that guests needing this accommodation can amplify the sound to their desired level. Please note that the livestream will be delayed by approximately one minute.
Accommodations at the United Center
Guests needing accessible accommodations, including seating and wheelchair assistance, please visit the United Center’s Guest Relations Booth located at Gates 2 and 6. United Center staff will be happy to assist. To make arrangements in advance, please call (312) 455-4509 or email guestrelations@unitedcenter.com.
Hearing And Visual Assistance
Assistive listening devices (personal headsets) are available free of charge at the Guest Relations booths (Gates 2 and 6). Also, for guests who need hearing assistance, real-time captions-only (without video or audio) of the ceremony will be available on any device. Captioned languages include English, Spanish, and Mandarin, and can be selected from the Commencement page after streaming begins. Headphones can be plugged into a mobile device so that guests needing this accommodation can amplify the sound to their desired level. Please note that the livestream will be delayed by approximately one minute.
Elevators
Elevators are located next to Gates 3 and 7 for you and a companion.
Restrooms
Every restroom is wheelchair accessible. A companion restroom is located in First Aid on the 100 level across from section 115/116 and on the 300 level in the standing room area of section 303/304. Please ask the nearest team member for access to companion restrooms.
First Aid
Fully-equipped first aid stations staffed with registered nurses are located on the 100 and 300 level concourses, across from sections 115/116 and 327/328. Please ask the nearest the team member should you require assistance.
Sensory Space
United Center is proudly certified as a sensory inclusive venue in Chicago. United Center staff has been trained by medical professionals on recognizing guests with sensory needs and how to properly handle a sensory overload situation. United Center now offers a therapeutic space with a variety of equipment that provides a calming, peaceful environment for guests with sensory needs. Guests needing a quiet space can visit the Guest Relations Booth at Gate 2 to request access to the room. The new Sensory Room is located at Gate 2 1/2.
Additionally, the arena has sensory bags available for guests to check out at Guest Relations Booths located inside Gates 2 and 6 on the 100 level, Section 221 and Section 325. Sensory bags include noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads.
Nursing Room
United Center offers a private, comfortable space for nursing mothers attending events. Mothers interested in using the Nursing Room, located near Section 112/113 (Gate 7), can visit Guest Relations Booth at Gate 6 to request access to the room. The door to the Nursing Room is secured with a keypad and will lock automatically to ensure the privacy of our guests. For any questions or concerns, please contact guestrelations@unitedcenter.com.
Questions
For more information on the United Center’s accessibility accommodations, please visit the United Center’s Accessibility Page.