Guests with Accessibility Needs
Northwestern University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all events and programs. Accommodations like sign language interpreters 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, 2025. Every reasonable effort will be made to implement accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
On Campus Accommodations
Mobility 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. Please note, guests who require a wheelchair should plan to bring their own. A very limited number will be available on a first come, first serve basis to be used during the ceremonies, and these are expected to run out. If you need a suggestion as to where to rent a chair for the entire weekend, please reach out to the Graduation Office.
Welsh-Ryan Arena
Wheelchair seating is available on levels 2 and 3 behind the glass railings on the west and north sides of the arena. Obstructed visibility seating is available on the east side for later arrivals. Guests may use the elevators on the south (entry) side of the building to reach the upper levels. Wheelchairs and scooters are not allowed on the main floor of the arena for the Kellogg, Weinberg, and McCormick ceremonies because there is no space.
Ryan Fieldhouse
Wheelchair seating is located on the hard flooring behind the graduate seating. We ask that wheelchairs and scooters use the hard flooring paths to enter and exit the field. The paths also provide a firm surface for everyone with approximately a 2” step off to access the rows of seats.
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 accessibility needs. A valid placard is required to park in the accessible parking areas.
On-Campus 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
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.