Guests with Accessibility Needs
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ 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, 2027. Every reasonable effort will be made to implement accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Mobility Accommodations
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ does not provide wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility devices for guests during Commencement, convocation ceremonies, or other graduation celebrations. Guests who require mobility assistance are strongly encouraged to bring their own wheelchair or other personal mobility device.
If a guest is unable to bring their own, we recommend arranging for a rental from a local medical equipment provider in the Chicago area well in advance of your arrival. While ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ cannot endorse or guarantee any specific vendor, a list of rental companies is available upon request by contacting the Graduation Office.
All tickets are general admission. Staff will be available to help direct guests with accessibility needs to accessible seating areas. Each accessible seating space includes room for one companion. Please note that staff cannot provide physical assistance or push wheelchairs.
Accessible Seating Information
Welsh-Ryan Arena
- Accessible seating is available on Levels 2 and 3, located behind the glass railings on the west and north sides of the arena. Our staff on site will be happy to direct you to these accessible sections.
- For guests arriving later, or if all other accessible seats are full, additional accessible seating (obstructed visibility) is available on the east side of the building.
- Elevators are available at all corners of the building to access upper levels. The closest elevators to our guest entrance are at the southeast and southwest corners.
- Wheelchairs and scooters are not permitted on the main floor during the ceremonies (except for graduates with accessibility needs) due to space limitations.
Ryan Fieldhouse
- Accessible seating is located on the plastic flooring behind the graduate seating area. This is accessible via the center aisle.
- Guests using wheelchairs or scooters are asked to use the hard flooring paths to enter and exit the field.
- These paths also provide a stable surface for all guests, with an approximate 2” step down from the path to the rows of standard seating. Ramps are included at aisle breaks.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available at all Graduation Weekend venues. However, due to the limited number of designated spaces and locations of guest parking , we strongly encourage guests with accessibility needs to use the Accessible Drop-Off Locations whenever possible. A valid state issued accessibility parking placard is required to park in accessible parking areas, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking maps can be found on our transportation page.
Shuttle Information
Details, including shuttle routes and schedules, will be shared closer to Graduation Weekend 2027. Accessible shuttles will be integrated into our on campus shuttle route.
Hearing Accommodations
Captions
Each of our venues has screens on site with open captioning for ceremonies in English. For those wishing to use closed captions or seeking another language, real-time captions will be available on any web-connected device for guests who need hearing assistance. Closed captioning languages include English, Spanish, and Mandarin, and can be selected on the livestream page prior to the start of the ceremony. Please note that the livestream includes a delay of approximately one minute.
Sound Enhancement
For guests who require amplified audio, the ceremony will be livestreamed with video, audio, and captions. Guests may use headphones with their mobile device to adjust the volume to their preferred level. Please note that the livestream includes a delay of approximately one minute.