We are pleased that your guest who requires special assistance will be able to join you in the celebration of this prestigious event. If your guests have a physical condition such that they require accommodations, please be sure to contact Dean Vermillion (vvermill@law.uiuc.edu). She will add them to the Special Assistance list provided to Krannert personnel who will be providing the extra services on the day of the event.
On the Day of the Convocation Ceremony
Given the constant stream of ceremonies, your guest requiring special assistance should plan to arrive at least one hour early. We hope the following information will also be helpful:
●If they are arriving in a regular sized vehicle (6’2” or lower) which includes most minivans:
They may enter at either the north end of Krannert (Goodwin and Illinois) or the south end of Krannert. They may select either the upper level parking garage or the lower level. There are a number of marked handicapped spaces they can use.
Once they exit from their vehicle, they should see an entry-way foyer. They should enter the foyer. Directly at the front of the foyer to their right, there is a Patron Assistance Button. They should press that button and advise the Usher that they have arrived. A list with your name, their name, and their status (guest, grandparent, sibling) will be provided to Krannert in advance so Krannert should be expecting them.
●If their vehicle is oversized (6’2” or above):
This area is best for your guests who are arriving in their own wheelchairs or who are traveling in an oversized vehicle which prevents use of the parking garage. The guest needing special assistance should be dropped off at the loading dock which is located at the North end of the building just east of the corner at Goodwin and Illinois. If at all possible, they should have a companion remain with them. Vehicles may be parked on the street at one of the metered spaces. When the guest requiring special assistance and their companion enter from the loading dock, there is a ramp that leads to a long hall which is referred to as “main street.” At any point from this time on, they may ask any of the workers to contact the Patron Assistance Ushers who can assist them from there.
Once your guests have arrived in the building:
If you would like the Krannert ushers to escort your guest using a Krannert wheelchair, they can do so. However, they will not leave the chair with your guest once your guest is delivered to the Great Hall. Since there are a VERY limited number of Krannert wheelchairs, there may be some delay in obtaining these services. Your guests should be encouraged to bring their own wheelchairs where possible.
There will be a brief reception on the main floor of Krannert (balcony level of the Great Hall) immediately following the ceremony. Due to this and the ease of transportation, your guests should be encouraged to sit on the balcony level for the ceremony. There is also limited handicapped seating on the main level but transportation there is quite difficult and the view is somewhat restricted.
If your guests are able to join us at the reception, we encourage them to do so. Once they are ready to leave the reception, the Ushers can assist them in their departure. If they are unable to attend the reception, they should make departure arrangements with the Usher at the time they are being seated.
We hope these directions assist in making the transportation to the Great Hall a bit easier for all of you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Student Services!
