Guest Info

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graduation

Guest Seating

Seating for all guests is on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required. 

SIU Commencement ceremonies will take place in the Banterra Center, 1400 Arena Drive, Carbondale IL. Click here to go to Google Maps. Download a diagram of the seating inside the Banterra Center here.

 Live stream of all ceremonies will be available on SIU's YouTube channel.

We urge guests to be seated 15 minutes before the ceremony.

Accessibility

The Banterra Center is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Seating for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information regarding guests’ special-needs accommodations, contact University Events at 618/453-7424 or email events@siu.edu.

Drop off for guests with limited mobility is available at the west side of the Banterra Center (off Douglas Drive), and designated parking for vehicles with disability plates or placards is located in Lot 52. Click here to access a detailed SIU Campus parking map.

Students with disabilities should contact Disability Support Services at 618/453-5738 to discuss specific accommodations that can be made.

There will be an American Sign Language interpreter at all commencement ceremonies.

Parking

Due to the large crowd anticipated for commencement, we encourage you to arrive early. We will be utilizing Banterra Center lots 18 and 56 and lots 52 and 37. Drop off for guests with limited mobility is available at the west entrance to the Banterra Center off Douglas Drive, and designated parking for vehicles with disability plates or placards is located in Lot 37, also on Douglas Drive.  Click here to access a detailed SIU Campus parking map. 

International Visas

Please contact Center for International Education at (618) 453-5774 for assistance in obtaining an international visa.

Lodging and Dining

Southern Illinois has many fine restaurants to celebrate the special occasion and great lodging to house all of our guests. Please visit the websites below to find various lodging and dining sites in the area surrounding SIU. Please note, many restaurants have adjusted capacity and procedures to comply with state and local COVID-19 guidelines. Reservations are strongly recommended.

City of Carbondale

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce

Touch of Nature Environmental Center offering lodging, hiking, and mountain bike trails

Southernmost Tourism Bureau

VisitSI - Marion and Williamson County

Enjoy Rend Lake

Enjoy Mt. Vernon

Flowers

A beautiful variety of fresh flowers and gifts will be available to browse and purchase on location on the day of commencement.  If you would like to conveniently pre order, please click here to go to the web site.

Photographs

Graduation photography is provided by GradImagesFind your SIU Graduation photos!

Discouraged Items

To be mindful of other guests attending commencement, balloons, balloon bouquets, signs or anything that obstructs the view are discouraged in the Banterra Center. Please leave these items in your car. Noise makers including air horns and cow bells are discouraged. No alcohol or tobacco products. Outside food and drink may not be brought inside the Banterra Center. Firearms and fireworks are prohibited. Pets are not allowed. All bags may be subject to inspection at all entries to the Banterra Center.