As Ball State prepares for Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 2, the University wants to make the campus community aware of important building access changes that will be in place around the Quad during the morning’s main ceremony.
If you have attended a Spring Commencement ceremony on the Quad in the past, please note that this year’s ceremony will operate differently. New safety procedures will be in place, including secured entry points, screening, metal detectors, and a clear bag policy. Because of these changes, access to the Quad and several nearby buildings will be restricted during the morning ceremony.
From 6 a.m. to noon on May 2, the Quad area will be secured, and access will be limited to four entry gates. For the duration of this security period, the following buildings will remain closed and quad-facing exits will be strictly prohibited. Security personnel will be onsite to enforce these measures.
- Administration Building
- Fine Arts Building and David Owsley Museum of Art
- Lucina Hall
- North Quadrangle Building
- West Quadrangle Building
In addition, the Burkhardt Building and Ball Gymnasium will be open for restroom access only. Access to those buildings will be available only through designated Commencement entry gates after screening, including metal detectors. Exterior doors to those buildings will not be available for use.
Faculty, staff, and students should plan accordingly that morning. If you need personal belongings, regalia, or other materials from any of the buildings listed above, please make arrangements in advance to retrieve those items prior to May 2. Once access restrictions are in place, you will not be able to retrieve those items until after noon.
These measures are being implemented to support a safe and orderly environment for graduates, guests, employees, and visitors attending the main Commencement ceremony on the Quad.
For more information about Commencement safety procedures, including the clear bag policy, screening, permitted bags, prohibited items, and arrival guidance, please review Ball State’s Security and Safety at Commencement page at https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/commencement/security-safety.