Accessing NBC Tower & the Gleacher Center

Please use this guide to the University of Chicago downtown locations to provide information on the facilities and resources available to you. Access hours are subject to change. All facilities are closed on University Holidays.

NBC Tower & Gleacher Center

  • Gleacher Center (Concourse level classrooms) at 450 N Cityfront Plaza, Chicago, IL
  • NBC Tower (28th floor classrooms) at 455 N Cityfront Plaza, Chicago, IL

NBC Tower 28th Floor Hours of Operation (Spring Quarter 2024)

Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday & Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: Closed

*The 28th floor will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 (Memorial Day Holiday)

Gleacher Center Hours of Operation (Spring Quarter 2024)

Public hours:
Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: Closed

UC ID access (for eligible/enabled cards):
Mon-Sun: 7am-11pm
Also closed on University Holidays (May 27 for Memorial Day)

*Public: when UC ID cards are not required for access, but the attendee should still have business in the building – whether that’s as a current student/instructor/staff; attending an event; going to the bookstore; meeting with a program/department; etc.

NBC Tower & Gleacher Parking Options

You can find the discounted parking options available to you here. Please note that prices are subject to change at any time per the discretion of the parking facility.

UChicago Student ID

Please remember to bring your UChicago Student ID every time you come to NBC Tower. You will not be able to access the 28th floor without it.

You must obtain a UChicago Student ID to gain access to NBC Tower and the Gleacher Center for your in-person courses. You are responsible for picking up your ID from the Hyde Park campus prior to the start of the quarter. You can upload a picture for your ID at myphoto.uchicago.edu. After submitting your photo, you will need to schedule an appointment to pick up your ID at rooms.lib.uchicago.edu/reserve/carding. You can also schedule an appointment to have your photo taken and retrieve your ID in-person at rooms.lib.uchicago.edu/reserve/carding.

Course Meeting Locations

All MS in Applied Data Science courses will take place on the 28th Floor of NBC Tower. You can find your specific course meeting location information on any of the kiosk monitors on the 28th floor.

Reserving Study Rooms in NBC Tower

Beginning Tuesday, September 27, 2022, you can reserve study rooms on the 28th floor of NBC Tower. Reservations must be made at grahamrooms.uchicago.edu. You will be prompted to log in with your CNet ID and password. You are only allowed to make one reservation per 24 hours. The study rooms are bookable up to two (2) days in advance with a two (2) hour maximum time limit.

Pets in NBC Tower

In the interest of maintaining a healthy work, learning, and research environment, the University prohibits individuals from bringing pets inside any University-controlled buildings, which includes NBC Tower (Cityfront Campus), unless they are registered service animals. For more information about this guidance, please review UChicago’s pet policy, service animal information, and Student Disability Services (SDS) animal policy.

Forgot Your Student ID to Access NBC Tower

The UChicago student ID card used to gain access to the 28th floor of NBC Tower is not to be used to provide access to another student or visitor. All students without their ID card must stop at the front desk of NBC Tower with a photo ID to be issued a guest pass. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a student ID holder, please review the ChicagoCard Policy.

Student Lounge (Suite 2820)

Beginning Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 4 PM in the Autumn 2023, the Student Lounge (Suite 2820) will be open and available for program community members (i.e., current students, faculty/instructors, and staff) to utilize during published open hours for NBC Tower. The Student Lounge will have the following available:

    • Access to a microwave
    • Water cooler with cold/hot water available
    • Charging stations for devices
    • Light refreshments/snacks during peak times throughout the academic year.

Student Lounge Community Guidelines

Respect for Space

  • Our Shared Space: This lounge belongs to us all. Cleaning supplies will be provided in the Student Lounge. Keep the lounge clean and tidy. Dispose of trash properly and help maintain a welcoming environment for all. 
  • Responsible Use: Use the facilities and resources responsibly, ensuring they are available for all members. Engage with them thoughtfully and avoid any actions that could adversely affect others or the space. Avoid any activities that may cause harm, damage, or disturbance to the physical lounge space. 
  • Noise Consideration: As scholars, we value both lively debates and silent contemplation. Monitor your noise levels, tailoring your activities to the needs of the space and your peers. Keep conversations at a reasonable volume and use designated areas (e.g., reserved study rooms) for group discussions or socializing. 
  • Personal Belongings: Take responsibility for your personal belongings. Do not leave items unattended, and avoid using excessive space.  
  • Lost & Found: If you lose or find any items that are left behind in the Student Lounge, please turn them in or seek to find them in the Operations Office, located in NBC Tower Suite 2800. 

Respect for Others 

  • Respect for Peers: This lounge space thrives on mutual support and collaboration. Let’s celebrate the tapestry of backgrounds and experiences that we bring. Treat everyone with kindness, respect, and inclusivity, regardless of their program affiliation or background. Furthermore, respect others’ personal belongings and seek permission before borrowing or moving items. 
  • Inclusive Language: Let your language reflect the inclusivity and respect we cherish. Please avoid the use of offensive or discriminatory comments, jokes, or language that could make anyone uncomfortable or feel less valued. 
  • Conflict Resolution: In case of disagreements or conflicts, approach them respectfully and seek amicable resolutions. If things escalate beyond the point of individual parties being able to resolve issues themselves, we encourage you to contact the appropriate program administrators. 

Upholding our Standards 

Students must adhere to all University of Chicago (e.g., Student Manual), division, and program policies, rules, and regulations while using the lounge. We reserve the right to close and restrict access to the Student Lounge and ask any occupants to leave due to inappropriate behavior and/or violations of conduct outlined in existing policies.  

Please report any serious maintenance issues, concerns, or potential violations of any policies or community guidelines to the appropriate program administrators listed below: 

UChicago Safety App

You are encouraged to download the free UChicago Safe app. The app provides a range of capabilities, including a mobile blue light feature, links to safety resources, campus maps, and direct calling capabilities for the UCPD and CPD.

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