While all in-person classes are canceled when the much-anticipated total solar eclipse takes place April 8, numerous events are planned around the city, as well as several events on the Indiana University campus in Indianapolis.

Some parking permissions and hours of operation for campus buildings will change that day, with more buildings requiring CrimsonCard permissions. Read on to find out more.

Eclipse events

In Indianapolis, IU has partnered with Visit Indy for the Lunacy! Solar Eclipse Festival at White River State Park downtown. IU Indianapolis will have a booth at the free event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 8.

Watch for the students from the IU Health and Human Science’s tourism, event and sport management senior capstone class, who’ve worked with Visit Indy and White River State Park on all aspects of the event, including event strategy, marketing, planning and coordinating with vendors. Also keep an eye out for the three commemorative posters created by Herron School of Art + Design students, which will be available April 1 to 8 at Indianapolis International Airport and April 8 at White River State Park during the festival.

On campus, telescopes will be set up southeast of University Library, as well as near Wood Fountain, from noon to 4 p.m. the day of the eclipse, with School of Science grad students and faculty on hand to help visitors safely view the phenomenon. At 5 p.m., lecturer in physics Ed Rhoads will hold an astronomy Q&A east of Cavanaugh Hall.

A “Total Eclipse of the Heart” event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. April 8 on the Indianapolis campus. A scavenger hunt sponsored by Coca-Cola is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to lead up to the eclipse; the hunt will start at the Campus Recreation Outdoor Facility at Lockefield Green, at the corner of West North Street and University Boulevard.

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” will also feature games, a photo booth, crafts and more. Visit Housing and Residence Life’s Instagram @iupuihrl and the IUPUI calendar for updated details.

Several seminars and lectures are planned leading up to the eclipse, including the student-led Solar Eclipse Seminar, set for April 3 and put on by the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Organization.

Eclipse glasses

Protecting your eyes while viewing the eclipse is a must. If you want to purchase your own eclipse glasses, check the American Astronomical Society’s list of safe suppliers. Eclipse glasses are also available at the Campus Center’s main information desk while supplies last, and are limited to one pair per student, staff and faculty member.

IU Indianapolis-branded eclipse glasses are available while supplies last. Photo by Cliff Ritchey, Visit Indy

Personal preparedness

Indianapolis is expecting thousands of visitors to arrive over eclipse weekend, which means events, businesses and roads will be crowded. Make sure your IU Notify contact information is up to date, so you’ll receive alerts from IU in an emergency.

Plan ahead for traffic gridlock by filling your tank or charging your vehicle and packing snacks, water and an emergency kit. Remember to report suspicious behavior or criminal activity to the IU Police Department.

For emergencies that pose immediate danger to you or others, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 855-603-7911.

Campus dining options

Select dining outlets will be open at the Campus Center and Tower Dining. Hours at the Campus Center are:

• Caribou Coffee: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Chick-fil-A: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Panda Express: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Market: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

University Tower will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., but a CrimsonCard will be required for access.

Parking and transportation

Available parking

EM, NC and NCS parking permit holders may park in the following student garages on April 8:

• Barnhill Garage
• Sports Garage (ST Permit Parking section only)
• Blackford Street Garage (non-BG spaces)
• Gateway Garage

Parking permissions will return to normal on April 9. All other parking permissions remain the same during the eclipse.

JagLine shuttle services

The following JagLine shuttle routes will be in service April 8:

• Route 1: Crimson line
• Route 2: Gray line
• Route 5: Purple line

The following routes will not be in service.

• Route 3: Yellow line
• Route 4: Blue line

Check the JagLine shuttle app for estimated arrival times and up-to-date route information, as heavy traffic may delay times or routes.

Building hours

Hours for University Library will vary slightly April 8, open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Campus Center will retain its normal operating hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Other buildings on campus will be in card access mode and not open to the public.

Health and wellness

The Campus Health Center hours are as follows on April 8:

• 7 a.m. to noon for in-person visits
• 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. for virtual visits
• 3:15 to 5 p.m. for virtual visits

Phone and Wi-Fi disruptions

With the anticipated load on cell networks, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to enable Wi-Fi calling on their phones. Whether at home or on campus, this will allow you to make calls and bypass predicted heavy usage of cell services on April 8.

More Eclipse Day resources for faculty and staff can be found on the HR website.

Teresa Mackin is deputy director of media relations, Indianapolis in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.