How to Schedule Your First In-Person Visit at Menard Correctional Center (SignUpGenius)
Menard Correctional Center uses the IDOC SignUpGenius system for scheduling in-person visits. Know where to sign up and follow the timing rules — otherwise you risk losing your slot and starting over.
You'll book your visit online through the IDOC SignUpGenius system. The sign-up process has strict timing rules, and small delays can cost you your progress - or leave you scrambling on visit day.
Start your visit request through the IDOC SignUpGenius page and plan to finish in one sitting. Before you begin, gather everything you'll need and avoid switching away from the sign-up screen. If the page goes inactive too long, the system times out and you'll have to start over.
Heads up: SignUpGenius times out after 30 minutes of inactivity. Finish the sign-up within that window or you'll lose your work.
- Open the IDOC SignUpGenius visit scheduler - Use the official SignUpGenius system IDOC provides for visit scheduling.
- Choose your slot and fill in every required field - Keep moving through the form so the session stays active.
- Submit your sign-up within 30 minutes - If the page sits inactive and times out, you’ll have to start the sign-up again and re-enter everything.
After you submit, double-check the visit details in SignUpGenius - especially the date and time. I recommend saving the scheduled time in your calendar so you're not scrambling the day of.
Arrival timing: Plan to arrive at Menard at least 10 minutes before your scheduled visit time.
Build your day around that appointment time. Menard expects you to arrive at least 10 minutes early, and it helps to give yourself extra cushion beyond that so normal delays don’t turn into a missed visit.
- ✓ Re-check your scheduled visit time in SignUpGenius before you leave
- ✓ Plan your drive so you arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time
- ✓ Give yourself extra buffer time beyond the 10 minutes in case the day runs slower than expected
If the sign-up times out, don't bother trying to fix the page - just restart and complete it quickly. No openings that work? Try a different slot or check back later when new availability may appear.
- Try another available slot - If your first choice isn’t open, select a different time that fits your schedule.
- Restart if you timed out - A 30-minute inactivity timeout means you’ll need to begin again and re-enter your information.
- Complete the form without long pauses - Keep the session active so you can submit within the 30-minute window.
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