On the Day

What you can expect from this memorable occasion

Please ensure you arrive 2 hours before your ceremony time and report to the Students Union to collect your tickets.

Where do the ceremonies take place?

We hold all graduation ceremonies in the University Chapel. This provides an attractive setting for your special day. Your email invitation will notify you of the specific date and time of your ceremony. Please ensure that you take your seat in the Chapel 15 minutes before the scheduled start.  We will not admit anyone after the ceremony begins. If you know you are going to arrive late, please telephone 01782 734206 so that the event organisers are made aware and may be able to make alternative arrangements.

Presentation of Degrees

Once you have gathered with your guests in the marquee outside the University Chapel, our staff will indicate the appropriate time for students to enter and be ushered to their allocated seats. Guests will enter separately.  On commencement of the Ceremony, an usher will ask all students receiving a particular level of award to stand – i.e. Doctor, Master, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, Bachelor. When instructed, the first row of students will move to the side aisle. All other rows will then sit down to await their turn to avoid blocking the view of the people seated behind. When it comes to your row’s turn, you will move slowly down the side aisle and wait until your name is called. Ushering staff will guide you through this process.  When your name is called you will: Walk forward until you reach a marked point in front of the Conferrer (the person who will officially present your award).  If you are receiving a Doctorate, the Conferrer will touch your head with a cap, shake your hand and say a few words.  If you are receiving a Masters or Undergraduate Masters degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate, the Conferrer will shake your hand and say a few words.  If you are receiving a Bachelor’s degree or a Diploma, the Conferrer will shake your hand.  You will then return to your seat using the central aisle, entering the row from the opposite end to which you left it.

Both male and female students should keep their hats off throughout proceedings.  Students are requested to carry their hats except when leaving the Chapel at the end of the ceremony.

Where will I go for photographs?

You do not need to order your graduation photography in advance. Simply turn up on the day.  You are encourages to have photographs taken before your ceremony.  Please ensure that you allow yourself plenty of time to do this.

Staff from Tempest Graduation Photography will be available to take your graduation photographs. from 8.00am in the Students’ Union Ballroom, and for a short time after the ceremonies. Please refer to the information on page 18 for more details.

How can I order a DVD recording of my ceremony?

Your graduation ceremony, recorded onto DVD, will be available to reserve at our dedicated stand located in the Students’ Union. If you are unsure, we encourage you to visit this stand where you will have the opportunity to watch a ceremony from last year. Alternatively, you may pre-order online.

Graduation step-by-step floor plan of your Graduation

 

 SU Floor plan