Terms and conditions

1.1 Registration process

(a) If you are provisionally eligible, you will receive an invite to register for a graduation ceremony by email to your email address(es) registered on our student database. Please note that this does not confirm eligibility, which may be affected by your circumstances subsequent to the invite being sent. If you were expecting an invitation and haven’t received one, please contact the Graduation Team by emailing gradoffice@keele.ac.uk.

(b) You must register using the form on Ede & Ravenscroft’s https://www2.edeandravenscroft.com/academic/Graduation Hub (the “Registration Form”) before the deadline stated in your invitation to guarantee your place at the graduation ceremony. You will receive confirmation of your registration by email to your personal email address you have provided on your Graduation Hub account. If you do not receive your confirmation email, please contact Ede and Ravenscroft via the contact form on their website.

(c) If you are unable to attend the date of the graduation ceremony, you can defer to a subsequent graduation ceremony or graduate in absentia. You must fill out the Microsoft Form linked from the Registration Form on Graduation Hub to record your choice by the registration deadline. You may only defer or be deferred twice. If you select to defer and do not attend, you will automatically graduate in absentia at the next event.

(d) If you fail to register or defer your graduation ceremony, you will be unable to attend and will automatically graduate in absentia.

1.2 Guest tickets

(a) Each graduand can purchase up to two tickets for the ceremony hall when registering attendance. You must complete purchase within the registration window. Failure to do so will result in the removal of allocated tickets, which may be made available to others.

(b) Keele University will provide a live stream venue (“Live Stream Theatre”) close to the main ceremony hall. Graduands can book up to two tickets for the Live Stream Theatre during registration.

(c) After the registration period, additional guest tickets may be released on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Graduands will be notified in advance.

(d) Additional tickets are not guaranteed.

(e) You will receive confirmation of any guest tickets purchased. Do not make travel or accommodation arrangements before securing tickets unless they are cancellable.

(f) Friends and relatives who cannot attend can watch the ceremony free of charge via the live stream link on the graduation webpages.

1.3 Children and babies

(a) Children and babies are welcome, but the ceremony is a formal event. If children cause disruption, they must be taken out of the ceremony hall.

(b) Children under three may enter without a ticket and must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.

(c) Children aged three and above require a ticket.

(d) Baby pushchairs can be stored at the venue, subject to availability.

(e) Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

(f) Complimentary alcoholic drinks are available to guests aged over 18 at the Graduation Reception. Proof of age may be required.

1.4 Accessibility requirements

(a) Any access requirements must be declared during registration or by contacting the Graduation Team no later than the deadline for the second release of tickets.

(b) We will use reasonable efforts to meet accessibility requests received on time.

1.5 Tickets are non‑transferable

Graduands cannot transfer tickets to another graduand. The University will not honour informal ticket‑sharing arrangements.

1.6 Ticket cancellation rights and refunds

(a) Ticket cancellations should be made via the third‑party supplier.

(b) Refunds may be available if requested by the stated deadline and will be processed within 30 working days.

(c) Refunds for students no longer eligible to graduate will be processed within 30 working days of the final ceremony.

(d) Third‑party ticket terms and conditions apply.

(a) Academic dress is recommended for the graduation ceremony.

(b) Academic dress can be hired from a third‑party supplier and collected on campus on the ceremony day.

(c) The University is not responsible for third‑party supplier websites or services.

(d) Formal clothing and suitable footwear are expected.

(e) Academic dress arrangements are between you and the supplier, and refunds are subject to their policy.

3.1 Identification

You must bring your Keele University student ID card or other valid photographic ID.

3.2 Parking

Parking is free of charge on the day of the ceremony. Disabled parking must be requested in advance.

3.3 Seating arrangements

(a) Graduands will be allocated seats and must remain seated throughout the ceremony.

(b) Guests will be seated separately on a first‑come basis.

3.4 Timing and punctuality

(a) Graduands should arrive two hours before the ceremony and be gowned 45 minutes before start time.

(b) Check‑in closes 30 minutes before the ceremony.

(c) Late arrival may prevent participation in the ceremony.

3.5 Facilities for nursing mothers

Facilities are available; please speak to a Graduation Team member on the day.

3.6 Etiquette

Mobile phones must be silent. Pyrotechnics, confetti cannons, flash photography, smoking and vaping are prohibited. Graduands and guests must behave appropriately and comply with University policies.

3.7 Refusal of entry

The University may refuse entry or remove any person who breaches these terms or presents health, safety or welfare concerns.

4.1 Cancelling the event

The University may change, cancel or postpone the ceremony without liability.

4.2 Postponing the event

An alternative date will be offered within 12 months. Refunds will be issued within 30 working days in case of cancellation.

4.3 Refunds in the event of changes

Except in the case of cancellation, refunds are discretionary and the University is not liable for associated losses.

Graduand names may be announced and used in University materials. Ceremonies are live‑streamed and may be recorded for marketing purposes. Flash photography and selfies on stage are prohibited.

See the https://www.keele.ac.uk/graduation/privacynotice/Graduation Privacy Notice for more information.

Outstanding University debts must be cleared by the stated deadline to attend the ceremony.

Visa Support Letters are available on request from the Graduation Team.

Communications will be sent to your registered personal email address. These terms are governed by English law.

Terminology

Academic Dress means the cap, hood and gown.

Ceremony hall means the University Chapel.

Graduand means a student invited to attend a graduation ceremony.

Guest means a family member or friend attending with a guest ticket.

Us / we / our means Keele University.

You / your means the graduand.