Award Ceremony Information for graduating students

Arrival
Registration
Information desk
Parking
Catering
During the ceremony

Arriving at the University

Upon arriving at the University you should collect your gown from the Sports Centre. Staff will be on hand to assist you. If you wish to have a graduation photograph taken this also takes place in the Sports Centre. If you need help in locating the gowning area please report to the Richmond Building for assistance. Once you have collected your gown, you should go to the registration desks in the Richmond Building where you will collect any guest tickets that you have been allocated.
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Registration

The registration desks open 1hr 30 minutes before the ceremony is due to start and will be open for 1 hour. Please ensure that you register on time as we cannot guarantee you entry into the ceremony if you are late.

If you are running late due to unavoidable circumstances please call ahead and advise us on 01274 235050.

Please ensure you have your graduand ticket letter with you, if we have sent it to you in the post, or your student ID card if you are picking your graduand letter up at registration.  At registration we will issue you with your seat number along with any guest tickets you have been allocated.

Guest tickets are not numbered and guests will be guided to available seats by stewards in the Great Hall. Once you have registered, you and your guests should proceed straight to the Great Hall and take your seats.
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Information Desk

There will be an Information Desk situated outside the Great Hall, where you can purchase graduation tubes and booklets.
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Parking

There will be no parking restrictions on campus on the days when the Award Ceremonies are held.

If you have guests who require assistance they should report to the Main Reception in Richmond Building Foyer on arrival. Security staff will be available to assist, where necessary.

If travelling by car you may park temporarily outside the main entrance to the Richmond Building whilst your guests disembark. The University Security staff will be on Richmond Road to advise with regard to parking facilities.
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Catering

Refreshments are available for purchase in the Atrium on ceremony days. Food and drink are not allowed in the Great Hall, Small Hall or in the waiting area.

Individual departments may also hold drinks receptions on the day of the ceremony. Please contact your departmental office directly to enquire.
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What happens during the ceremony

When the ceremony is due to start graduands and guests should stand, when prompted, whilst the academic procession makes it way on to the stage. Once the ceremony has been officially opened guests and graduands may sit down.

Graduands will be prompted when it is time to proceed to the stage. Mortar boards should be left on or under seats as they are not to be worn during the ceremony. Following an introductory address by the Vice Chancellor and the presentation of an Honorary Degree the name of each graduand will be read out in turn (the classification of degree is not read out).

As each name is read the graduand walks up the steps and onto the stage and shakes hands with the Chancellor (or Vice Chancellor).  The graduand then crosses the stage where they will be presented with their certificate by the Chair of the University Council. The graduante then leaves the stage and returns to their seat.

Following the oration by the Honorary Graduate, there will be an address by a representative from the Student's Union on behalf of all graduating students and then the proceedings will be concluded with an address from the Chancellor.

In the event that the Chancellor is not able to attend the ceremony, the awards will be conferred by the Vice Chancellor.

At the end of the ceremony the procession will leave first, followed by any VIP guests. Graduands will then follow immediately behind and may have to leave from a different exit to guests. Please arrange to meet up with your guests in the Atrium after the ceremony.

Guests are expected to remain in their seats until the ceremony has finished except in cases of emergency or if they have young children who become restless.
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