Frequently asked questions

Please note that the following questions and answers apply to graduands who are eligible to attend the July 2013 Congregation. 

Confirming attendance

Tickets

Gown hire

Photography

Arrangements on the day


When can I apply for graduation?

Eligible students will be notified when registration opens for graduation. This will be available either online via your student info page, or you will be emailed a form which you should fill out and return.

If you have not received notification by the beginning of May 2013, and you are eligible to attend the July graduation, please contact the Graduation Office.

Registration closes at 5.00 pm on Monday 20 May 2013.

Should I wait for confirmation that I have passed before returning the graduation attendance form?

No, you must complete the application process, whether you have been awarded or not. Any student who is not awarded in time for the July ceremonies will be put forward to the Winter ceremonies 2014.

I'm a postgraduate and have been awarded subject to the correction of minor errors, can I still graduate?

Yes, you are still eligible to graduate at the July Degree Congregation. Your degree certificate will, however, only be issued when the Examinations Office has received written confirmation from the internal examiner that the corrections have been made. For further information please the Education Support Unit page or contact the Examinations Office on +44 (0)117 928 9836.

What if I don't want to attend my ceremony?

You must still complete your attendance form even if you do not wish to attend your ceremony and select 'in absentia'.

What should I do if I was expecting to attend the ceremony and am no longer able to do so?

If you are no longer able to attend, please telephone the Graduation Office as soon as possible on +44 (0)117 954 6388.  We will then be able to arrange for your degree to be conferred in absentia, and your certificate will then be posted to your home address after the ceremony.

How many tickets am I allowed?

All graduands are guaranteed two guest tickets (as well as their own graduand ticket) for entrance to the ceremony.

Can I get more than two guest tickets for my ceremony

In the event that there are any extra tickets for the ceremony, they will be allocated on the day of your ceremony only, at the appropriate collection points, on a strictly first-come, first-served basis and at a maximum of 1 extra ticket per graduand.

What should I do if I have not ordered my gown?

Ede & Ravenscroft bring a limited amount of spare gowns with them on the day of the ceremony.  These gowns are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so we would advise you to arrive as early as possible.  The gown hire company will be based in The Refectory, The Hawthorns for the duration of Graduation.  Payment can be made by cash, cheque, or credit/debit card.  Please note that you cannot graduate without the regulation gown and hood.

What should I wear for the ceremonies?

Apart from the regulation gown and hood which should have been ordered in advance from Ede & Ravenscroft -(you are not required to order a cap for the ceremony, unless you are being awarded a Higher Doctorate, ie DEng, DLitt, DMus, DSc, and LLD) we advise students to wear a dark suit, tie and black shoes for men, and a dark skirt/trousers with a white blouse (please note that a safety pin is a useful accessory for keeping your hood in place) and black shoes for women. Traditional costume is also acceptable for graduation.

What should I do if I have not pre-booked my photography?

If you have not pre-booked your photography from Ede & Ravenscroft, it can be booked on the day of your graduation by visiting the  sales desk at the Wills Memorial Building.

What's the best time to have my photos taken?

Official graduation photography is provided by Ede and Ravenscroft and is available each day on the third floor, Wills Memorial Building. This is a very popular service so we recommend making use of what might be quieter times of the day, such as before your ceremony or over lunchtime, to have your photos taken – scrolls and caps are provided for this purpose.

Where do I need to go on the day?

Ticket and gown collection is at The Refectory, The Hawthorns (entrance via Woodland Road). The ceremonies take place in the Great Hall, Will Memorial Building. A detailed map of the precinct is available.

When should I collect my tickets and gown?

Tickets and gowns should be collected on the day of your ceremony, from the Refectory, the Hawthorns, (entrance via Woodland Road). For timings see on the day information

Please ensure that you bring with you a form of identification (e.g. your student card).

When collecting tickets and gowns, students are requested not to bring guests into the Refectory. Guests will be welcome to wait in the Terrace bar of the Hawthorns (accessible via the main entrance of The Hawthorns) where refreshments will be on sale from 8.30am.

What time do I have to arrive for my ceremony?

You need to be robed and seated 45 minutes before the start of your ceremony at the Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building. For ceremony timings see on the day information

What time should my guests arrive at the ceremony?

Guests are admitted approximately 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

How long does the ceremony last?

The ceremony usually lasts about an hour/hour-and-a-quarter.

Is there live streaming of the event?

All of the ceremonies will be streamed live on the graduation homepage.

What should I do on the day, if I find that I may arrive late?

If you find that you are delayed for the start of the ceremony, please call the Graduation Office on +44 (0)117 954 6388.

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