A brief description of what will happen during the graduation ceremony...
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Order of proceedings...Graduate seating...Academic Dress...Presentations...Photography...Award certificates...Prizes
Order of proceedings
The ceremony last approximately one hour.
- Procession of platform party (please stand)
- Welcome on behalf of the Governing Body
- Vice-Chancellor's address
- Presentation of Professorships and Fellowships
- Presentation of Graduates
- Introduction of Honorary Graduate or Guest Speaker (if applicable)
- Address by one of the following: Honorary Graduate or Guest Speaker (if applicable)
- Vote of thanks by Graduate Speaker (if applicable)
- Recession of platform party followed by graduates (please stand)
Graduate seating
In the Main Hall graduates are asked to sit in the numbered, reserved seat indicated on their ticket. This is to ensure that all graduates are seated in the correct order when called for presentation.
Presentations
During the ceremony the ushers will ask graduates to rise, a row at a time, and approach the presentation platform. Graduates must take their ticket to the platform.
As each graduate approaches the platform an usher will check that their gown, hood and headwear are being worn correctly.
Graduates will be asked to wait in line until, when approaching the platform, an usher will ask each graduate in turn for their ticket. The ticket gives the graduate's name and award details, so it is important that graduates check these details before the ceremony begins.
The graduate at the front of the line will be the next person to be presented. Once the graduate's name is announced s/he should walk onto and across the platform to the centre point, where the Vice-Chancellor (or representative) will greet and shake hands with the graduate. The graduate will then return to their seat.
Photography
The official university photographers will take a presentation photograph of each graduate (this can be purchased from Ede & Ravenscroft).
Award certificates
NB: Certificates are not presented or issued at the graduation ceremony - these are posted to graduate home addresses. See frequently asked questions for more details.
Prizes
Following the presentation of graduates, university prizes are presented. Graduates who have been awarded a university prize will be asked, by the usher, to return to the platform to be presented with the prize. An usher will speak to the prize winners before the ceremony begins, to outline what they will need to do.
