Before the ceremony

• Send out an invitation to all eligible students no less than 12 weeks prior to the relevant ceremony.
• A confirmation of booking email will be sent tor all students who complete the online booking process by the deadline.
• An email confirming the Date/Time of your ceremony will be sent to you shortly after the booking deadline has passed.
• An email with instructions on how you can hire academic dress for your graduation will be sent out soon after the Date/ Time email.
• Finally at least a week before the ceremony is due to take place a registration information email will be sent to you confirming ticket collection times and where necessary additional information specific to your graduation venue.

On the day of the ceremony

• We will provide a safe and welcoming environment for you and your guests to celebrate your hard work and achievements.
• Provide friendly and helpful staff to support you and your guests at graduation helping to ensure you have the best possible experience with us.
• Provide expert gowners who will support graduates in robing prior to the ceremony, they will also help facilitate any on the day purchases you may wish to make.
• Staff will be available throughout the day to help you navigate the site and to help answer any questions you may have.
• We will provide all graduates with a commemorative programme that includes the award listing for all attending graduates (unless you have opted out).
• All guests will be offered an Order of Proceedings on their way into the ceremony venue.
• We will also provide a livestream of each ceremony via our Graduation Live feed to allow family and friends that could not attend in person to join in with the celebrations.
• After the ceremony has concluded graduates and their ticketed guests will be invited to join members of the faculty and University executive for refreshments.
• Memorabilia/ Careers and Alumni services will all be present for graduates to engage with and purchase any mementos of the occasion.

Before the ceremony

• Keep your contact details up to date.
• Engage with the graduation invitation and complete the online booking by the deadline.
• Make any guest ticket payments by the deadline.
• Book your academic dress appropriate for your award and in official UoB colours in advance.
• Check your UoB and personal emails regularly for graduation updates.

On the day of the ceremony

• Have relevant ID on them (Student ID/ Drivers License/ Passport).
• Plan your journey and allow plenty of time to arrive at the venue, factoring in parking and use of buses to the venue where necessary.
• Turn up on time for your ceremony registration (collection of all tickets).
• Be wearing official academic dress appropriate to your award and in official UoB colours.
• Be seated in the ceremony hall on time. (no later than 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony).
• Pass guests their tickets before entering the venue and make sure they are in the ceremony venue 30 minutes before the ceremony starts.
• Be sat in the correct seat as shown on your seat card. This ensures we read out the correct name as you cross the stage.
• During the ceremony we ask all attendees to refrain from talking and turn off any electronic devices or to put them on silent to avoid disrupting the event.
• When crossing the stage please doff your cap to the presiding officers and make your way off stage. Please be mindful that this is a formal event.
• Listen to all instructions provided by University Staff, they are here to support the enjoyment of everyone at the event and ensure your safety.
• Please be respectful of all event staff, graduates and guests. We want to make this event a special day for all those who attend. The University has a zero tolerance policy on rude/ abusive behavior.
• We ask that all graduates remind their guests to remain seated during the ceremony and avoid entering the isles as these are fire exit routes that must remain clear at all times.

For full details please see our Guide to Graduation