Graduation - on the day
1. What do I do first?
All students must register before the ceremony. Registration takes place in the Performance Studio, upper foyer, Arts Centre as follows:-
- 8.30am – 10am – For morning ceremonies
- 10.30am – 12.30pm – For afternoon ceremonies
When you register you will be given your identity card bearing your name and seat number. It is essential that you keep your identity card safe as you must hand it to the Chief Marshal as you go on stage to receive your degree. Please make sure you sit in the correct seat – the number will appear be on the identity card and in the programme.
2. Where and when do I collect my cap and gown?
If you are graduating with an Aberystwyth University degree and you have hired your Academic Dress from J.Wippell’s and Company, their representatives will be based in Gerallt Jones Studio, Parry Williams Building throughout the 4 days of Graduation. You may collect your cap and gown from them on production of your receipt. The Robing Room will be open at 8.30am each day during graduation.
Graduands whose ceremony starts at 11.00am should arrive at the Robing Room no later than 10.00am to collect their gowns.
Graduands whose ceremony starts at 3.00pm are asked to collect their robes from 10.30am and no later than 2pm.
3. What do I need with me to collect my cap and gown?
When collecting your academic dress you will need the order confirmation or the acknowledgement card, if one has been sent to you by the gown company. Otherwise you need only give your full name and qualification.
4. Will I be shown how to wear the cap and gown properly?
The Gown company staff will be on hand in the robing room to assist graduands and ensure they are dressed correctly.
For comfort and practicality it is recommended that you wear a top or shirt that buttons up to the neck, as this makes it easier to attach the hood over your gown. A supply of hair grips is useful for securing your cap.
5. What do I do with my cap and gown after the ceremony?
Following your ceremony, your cap and gown should be returned to the room where you collected them, unless you have arranged for additional time in your hiring agreement.
6. When do I need to be at the Great Hall?
For rehearsals you are asked to present yourself at the Great Hall at 9.30am for the morning ceremony and 1.30pm for the afternoon ceremony.
For the Ceremony you should to be seated at least 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
7. How will I know what to do during the ceremony?
Rehearsals take place in the Great Hall as follows:
- 9.30am for the morning ceremonies
- 1.30pm for the afternoon ceremonies
It is essential for all graduands to attend their rehearsal to ensure they are aware of the conduct of the ceremonies. Rehearsals last about half an hour. Please ensure that you are sitting in the correct seat during rehearsals. Your seat number appears in the progamme and on your identity card.
8. Can I sit anywhere?
It is essential that you sit in the seat written by your name, found on your registration card and in the programme. The seating arrangements are carefully planned so that you arrive on stage when your name is being called – according to the order in the printed programme that you will be given when you register. There will be administrative staff on duty to see that you find your correct seat and they are on duty throughout the ceremony to ensure that you remain in the right order.
9. What should I have with me during the ceremony?
You must have your identity card (given to you when you register) with you at the beginning of the ceremony: you will need to hand this to the Chief Marshal as you go up on the stage.
PLEASE NOTE that, once you have been presented for and admitted to your degree, you will not return to the same seat that you occupied at the start. You should therefore avoid carrying handbags, cameras, etc with you into the auditorium. Please leave such items in the care of your guests.
10. What does the ceremony involve?
In the ceremony, you will be “presented” to the Vice-Chancellor (Professor April McMahon) by a Presenter (Head of Department) who will read out your name and the names of your fellow students being admitted to the same degree. When your name is called, you will walk across the stage and shake hands with the Vice-Chancellor. You will then be re-seated. When all admissions to your particular degree have been completed, you will be asked to stand to receive the Greetings of the President/Vice Chancellor of the University.
Procedure:
- A Marshal will collect you and your group from your seats when it is time to go on stage to be presented to the Vice-Chancellor.
- Follow the Marshal and stay with your group.
- The Presenter (Head of Department) will read the names each the students.
- When your name is read out you will walk towards the Vice-Chancellor, and shake her hand.
- The Marshals will take you back to you seat.
When all presentations to a particular degree have been completed (e.g. all BA candidates), all those graduates will be asked to stand to be admitted to their degree by the Vice-Chancellor and to receive the Greetings of the President of the University.
11. Can I leave as soon as I get my degree?
Save in an emergency, graduands are expected to remain in the auditorium throughout the ceremony.
12. How much are the commemorative programmes?
Printed programmes will be available at registration and at the entrances to the Great Hall, free of charge, to all graduands and their guests.
13. How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony will last for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. There is also a 30 minute rehearsal before the ceremony which graduands must attend.
14. Can I/my guests take photographs during the ceremony?
Graduands and guests are permitted to take photographs during the ceremonies.
15. Where can I/my guests park?
Staff will be on duty to direct visitors to the car parks on the campus. A section of the Arts Centre car park will be reserved for disabled visitors and those with special parking permits.
A minibus shuttle service will be available for visitors parking in the car parks furthest from the Arts Centre.
16. Is there provision for disabled guests?
Students whose guests have special requirements (e.g. require wheelchair access) should complete section C of the on-line graduation registration form. Appropriate arrangements will be made: e.g. ground floor seats or wheelchair space will be reserved as necessary and parking permits will be issued if appropriate. For students who aren’t able to register on-line, please see Special Requirements for the relevant form.
17. What if my guests require Accommodation?
Please visit Overnight Accommodation
18. What happens after the ceremony?
You and your guests are warmly invited by the University to a reception which will be held in the Theatre Foyer (or out on the lawn if the weather is fine) immediately after the ceremony. The buildings on campus will also be open and you are welcome to visit the departments during the day.