The Ceremony

Please note that there will be Stewards on duty at all times to help and advise you.

When is my ceremony?

The Graduation 2012 schedule contains details of the ceremony for each Department, School or Centre.  You will be required to attend the ceremony for your Department, School or Centre.  If you are unsure, please refer to Registration for Graduation.

Where will the ceremony be held?

The Graduation ceremony will be held in the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall.  All graduating students (graduands) will be seated in the balcony area at the back of the auditorium, with guests seated towards the front.

What should I wear?

All graduating students are required to wear the University of Essex academic robes (see Gown Hire).  The dress code for the occasion is smart/formal.  For men this should be a shirt, tie, smart trousers and shoes (not trainers).  For ladies we recommend smart tops, skirts, trousers, or formal dresses and shoes, or smart sandals (not casual flip-flops or mules).  International students who would like to wear their own national dress are very welcome to do so.  Please note denim should not be worn.  Any graduand who does not comply with the dress code may not be admitted to the ceremony. 

On the day of Graduation you may find that it takes time to become familiar with wearing your gown, hood and mortar board, therefore, it is important that the rest of your clothing and footwear are comfortable.  During the ceremony you will be required to walk up and down stairs within the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall to be presented to the Chancellor (see below - What happens during the ceremony?).  So we strongly recommend that you wear comfortable footwear.  If you will be wearing high heels please ensure you feel confident wearing them to walk up and down stairs.

What happens during the ceremony?

The order of the ceremony will be as follows:

• The ceremony will begin with the procession of Academic Staff, Officers of the University and the Chancellor entering the auditorium.
• The Chancellor will open the ceremony and make a welcome speech.
• This will be followed by a representative from Departments providing a short overview of the work of the Departments followed by the presentation of graduands.  At this time each graduand will be presented individually to the Chancellor.
• If there is an Honorary Graduand or the Alumnus of the Year attending the ceremony, they will then be presented to the Chancellor and may make a speech.
• The Vice-Chancellor will make a brief closing statement and the Chancellor will formally close the ceremony.
• The processions will leave the auditorium, followed by the graduates of the University.

The Scintillo String Quartet play music in the Hall before and after the ceremony and during the entrance and exit of the processions and graduates.

IMPORTANT: During the presentation of graduands to the Chancellor, graduands will be required to walk down stairs to be presented and will then walk back to their seats using another staircase within the auditorium.  If you have any mobility difficulties or believe that you may experience problems with using the stairs please contact the Graduation Office as soon as possible in order that we can make alternative arrangements.  E-mail: graduation@essex.ac.uk.

How long does the ceremony last?

Between 1.5 and 2 hours, but usually 2 hours.

How many people will be in the ceremony?

Approximately 250 graduands and approximately 700 guests.

Do I receive my certificate during the ceremony?

No, you will be able to collect your certificate following your ceremony from Square 5.  If you are a postgraduate student you may have already received your certificate at the time that your award was conferred.  If this is the case you will not receive a further certificate at Graduation. 

Where will the live screening of the ceremony take place?

A live screening of the Graduation ceremony will take place in the Lecture Theatre Building (LTB 9 & 10).  Any guests without tickets for the ceremony, or those with young children, can use the facility. No charge is made for this service.

What happens after the ceremony?

After the ceremony you can go to your Departmental Reception.  At the reception, other graduates from your Department, School or Centre and their guests will be there, along with members of staff from your Department.  Light refreshments are also provided.  Each guest ticket provides entry to the Graduation ceremony and Departmental reception.  

Alternatively, you can visit the University's catering outlets on campus for refreshments which you will be available throughout the day and will need to be paid for individually.

Is there a DVD of the ceremony available?

Yes, you can purchase a DVD of your ceremony from Visions Unlimited.  They will be available on the day, or you can order online, either in advance or following the Graduation ceremony. For more information, see Graduation DVDs.

Where and when do I return my gown, cap/mortar board and hood?

All academic robes must be returned on the day of your Graduation to LTB 2 by 7.45pm each day.