Events for Alumni and Friends

Who are these events for?  

These events are for alumni who did not have the opportunity to attend a graduation ceremony as a result of their ceremony being cancelled during lockdown (summer 2020, winter 2020 and summer 2021 cancelled graduation ceremonies).   

 

Can I amend my booking? 

Please note that we are no longer able to change or amend any registrations. The only option available will be to cancel your booking. 

 

I can’t attend the ceremony date for my College, can I join another? 

We are no longer able to change or amend your booked date or ceremony time.  

 

Is there a cost to get a ticket?  

Just as with graduation, the event is free but you need to pay for gown hire and photography.  

 

How do I hire a gown? 

You should arrange to hire your academic gown directly with Ede and Ravenscroft. 

Please have a note of your order confirmation details available when you collect your gown and hood on the day of your ceremony. 

Please note that online booking for gowns has now closed on the Ede and Ravenscroft website. Please see their FAQs for information if you have not hired a gown. 

If you have any queries regarding your gown hire, please contact Ede & Ravenscroft direct. 

 

How do I arrange official portrait photographs?  

Ede & Ravenscroft provide the University's official portrait photography service available on graduation days and will be located in an area adjacent to Bute Hall. 

Please note that you are required to book these in advance.  

Members of the audience may take photographs/videos during the ceremony but must do so from their seats and not move about Bute Hall when graduands are being seated or during the ceremony. 

 

Can I bring guests?   

Yes, just as with graduation, each ‘graduate’ can bring two guests. Your registration automatically includes the two guest tickets.   

You can collect your guest tickets when you check in on the day of your ceremony. 

There are no additional tickets available and all guests including children require a ticket. Only guests entitled to tickets should attend the venue. If you are late, you may not be able to attend so please allow plenty of time to register. Times are listed below: 

We will not respond to any emails requesting additional tickets above the allocation of two for family members/partners/close friends.   

 

How do I apply for a certifying letter for Visa purposes? 

Please use the Student Support Enquiry Team online form to request these.  

When completing the form, can you please select the option of Other in the Purpose of letter field, and in the additional comments box please state that you are attending the Graduation Celebration Event and the date you are registered for.  

 

Will the University cover my travel and accommodation costs?  

There is no funding available to cover travel and accommodation costs. All costs to get to the event must be borne by the attendee.  

 

I cannot attend these events, will a similar offering be made at a later date? 

These are currently the only Alumni Graduation Celebration Events planned. 

 

The ceremonies will take place in the Bute Hall and will follow the same format.  There will be a reception in the cloisters and the opportunity for photography. Gown hire will be available and the details and deadlines for this will be issued once you have registered your interest.  

 

Date	College	Time
Monday 22 August	College of Arts	10.30am
Monday 22 August	College of Arts	1.30pm
Monday 22 August	College of Arts	4.30pm
Tuesday 23 August	College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences	10.30am
Tuesday 23 August	College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences	1.30pm
Tuesday 23 August	College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences	4.30pm
Wednesday 24 August	College of Social Sciences	10.30am
Wednesday 24 August	College of Social Sciences	1.30pm
Wednesday 24 August	College of Social Sciences	4.30pm
Thursday 25 August	College of Science & Engineering	10.30am
Thursday 25 August	College of Science & Engineering	1.30pm
Thursday 25 August	College of Science & Engineering	4.30pm
Friday 26 August	All Colleges	10.30am
Friday 26 August	All Colleges	1.30pm

 

You must check in for your ceremony and collect guest tickets from Hunter Hall. You will be allocated 2 guest tickets. There are no additional tickets available and all guests including children require a ticket. Only guests entitled to tickets should attend the venue. If you are late, you may not be able to attend so please allow plenty of time to register. Times are listed below: 
 

Ceremony Time	Registration Time (Hunter Hall)	Guests Admitted (Bute Hall)
10:30am	8:00am - 9:15am	09:45am
1:30am	11:00am - 12:15pm	12:45pm
4:30pm	2:00 - 3:15pm	3:45pm

Please bring your student card as identification. If you no longer have your card, then please bring photographic ID and a note of your student number. Please don’t bring large bags and rucksacks as they are not permitted in Bute Hall. Large bags/rucksacks must be left at the bag drop marquee located in the West Quad (outside the chapel). We are unable to provide cloakroom facilities.   

You will need to hire a gown and hood for your graduation ceremony.  If you haven’t already done so, you should do this online as soon as possible.  If you are unable to book your gown and hood in advance, don’t worry, you can do it on the day of your graduation.  Gowns are collected from Hunter Halls. Please note that wearing a gown is not mandatory – no one will be turned away if they are not wearing a gown.  Black and white is the official dress code but national dress is also welcomed. Jeans and trainers should not be worn and please do not wear a hat, as this makes it impossible to cap you.

Plan your journey and think about how you’re getting to campus: parking around the campus is restricted, so driving may not be the best way to get here. If you are travelling by public transport please check your journey in advance.  If you have any access requirements, please get in touch with the Graduation Team. If your guests require lift access, you don’t need to notify us in advance as this will be available on the day.   

Registration is now closed for these events.

As registration is now closed, you no longer have the option to amend your booking time or date. The only option available will be to cancel your booking. 

Please note that the number of places has been based on the demand predicted by those who submitted a registration of interest, with additional capacity made available for those who did not register their interest.