Etiquette guides

ON THE DAY

1. Arriving for your Graduation:

• Please arrive at the Guildhall in plenty of time

• Ceremonies will run strictly to the times published
• Please have your e-ticket ready for scanning on arrival
• To minimise disruption to other graduates and their guests we may deny latecomers entry and move you to a different ceremony

2. Collecting your gown

• It can take up to 30 minutes to collect your gown
• Have your booking confirmation ready to show and please arrive in plenty of time to allow our
• gowning marshals to assist you with the fitting of your academic dress

3. Professional photography

• Pre-booking your photography is recommended; however, you can purchase a package on the day
• Please prioritise getting to your ceremony on time; the photographers can be flexible and accommodate you later in the day if necessary
• You can do this before or after your ceremony but make sure you have enough time to get to the ceremony venue

4. Taking your seat

• Doors open an hour before the ceremony starts. Make sure you are in your seat at least ten minutes before the ceremony.
• Ushers will direct you to your assigned seat
• Please remain in your allocated seat throughout the ceremony

5. During the ceremony

• Please celebrate this special day with kindness and respect for fellow guests, graduands and university staff
• If you are able, please stand when instructed, for the Academic Procession (on and off stage)
• Graduands should follow hte instructions of UoP stewards at all times as required
• Graduands should cross the stage when their name is called
• You should shake hands, nod or namste as you prefer
• Please feel free to clap and cheer for all graduands
• UoP stewards will indicate when to leave the hall

6. At the reception

• Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative with your lecturers, family, and friends
• Make the most of the fun photo opportunities and share them on social media using #UoPGrad
• Have a go on the tombola in support of the Student Hardship Fund and other games
• Other drinks and snacks are available for purchase (card only)

CEREMONY ETIQUETTE

We’re excited to celebrate this special moment with you. To ensure everyone has a memorable ceremony, here are a few simple guidelines:

• Please put your phone on silent, and refrain from making calls

• Assistance dogs are welcome, but pets are not allowed
• Celebrate the success of all graduates by applauding as they cross the stage
• Please avoid talking during the ceremony

For graduands

• Remember to remove chewing gum and earphones

• As your name is called, shake hands, nod or namaste at the Presiding Officer and Executive Dean as you cross the stage
• To ensure respect to all graduands, please remain in the hall until the ceremony concludes
• This is a non-political, inclusive event. Personal expression is welcome; however, we kindly ask that large items such as banners or flags are not displayed during the event to ensure a comfortable and inclusive space for all participants.

For guests

• Feel free to cheer, whistle and celebrate your graduand as they cross the stage

• Please remain seated until the end of the ceremony

CHILDREN AT GRADUATION

Children are welcome at your Graduation Ceremony.

Please note:

• Children under 14 must be accompanied by a guest aged 18+

• Children must remain seated throughout the ceremony
• Tickets must be purchased for all children
• Children cannot accompany graduates as they cross the stage
• Please ask the Guildhall staff for access to the baby feeding room
• Pushchairs and prams cannot be taken into the auditorium and must be left in the Octagon on the ground floor. All items are left at your own risk
• If a child becomes distressed/restless during the ceremony, please take them to the Portsmouth Room on the first floor where there is a live stream playing in a more relaxed environment
• Young children may find the day to be quite long, so graduates are encouraged to arrange childcare so they can relax and fully enjoy their special day