Graduation 2022 FAQs

What is a Graduand?

A Graduand is a university student who has finished their studies, but who has not yet fully graduated. 

I’m a Joint Honours student, which ceremony will I attend?

If your subjects are based across two Schools, you will be contacted separately about the arrangements for your ceremony. If your two subjects are based in a single School, you will be invited to the ceremony for your School. 

What happens if I am unable to attend?

If you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible, via the link in your invitation email, by 12 September. You will need to ensure that we hold the correct contact details for you before we will post your certificate to you, and you can update your details by logging on to your SOLE page. 

As your certificate is an important document, we will only post this by Royal Mail Recorded Delivery, for which there will be a charge of £2.50 for deliveries in the UK, £10.00 for deliveries outside of the UK. 

Do I have to attend my ceremony?

Passing the required examinations and assessments is actually what turns a student into a graduate- this means you are not required to attend the ceremonies. The ceremonies are simply an opportunity to celebrate your achievement with your classmates, academic staff and guests. 

You will be able to access a copy of your final module grades and a letter confirming whether you have achieved your qualification on your SOLE page. 

My particular ceremony date is inconvenient. Is it possible to swap to another ceremony?

It is not possible to change a ceremony date. If you cannot attend on your ceremony day, you are very welcome to watch remotely through the live, online broadcast. 

What happens if I don’t complete my course?

If the Board of Examiners does not confirm your award by 9 September 2022, you will be contacted by email to confirm that you won’t be able to graduate in November 2022. Once your award has been agreed, you will be invited to the next awards ceremony in the following academic year. 

Why can’t the whole event take place in the Cathedral?

Unfortunately, there isn’t sufficient capacity to hold ceremonies and reception at the Cathedral. 

Will my name be published anywhere?

Due to data protection regulations (GDPR), we can only publish your name if you have specifically given your consent. We will ask your permission to publish your name in the Award Ceremonies programme and the local newspaper as follows: 

a) The Award Ceremonies programme names students who have successfully completed their course. Names will be listed in alphabetical order under the appropriate course titles. No classifications are shown. 

b) Names are printed in the daily Worcester News for each ceremony. 

Is there any reserved seating for guests?

When booking tickets there is an opportunity for you to indicate if your guests have any seating requirements eg, wheelchair access. Please note that reserved seating for ease of access/additional space is located around the Cathedral and not necessarily nearer the stage. 

How long is each ceremony?

Each ceremony will last between 1 to 1.5 hours. 

Why does the University charge for guest tickets?

The University incurs significant expense in the organisation of the annual Awards Ceremonies, and in order to cover these costs we charge a nominal fee for guest tickets. We do not make any profit from the sale of these tickets; nor do we charge graduands to attend their own ceremony (many institutions do). 

What’s included in the guest ticket price?

The ticket price includes: 

• Entrance to the Ceremony 
• A commemorative programme 
• Drinks reception at the City Campus

Can I bring a child as a guest to the graduation?

Children may attend the Awards Ceremonies, although we would ask you to use your judgement in deciding whether it is appropriate for small children to attend what can be a long ceremony. All children should be still and quiet throughout the ceremony and those children who become restless or disruptive will be asked to leave the Cathedral.  

What if my guests change their mind or can no longer attend the graduation?

If you have paid for tickets but no longer need your allocation, provided you let us know by 28 October then a refund can be actioned, subject to a £5.00 administration fee. 

Do I need to wear academic dress at Graduation?

Yes. The ceremony is a formal event and you must wear the correct academic dress relating to your award.

Can I wear my mortar board inside the Cathedral?

In order to respect the wishes of the Dean and Chapter of Worcester Cathedral you are requested to remove your mortar board whilst inside the Cathedral. 

When should I order my academic dress?

You should order your academic dress as soon as possible and by 14 October at the latest. Should you miss this deadline you will still be able to hire academic dress on the day of your ceremony, but it will cost considerably more. 

What should I wear with my robe?

Most graduates generally wear smart attire under their academic gown, such as a suit. You may find it helpful to wear a shirt with buttons to help with securing the hood of your gown. 

Graduates and guests will need to make their own way to the Cathedral from the City Campus and we are expecting most people will choose to walk. Although it’s only a 20-minute walk or wheel, you may wish to think about wearing comfortable, sturdy footwear and weather-proof clothing! We strongly recommend bringing an umbrella, as you will wish to protect your gown on the walk to and from the Cathedral. 

How will I know how to wear the robe?

Staff will help you put it on correctly. 

When do I need to hand my robe back?

You can keep your robe on all day, allowing plenty of time for family photographs. You must return the robe at the City Campus by 6.00pm on the day of your ceremony. 

Are there any refreshments available prior to the ceremony?

The City Campus café will be open prior to each ceremony. 

What happens when I arrive at the Cathedral?

Your tickets will be checked at the door and you will be shown the seating areas available to both graduands and guests. You will also be asked to remove your mortar boards. 

Where will I sit?

Graduands will be allocated a seat number when they collect their tickets, and must sit in the seat they are allocated. 

Where will my guests sit?

Guest seating is allocated on a first come, first served basis. Those who have been allocated a reserved ticket due to their special requirements will be shown to their seats on arrival at the Cathedral. 

Can I sit with my guests?

No. All graduands are seated in the order in which the awards will be presented. 

What happens if myself or one of my guests have extra requirements?

If you or your guests have any additional requirements, please indicate this when ordering your tickets, giving as much information as possible to allow us to consider your request. Please note, that easier access seating is placed in various sections around the Cathedral, and not necessarily nearer the stage. 

Are there any steps?

Graduands access and exit the stage via a short ramp – please bear this in mind when choosing footwear. There are steps and a ramp for guests entering the Cathedral. 

What happens during the ceremony?

A marshal will call you from your seat and direct you towards the stage. You will need to remain in the order in which you were seated. When your name is read out, you will cross the stage and have a photograph taken before exiting the stage and collecting your certificate. 

Once you have collected your certificate, the marshals will direct you around the Cathedral and back to your seat. 

Can I take my own photographs in the Cathedral?

Unfortunately not. The Cathedral requests that no flash photography should take place inside. However, do take every opportunity to take pictures in the Cathedral grounds after the ceremony. 

Can I bring extra guests for the photography?

Additional friends and family may join you for your professional photographs (if you are opting to have these). The photos are booked in advance and are taken before your ceremony. Only ticketed guests are able to join you for the ceremony and reception. 

How can I contact Marston Events Photography?

The website is www.yourgraduation.co.uk 

Can I bring my own refreshments to the reception?

No, only food and drink purchased on the premises can be consumed at the reception. 

Ceremonies

Tuesday 1st November 9:30 

School of Psychology 

 

Tuesday 1st November 12:00 

School of Sport and Exercise Science 

  

Tuesday 1st November 2:30 

Three Counties School of Nursing and Midwifery 

  

Wednesday 2nd November 9:30 

School of Arts and School of Humanities 

  

Wednesday 2nd November 12:00 

School of Education 1  

Department of Children and Families, and Primary Education (Undergraduate) 

  

Wednesday 2nd November 2:30 

School of Education 2  

Department of Education and Inclusion 

  

Thursday 3rd November 9:30 

Worcester Business School 

  

Thursday 3rd November 12:00 

School of Allied Health and Community 1  

Departments of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Nutritional Therapy; Social Work and the Community; Paramedic Science and Physician Associate 

  

Thursday 3rd November 2:30 

School of Science and the Environment 

  

Friday 4th November 9:30 

School of Education  

Department of Primary Education (postgraduate) 

  

Friday 4th November 12:00 

School of Allied Health and Community 2 

Department of Health and Wellbeing  

  

Friday 4th November 2:30 

School of Education 4 

Department of Secondary and Post Compulsory Education 

I have a question that hasn’t been answered on this page, what should I do?

We will provide further updates on plans over the coming weeks and add more detail as it becomes available, so please continue to refer back to these pages. 

If you have a specific and urgent question, you can get in touch with us on graduation@worc.ac.uk