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On the day

What to expect on your big day

Your graduation ceremony is a day you’ll never forget. It’s a time to reflect on your achievements and look forward to your future. Here's how to make the most of every moment.

What to bring and wear

Bring a print or digital copy of all your tickets with you.
Give guests their own tickets as they'll enter the ceremony through a different door to you.
If you forget your tickets, you can download them from My e-Ticket on My Student Record
We suggest you wear smart clothing, like you would for an interview.
The hood on your gown has a loop designed to hook over a button, and Velcro to hold it in place. You might want to bring grips to secure your hat.
There are no cloakrooms at graduation, so only bring what you need.

Travel to our venues

Gowning and photography take place at Owen Building, City Campus. Aim to get there two hours before the start of your ceremony.
Your ceremony takes place at Ponds Forge. It’s a 10 to 15 minute walk from Owen Building and you should aim to arrive 30 minutes before your ceremony.
Once there, you can visit the information desk, buy souvenirs and grab refreshments.
To plan your travel, find out where our venues are and how to get there.
If you don’t already know, find out when your ceremony starts on the Graduation tab of My Student Record. It's also shown on your e-ticket.

Gown collection and fitting

Collect your gown from Hallam View, Level 6 Owen Building, City Campus two hours before your ceremony. We’ll help you put it on.
Gowning is open from 8am. Priority will be given to those graduating at 10am.
Lifts and stairs are accessible from the main entrance and open two hours before your ceremony.
Return your gown to Ponds Forge or Owen Building by 6pm.

Photography

Once you’ve got your gown, head to Hallam Hall for your professional photos.
Photography is open from 8am-6pm.
To avoid queuing, we recommend pre-ordering photos. You can also buy them on the day if you prefer.
If you’re running late, we might ask you to come back later so you don't miss your ceremony.
We'll send you a link the next day, where you can view and order your photos.

Before the ceremony

Your ceremony will take place in the Graduation Hall at Ponds Forge.
Doors open 30 minutes before your ceremony and you should be seated at least ten minutes before it starts.
You’ll enter through a different door to your guests, so give them their tickets first.
All graduates are seated together, alphabetically by course.
Your academic steward will greet you at your seat and give you your name card – hold onto this.
You’ll then be given a briefing, including instructions on how to doff your hat as you cross the stage.
If the ceremony has started you may not be admitted to the Graduation Hall. For more information, please see the graduation terms and conditions.
Out of respect for fellow graduates, please put your mobile phone on silent before you go into the Graduation Hall.

During the ceremony

Your ceremony will start with a procession of University staff, who’ll be seated on the stage to celebrate your success.
After a short welcome speech, graduates will cross the stage as their names are read out.
If your name is pronounced differently to how it’s spelled, please write it out phonetically on your name card. You can do this on the My Certificate and Graduation tab on My Student Record.
As you cross the stage, you’ll be filmed and have your photo taken.
Make sure you check out our video on how to doff your cap for the photo, we will demonstrate this on the day and get you to practice.
Once you leave the stage, head back to your seat.
The ceremony will last around 90 minutes.
Please don't use your mobile phone for video or voice calls during the ceremony.
If children are attending your ceremony, please make sure they're supervised at all times. For the comfort of other guests, parents or carers may be asked to take children who become unsettled out of the Graduation Hall. Please note, children aren't allowed on the stage at any time.

After the ceremony

After your ceremony, it’s time to meet your guests and catch up with fellow graduates.
There are lots of great photo opportunities at Ponds Forge. If you’re posting on social media, why not share your celebrations with the Hallam community by using #TeamHallam?
Finally, return your gown to Hallam View in Owen Building or to Ponds Forge by 6pm – then continue the celebrations!
For ideas on where to meet check out some of the offers available.

Ceremony films and photos

Graduation films capture the whole ceremony, from the moment the procession begins to each graduate crossing the stage. You can purchase a copy online or at your ceremony.
You can also sign up for a free eVideo of your big moment.
You’ll be able to view the photos taken as you cross the stage in the Ponds Forge foyer straight after your ceremony.