The celebrations, to be held at Ponds Forge over the next two weeks, will see more than 10,100 students from across the University graduate in front of 23,000 guests including family and friends at 30 different ceremonies.
For the first time, the University is offering an alternative graduation ceremony for neurodivergent students and anyone who might benefit from a more relaxed environment. It is thought to be one of the first graduation ceremonies of its kind in the country.
The alternative ceremony marked the start of graduation, taking place on Monday 11 November.
Shannon McGoldrick, who is autistic and struggles with anxiety, was one of the students who attended the alternative ceremony. Shannon received a first-class honours degree in psychology.
Shannon said: “I was so excited for graduation. I came back as a mature student so graduating today means so much to me. I’m so proud that I’ve managed to do this with all the challenges that I’ve faced. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am today, I never thought I’d graduate.
“The alternative ceremony was a bit quieter, a bit more relaxed and you’ve got time to decompress so you don’t get overwhelmed or overstimulated. I was still nervous, but I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, it’s once in a lifetime.
“Having a ceremony like this helps you feel more included as part of the university community. It can be quite hard to feel like you have a place. So, feeling like the university sees you and has given you this opportunity is great. It’s allowing us to have the space where we can feel comfortable, and graduate like everybody else at university whilst accommodating for various needs that neurodivergent people have.”
Ceremonies will take place daily until Friday 22 November. Among those graduating, are more than 1,500 nursing, midwifery and allied health students with another 1,100 completing their degrees on teaching related courses. Many of those graduating from these courses will already be supporting public services across our region.
Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, said: “Graduation is such a special time for students and their families, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
“I feel immensely proud and privileged to be part of graduation celebrations for the first time as Vice-Chancellor here at Sheffield Hallam University.
“Graduation marks an official change in life stage for many and whatever their next steps it’s important we take a moment to celebrate and reflect on their achievements. I would like to wish all our students graduating over the next two weeks the best of luck for the future.”
Find out more about graduation at Sheffield Hallam University.
