The ceremony
1. Where will the graduation ceremonies be held?
All graduation ceremonies will be held at the Southampton Guildhall,| located centrally, and close to Southampton Solent University's Sir James Matthews building (SM).
2. When is my ceremony?
The ceremony schedule will be confirmed in the summer of 2012.
3. How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony takes approximately one hour and a half.
4. Will I be seated with my family?
No, students will be seated in a designated ‘students only’ area. This is because students are required to walk across the Guildhall stage as part of the ceremony.
5. Can my guests bring children to the ceremony?
Yes, graduation is a family occasion. However, you must include children in your request for tickets (with the exception of babies). If small children become upset or restless during the ceremony, we kindly ask that your guests take them out of the auditorium until they have settled.
6. What happens at the graduation ceremony?
Before the ceremony:
You need to allow yourself sufficient time to collect your academic dress from the sports hall and proceed to the Guildhall (approximately a 10 minute walk from the sports hall) to register.
Registration for your ceremony takes place in the Guildhall one-and-a-half hours before your ceremony.
Please note that to ensure the ceremonies start on time, registration will close 30 minutes before the start of each ceremony. Graduands/diplomates and their guests are required to be seated 30 minutes before each ceremony.
During the ceremony:
Please ensure you sit in your allocated seat during the ceremony.
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A welcome speech will be made to the audience outlining the contents of the ceremony.
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The Processional Party will enter the auditorium and process up onto the stage.
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The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, or his representative, will address the auditorium.
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Heads of School will read out the name, course and prize (where appropriate) for each graduand/diplomate as they walk across the stage.
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Ushers will tell you when it is your time to make your way to the stage and also guide graduates back to their seats.
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Graduates/diplomates will shake the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor’s hand and make their way off the stage.
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Remember to collect your certificate immediately after leaving the stage.
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The Dean of Faculty will ask all graduates/diplomates to stand and will admit them all to their awards.
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At some ceremonies an award will be made to an honorary graduate of the University.
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The Processional Party exits the stage.
This may sound a little daunting, however once the ceremony starts all will become clear.
Relax and enjoy your day!