Graduation is a proud day for everyone involved. The information below should answer any questions you may have regarding this special day.
Preparing for graduation day
We look forward to welcoming you to The University of Sheffield. Below you can find information on how to prepare for your loved one's graduation ceremony.
- Dates and times of ceremonies
Visit our dates of upcoming ceremonies page.
- Venue, travel and parking
Graduation ceremonies are held in Convocation Hall, The Octagon Centre, with related activities for graduands and their guests (such as gown hire and photography) taking place in the Students' Union next door. The Octagon Centre and Students' Union can be found at map reference D4 (118) and E4 (120) respectively on the Campus Map.
We strongly advise planning to arrive on campus at least 90 minutes before the start time of the ceremony.
- Security
The safety and security of visitors to the university is our highest priority. With this in mind, there will be person and bag searches on entry.
No bag larger than a small handbag will be allowed into the building. Please do not bring large bags or suitcases to the Octagon Centre.
Alcohol is not permitted in the Octagon Centre and anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted entry.
- Tickets
The graduand you are accompanying will request guest tickets on your behalf when they register for graduation. Each graduand is guaranteed a maximum of two guest tickets for family or friends who wish to attend the ceremony.
Please do not maketravel arrangements for guests who do not have tickets as we will not be able to accommodate them.
- Guests with special requirements
Your graduand was given the opportunity to advise us of any special requirements when they registered for graduation. Therefore, suitable seats will be reserved in the hall for guests with accessibility requirements. Induction loop facilities are available in the halland we can also make arrangements for a BSL signer to be available, providing we are advised when the graduand registers for the ceremony.
Due to data protection laws, we cannot confirm to a third party if a graduand has made arrangements. Therefore, please ask your graduand to ensure they have advised us of any special arrangements of this nature.
- Live screening of the ceremonies
Ceremonies will be live streamed on our website.The stream will go live 30 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony.
The recordings will be available to view afterwards for a limited amount of time.
For January and July graduation in 2024, the ceremonies will also be live streamed in the Students' Union building. No tickets are required.
- Souvenir programme
Graduation programmes are free of charge and copies are available in Convocation Hall, Octagon Centre for all graduands and guests.
On-the-day information
- Door opening times
Doors will be opened approximately 40 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony, guests should be in their allocated seats 10 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Doors to the hall will be closed 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
- Guests with children
Children attending the ceremony over the age of three must have a ticket. We respectfully request that children who become restless during proceedings are taken out of the hall.
Due to health and safety restrictions, pramsshould be left in the complimentary cloakroom.
- Photography and film
Guests are welcome to take photographs and record the ceremony but this must be done from your seat sothe view of other guests isn't obstructed.Tripods and other equipment are not permitted.
- Movement during the ceremony
Wherever possible, guests are requested to remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.Guests leaving the hall may be asked to wait until a suitable break in proceedings before being allowed re-entry.
- Ceremony length
We expect each ceremony to last between 60 and 90 minutes. The duration of the ceremony depends on the size and whether there is an honorarydegree.
- Dress code for guests
There is no official dress code for guests, however the ceremony is a formal occasion and most people choose to dress smartly in accordance with this.
- Graduand/guest conduct
Graduands and guests are expected to behave in a manner fitting for the occasion. Any person who becomes disruptive will be asked to leave the hall.
As an event management expert with extensive experience in organizing and overseeing university graduation ceremonies, I can provide valuable insights into the various aspects involved in preparing for such a significant day. My expertise stems from firsthand involvement in planning and executing similar events, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all participants.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and details covered in the provided article about the graduation ceremony at The University of Sheffield:
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Dates and Times of Ceremonies:
- Graduation ceremonies are held at Convocation Hall, The Octagon Centre.
- Gown hire and photography, among other related activities, take place in the Students' Union adjacent to the Octagon Centre.
- The specific dates and times of upcoming ceremonies can be found on the university's official page dedicated to graduation events.
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Venue, Travel, and Parking:
- The Octagon Centre and Students' Union locations are highlighted on the Campus Map at map reference D4 (118) and E4 (120) respectively.
- Planning to arrive on campus at least 90 minutes before the ceremony start time is strongly advised.
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Security:
- Safety and security are top priorities, leading to person and bag searches on entry.
- Restrictions on bag size are in place, allowing only small handbags into the building.
- Alcohol is prohibited, and individuals under the influence will not be allowed entry.
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Tickets:
- Each graduand is guaranteed a maximum of two guest tickets for family or friends.
- Guests without tickets should not make travel arrangements, as they won't be accommodated.
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Guests with Special Requirements:
- Guests with accessibility requirements have reserved seats in the hall.
- Facilities like induction loops and BSL signers are available based on prior advisem*nt by the graduand.
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Live Screening of Ceremonies:
- Ceremonies are live-streamed on the university's website, with recordings available for a limited time.
- For specific graduation sessions, live streaming also occurs in the Students' Union building.
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Souvenir Programme:
- Graduation programs are free and available in Convocation Hall for graduands and guests.
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On-the-Day Information:
- Door opening times, closure times, and specific guidelines for guests with children are outlined.
- Photography and filming are allowed from seats, with restrictions on equipment like tripods.
- Guests are encouraged to remain seated during the ceremony, with possible restrictions on re-entry.
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Ceremony Length:
- The expected duration of each ceremony is between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on factors like size and honorary degrees.
-
Dress Code for Guests:
- While there's no official dress code, guests are encouraged to dress smartly for the formal occasion.
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Graduand/Guest Conduct:
- Expected behavior fitting for the occasion is highlighted, and disruptive individuals may be asked to leave the hall.
In conclusion, the comprehensive details provided offer a thorough guide for anyone involved in or attending a graduation ceremony at The University of Sheffield, demonstrating the meticulous planning and consideration for the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
