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- by Charlotte King
- In Other
Posted Nov. 7, 2014
What to expect from your postgrad graduation ceremony
As your time as a postgrad comes to an end, it is a good time to take a few moments to think about how you can make the most of your graduation ceremony.
Graduation ceremonies are special occasions and your university will require you to wear academic dress, which usually consists of a gown, hood and mortarboard.
Your ceremony will usually begin with an academic procession in which university dignitaries (academics and university staff) will march into the auditorium together, dressed in academic robes from their graduating university. Music will play as the procession makes its way into the auditorium and onto the stage.
Once the procession reaches the stage, you will take to your seat and listen as the Chancellor of your university (or their representative) officially opens the ceremony with a welcoming speech. Further speeches from university representatives may follow.
After the speeches, you will take to the stage for your moment of glory. You will be seated in a set format so that you can take to the stage one-by-one in a prescribed order, usually in alphabetical order. When a university official calls out your name, you will walk to the centre of the stage to greet the Chancellor (or their representative).
Going on stage to receive your award is often the most daunting part of the ceremony. However, it is important to enjoy the moment and take your time when crossing the stage. Take a few deep breaths before you step onto the stage and give your friends and family time to applaud your success. If you are worried about tripping up in front of everyone, make sure you wear sensible shoes.
Many universities will take photographs whilst you are on stage, so do not forget to stand up straight and smile at the person who is handing out your award. Graduation ceremonies are steeped in history and each university has its own special rules. Your university may request that you bow or curtsey to the Chairman whilst others will simply require you to shake hands with the person giving out your award. If you are unsure of the formalities, do not worry. Your university will brief you beforehand and you will be able to pick up a programme on the day so that you can follow the proceedings.
Once you have received your award, you will usually return to your seat to watch the rest of the ceremony. When all the awards have been presented, the Chancellor (or their representative) will give a closing speech and officially declare the end of the ceremony. You will then leave the auditorium as part of the academic procession.
Graduation ceremonies are significant occasions and your friends and family will undoubtedly wish to take photographs of you in your academic dress. The day can be hectic, so ensure you arrange a meeting point after the ceremony. If you do not, your loved ones may struggle to find you in a sea of graduates!
Taking some time to think about your graduation in advance of time will help you to make the most of your special day. Most importantly, it will ensure that you are able to relax, enjoy yourself and reflect on your achievements .
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Graduation ceremonies are special occasions and your university will require you to wear academic dress, which usually consists of a gown, hood and mortarboard.
Your ceremony will usually begin with an academic procession in which university dignitaries (academics and university staff) will march into the auditorium together, dressed in academic robes from their graduating university. Music will play as the procession makes its way into the auditorium and onto the stage.
Once the procession reaches the stage, you will take to your seat and listen as the Chancellor of your university (or their representative) officially opens the ceremony with a welcoming speech. Further speeches from university representatives may follow.
After the speeches, you will take to the stage for your moment of glory. You will be seated in a set format so that you can take to the stage one-by-one in a prescribed order, usually in alphabetical order. When a university official calls out your name, you will walk to the centre of the stage to greet the Chancellor (or their representative).
Going on stage to receive your award is often the most daunting part of the ceremony. However, it is important to enjoy the moment and take your time when crossing the stage. Take a few deep breaths before you step onto the stage and give your friends and family time to applaud your success. If you are worried about tripping up in front of everyone, make sure you wear sensible shoes.
Many universities will take photographs whilst you are on stage, so do not forget to stand up straight and smile at the person who is handing out your award. Graduation ceremonies are steeped in history and each university has its own special rules. Your university may request that you bow or curtsey to the Chairman whilst others will simply require you to shake hands with the person giving out your award. If you are unsure of the formalities, do not worry. Your university will brief you beforehand and you will be able to pick up a programme on the day so that you can follow the proceedings.
Once you have received your award, you will usually return to your seat to watch the rest of the ceremony. When all the awards have been presented, the Chancellor (or their representative) will give a closing speech and officially declare the end of the ceremony. You will then leave the auditorium as part of the academic procession.
Graduation ceremonies are significant occasions and your friends and family will undoubtedly wish to take photographs of you in your academic dress. The day can be hectic, so ensure you arrange a meeting point after the ceremony. If you do not, your loved ones may struggle to find you in a sea of graduates!
Taking some time to think about your graduation in advance of time will help you to make the most of your special day. Most importantly, it will ensure that you are able to relax, enjoy yourself and reflect on your achievements .
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