Information for students and guests

We've put together some commonly asked questions to help you prepare for your graduation ceremony.

Attendance FAQs

Can I change the date if I cannot attend the ceremony?

You are able to defer your graduation for up to a year, although summer ceremonies are held on the Loughborough campus only. Please complete the booking form and advise the Graduation Office that you wish to defer. If you change your mind after completing the form, email the Graduation Office to confirm that you wish to defer your graduation.If you defer your graduation, your official certificate and transcript will not be issued until the date of the later ceremony. 

 

I have missed the deadline for replying; what should I do?

Let the Graduation Office know as soon as possible. Although we cannot guarantee you a place in the ceremony we will try our hardest. 

I have completed my online reply form but not received a response.

We do not send out confirmation emails before the deadline for replies. However you should receive an email confirming your attendance and the number of guest tickets you have been allocated approximately one week before the ceremony. If you have not heard from us by this time, please contact us as soon as possible.

Do I need to inform you if I can no longer attend my ceremony?

Yes, please let us know as soon as you can. At the same time you can also make the arrangements for posting your certificate.

How will my name appear on my certificate?

Your certificate is a formal record of your award and, as such, we prefer to use the official version of your name for graduation purposes.
 
Your name will appear in the ceremony programme, your certificate and transcript in the form 'first name(s) surname / family name' (Titles and other awards are not included). If your full name follows a different convention, or you need to make any other changes to your name, please complete a Name Change form and email it with supporting evidence (e.g. passport or marriage certificate) to graduation@lboro.ac.uk. Changes cannot be made after the production of your certificate.
 
Please use this form if you need to change your name as it appears on your certificate and transcripts.

How many guest tickets may I request?

All graduands are entitled to two guest tickets (in addition to their own). We will do our best to accommodate all requests for additional tickets, but the sizes of ceremonies vary. After booking has closed, graduands will be advised of the availability of additional guest tickets and the process for requesting them. Additional tickets will be released on a first-come-first-served basis.

Will my details appear in the graduation programme?

A programme (brochure) is produced for each graduation ceremony and lists the following details for students who are attending the ceremony or graduating in absentia:

  • First name and surname
  • Award (e.g. MSc, BEng), degree title and classification

When you respond to the booking invitation, you will be asked to confirm whether you consent to sharing your personal details for use in graduation promotional materials. Providing your award is confirmed by the published deadline, if you select yes, your details will be published in the programmeYour first name and surname will also be printed on Campus Clothing products (e.g. hoodies).  Details of your qualification are not shared with Campus Clothing. 

If you opt not to share your personal data, your details will not appear in the programme and your details will not be passed onto Campus Clothing

Please note that it is not possible to reprint copies of the programme to add or remove students who change their mind prior to the programme being finalised, or whose award is confirmed after the published deadline (e.g. because of an outstanding academic balance, or late completion of a PhD).  Please think carefully about your choice and, if appropriate, discuss it with your guests. 

I will not attend the ceremony; how do I get my certificate and transcript?

Certificates and transcripts can either be collected from the London campus on or after the date of the graduation ceremony or posted to you. As part of the graduation booking process, you may nominate someone to collect your certificate and transcript on your behalf.  Alternatively postage can be arranged via the online store, for which a charge applies. More details can be found on the Graduation website.

Before the ceremonies FAQs

Morning ceremony - what should I do when I arrive?

For details of the timings for your ceremony, visit What happens on the day? for more information.

Afternoon ceremony - what should I do when I arrive?

11am-1.30pm 

  • Register with the Graduation Office outside the HereEast Theatre. You need to bring your e-tickets with you. When you register, you will be allocated a seat number. It is essential that you sit in this seat during the ceremony. You will also be given your guest tickets. 
  • Collect your academic dress from Ede and Ravenscroft who will be in Here East.
  • If time permits, you may wish to have photographs taken by Tempest Photography, the University's official photographers in Here East.

1.30pm

Here East Theatre opens. 

2pm at the latest

  • All students and guests must be in their seats.
  • Students should sit in the seat allocated upon registration.
  • Guests do not have allocated seats but will be admitted to the hall upon production of guest tickets and directed to a seat by ushers.

2pm Ceremony Starts

Ceremony proceedings FAQs

What happens during a graduation ceremony?

  • Academic Procession enters the hall and takes their seats on the stage
  • Chancellor opens the ceremony
  • Vice-Chancellor addresses the audience
  • Students are led from their seats to the front of the hall where they are asked for their name and to wait at the top of the stairs
  • Students cross the stage as their name is called by the Dean
  • Students shake hands with the Chancellor and then proceed to the other side of the stage
  • Students collect certificate from the Associate Dean for Teaching before leaving the stage
  • Students return to their seats
  • At the mid point in the ceremony the Honorary Graduand or University Medallist will be presented with their award
  • Once all the students have been presented the Chancellor addresses the audience and formally confers awards
  • The Academic Procession leaves the hall followed by the graduates
  • Guests leave the hall

How long is the graduation ceremony?

Ceremonies last approximately one hour, but this can vary depending on the number of graduands receiving certificates during the ceremony. For more details on the timings for your ceremony, visit our What happens on the day? page.

After the ceremony FAQs

What can we do after the ceremony?

Make sure that you return your academic dress to Ede and Ravenscroft by 6pm.

There's lots to see and do around Stratford and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Take a look at some of our recommended places to eat and drink

More information

What happens on the day?

Find more information about the running order and what is expected of you on the day.

Your ceremony information

How do I hire my gown?

Find information on how to book your academic gown for the graduation ceremony.

Book your gown