Morning ceremony
Got questions about your graduation day? We've got you covered! Below, you'll find information on when to arrive, what to wear, where to collect tickets and more.
This is the guide for the morning ceremonies of June 2024 including information for graduands and guests as well as details about parking and getting around.
We hope you and your guests have a wonderful day. Don't forget to share and follow on #StirGrad.
Arrival
We recommend that you arrive on campus one and a half hours BEFORE your ceremony starts. You and your guests must be in the ceremony hall 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.
Graduand registration
Registration for graduates will open from 8:00am to 9:15am in Sports Hall 1 (Sports Centre). You will be issued with your graduate ticket which will grant you entry to your ceremony and the graduation reception afterwards.
If you have not registered and taken your seat 30 minutes before the commencement of the ceremony, you will not be able to participate.
Academic gown and hood
Graduands will not be permitted to participate at the ceremony without the correct academic gown and hood. If you have ordered your academic dress from Ede & Ravenscroft then you can collect it from 8:00am in Sports Hall 1.
Graduand seating
You must be seated by 9:30am in the row and seat detailed on the ticket that you were issued at the Graduation Registration Desk. This is so you are called up on stage in the right order.
Guest ticket collection
Registration for guests will open from 8:00am in the Sports Centre Foyer. Whilst you are completing your registration process and collecting your academic dress, please ask your guests to collect their tickets. To collect guest tickets, your guests will be required to provide your full name.
Guest seating
Guests must be seated in the ceremony hall by 9:30am. Guest seats in the ceremony are not individually reserved and so those arriving earlier will have a greater choice available.
Children are allowed at our graduation ceremonies. However, if a child becomes unsettled, we reserve the right to ask the guest and the child to leave the ceremony and watch the live broadcast in an alternative venue.
Your ceremony
Your ceremony will commence at 10.00am and will last approximately 90 minutes.
Dress code
Graduands must wear the correct academic dress. Graduation ceremonies are a formal, ceremonial occasion and we ask that graduands and their guests dress formally. Graduands and guests are welcome to wear national, traditional or military dress if relevant.
Academic award announcement
You will be led by one of our marshals in the correct presentation order to the stage. Once on stage your name will be announced and you will be directed to cross the stage, where your award will be acknowledged by doffing you lightly on the head. You will then shake hands with the Principal and the Chancellor. If you do not wish to shake hands with the Principal or the Chancellor place your right hand across your chest when approaching them.
End of your ceremony
All graduates will process out of the ceremony via the back doors. We recommend that you pre-arrange a meeting point with your guests, re-joining them somewhere en route to the graduation reception.
Graduation reception
After the ceremony concludes please make your way to Campus Central for the reception where you can celebrate with family, classmates and friends – please retain your graduation ticket as you can exchange this for a celebratory drink and sweet canapes.
Live stream
Loved ones can't join you on the day? Don't worry, they can still share this moment by watching the ceremony live off campus via the live webcast. Alternatively, friends and family may view the ceremony within the Atrium in Campus Central. There is no booking requirement for this option. They can also join you at the reception, they don’t require a ticket and can purchase a drink at one of our bars.
Photography
The official photography service is located in Campus Central, level 3 and the studio will run throughout the day from 8.00am until 6.00pm. If there is time you can get your photos taken before your ceremony, but please make sure you are seated in the ceremony hall by 9:30am.
Accessibility access
Assistance is available on campus as necessary to access graduation registration, the ceremony, photography studio and the reception. There are designated areas in the ceremony hall for guests with accessible requirements.
Car parking
Complimentary event car parks will be available, please follow directions from traffic marshals who will direct your vehicle to available parking locations when on campus.
If you are running late on the day
Don’t panic! Please email certificates@stir.ac.uk.
Purchase your memento
In Campus Central you will also find a selection of information stands and stalls selling commemorative graduation merchandise.
Refreshments
The café at the Sports Centre, Macrobert Art Centre, and Campus central will be open for the service of refreshments during the day.
Return of academic gown and hood
Your academic dress can be returned to:
- Campus Central, Level 1
Navigating the campus
If you or your guests are not familiar with our campus, please visit our online campus maps.
Accommodation
Make the most of your graduation celebrations and book your on-campus accommodation for your ceremony or Graduation Ball. A variety of accommodation options are available on campus from 24 – 30 June 2024. You can book individually or as a group with prices as low as £13 per person per night.
Book with a special graduation rate visit and quote code 291826, telephone 01786 466000 or email stirlingvenues@stir.ac.uk.
Graduation Ball Class of 2024
Tickets are still available for students, friends and family! Don’t miss out! Get your tickets now.