For University Staff
Graduation is an important day for students and their families. To ensure each ceremony runs smoothly, we encourage all members of staff to get involved.
Academic Procession (Academics)
As part of the Academic Procession you can celebrate with the graduates by representing your School/Faculty and processing into the King’s Hall in academic dress and taking a seat on stage in the ceremony. The academic procession registration form is now closed, if you still wish to take part in a procession please email Kate Walton to check whether there is still space.
Marshals (Professional Services Staff)
Marshalling at our congregation ceremonies involves a variety of roles. These include issuing tickets to graduates, welcoming guests in the King’s Hall to directing students across the stage. The form to volunteer to be a marshal at the Summer 2024 Congregations is now closed as we are busy allocating duties. If you still wish to be involved please email Kate Walton and we can let you know if we still need support in any ceremonies.
Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring that all colleagues are able to join the academic procession or to volunteer for marshalling. We hope the information below is useful for any colleagues with disabilities or medical conditions who may wish to know more about the context and nature of these activities before signing up.
More about accessibility
Marshals:
All venues in operation have accessible access. However, not all parts of the ceremony venue (King’s Hall) are accessible due to narrow aisles.
All roles require spoken interaction with graduates, guests or colleagues (or all three) to guide, advise and direct as appropriate.
Roles:
- at a Ticket Desk would be suitable for wheelchair users or those who are unable to stand for periods of time
- within King’s Hall need marshals to navigate down narrow aisles and to operate within a crowded environment
- outside of King’s Hall need marshals to check and control crowds/queues, guide/direct graduates and guests
- within or outside of King’s Hall will have an opportunity for a break either in between or during the ceremonies
We would be happy to discuss the roles in more details. If you have any queries about the suitability of particular roles or would like any further information please email us.
Academic Procession:
The Academic Procession follows an accessible route from the Recital Room and into King’s Hall via the South Door (i.e. at the back of the hall).
Please note, though, that the members of the Academic Procession take seats situated on the second and third tiers of a constructed stage which has stepped access.
For further details or to discuss alternative options, please email us.