The Ultimate Graduation Guide

We’ve all spoken and dreamed about this moment; this one special day that will mark both the end of an important educational, social and self-developing period in our life, but also the beginning of a new chapter: GRADUATION.

Although exams are still casting a shadow over our excitement, as the big day approaches, it is important to prepare as best as possible, in order to make the day as special as it can be for ourselves as well as for our friends and family, with whom we will be sharing this celebratory day.

With the kind support of the congregations office, we have therefore prepared a short guide that we hope will help both our fellow students and their families on this special day.

 Pre-Graduation Process – what to do before the big day:

1. You must register online before the 3^rd of May to confirm attendance and book tickets
2. If needed, apply for the extra tickets ballot on the 7^th of May – there will be no extra tickets available on the day for Kent Business School students so please apply online from the 7^th, however there is no priority listing with these tickets and are not guaranteed even if you apply.
3. Order compulsory academic dress (robes and hats) on: http://www.edeandravenscroft.co.uk/graduation-services/
4. Tickets must be paid for by the 10^th July for Canterbury Students and the 5^th July for Medway Students
5. Pick up tickets (when confirmed by email) from the Congregations Office beforehand or at the cathedral on the day

Graduation Roll-out – what’s going to happen on the big day:

1. Arrive at least one hour and a half before the ceremony
2. Retrieve pre-ordered academic dress (and uncollected tickets) from Shirley Hall
3. Line up by numerical order in Chapter house – 40mins prior to ceremony
4. Listen to important instructions given by the congregations team
5. Proceed through the centre aisle of the cathedral
6. Sit down in allocated seats in the north aisle of the nave – left hand side
7. Retrieve diploma/degree in accordance with numerical order and return to allocated seat by walking down the centre aisle
8. Honorary graduand speech – half way through graduation ceremony
9. Exit through centre aisle once all students have officially graduated
10. Free time to take pictures with family and friends

Remember, you can keep your robes until 9pm that day, so there will be plenty of time for picture taking, especially as there are professional photographers both during the graduation ceremony and within marquees near Shirley hall, for you to utilise throughout the day. Photos and a video of the ceremony can then be purchased afterwards; this is particularly useful as photography is not permitted within the cathedral at any time.

Graduation Do’s and Don’t’s – a little advice to help you through the day!