HE Graduation

All graduands are invited to bring a maximum of 4 guests in the first instance to give everyone the opportunity to bring guests.These will be available on the Graduation website and you may purchase as many additional tickets as you require. However please be aware that additional tickets are subject to availability and any additional tickets are likely to sell out very quickly.

Yes. Babies/small children can sit on the laps of adults however if you wish for your child to have their own seat you will need to purchase a ticket for them.

You will be required to collect your tickets on the day when you register in Hertford Theatre. They will not be sent to you in advance.

We suggest arriving two hours before your ceremony to ensure you have sufficient time to register and collect your tickets and academic gown, take photographs and generally feel unrushed before the ceremony. A pre-ceremony briefing is given 45 minutes before the ceremony so please make sure you are seated at this time.

If you fail to arrive at least 30 minutes before your ceremony is due to start, we will be unable to offer any guarantee that you will be permitted to take part in the ceremony.

Seats in Hertford Theatre are not allocated and are available on a first come, first served basis. Guests can take their seats up to 15 minutes before the ceremony and must be seated 15 minutes prior to the start time.

Graduation is a formal event and graduands are asked to dress smartly. You may find it helpful to wear something with a button on the front to help prevent your academic gown slipping off your shoulders. Jeans, T-shirts and other casual items are not considered appropriate for Graduation ceremonies.

Yes – the wearing of an academic gown is mandatory for all graduands. Academic gowns must be hired from Ede and Ravenscroft (Link on Gown Hire tab) in advance of the ceremony. A small number of academic gowns may be available on the day (in case of emergency) however you are advised to book your academic gown well in advance.

The ceremony commences with the Academic procession of management and lecturing staff from Hertford Regional College, Officers of the University of Hertfordshire, University of Greenwich, University City Birmingham, Guests of Honour, Representatives of Hertfordshire and Honoured Guests. After a musical interlude Hertford Regional College will confirm the statements of authority.

Guided by Hertford Regional College staff, students will move from their seats in seat number order and proceed to the side of the stage. As soon as your name is announced you should walk across the stage and pause to shake hands with the Guest of Honour who will hand you a certificate tube. You will then descend the stairs and walk back down the side. You will then return to your numbered seat for the remainder of the ceremony, which will include the Guest of Honours and Principals addresses. Following the ceremony, students will process out of Hertford Theatre behind the main Academic procession.