FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Do I complete the Online Booking Form even if I require no guests?
Yes. You must complete the booking form even if:

• You do not have any guests
• You are unsure if you have passed
  
  

Does the graduate need to pay for a ticket?
No,  graduates attend the ceremony free of charge.  Graduates will receive an initial entry ticket to allow access into the Venue but must swap this for their 'graduate attendance ticket' on the day of their ceremony when they register their attendance with the Awards Team at the Ceremony Venue.  Please bring photographic identification e.g. student card, passport.

Is there any restriction on the number of guest tickets I can order?
Yes, for each ceremony there will be a specified number of tickets available. Please see ticket information for further details.

Should I wait until my results are published before I complete my Online Booking Form?
No. You must complete your online booking form in advance, in anticipation of being successful in all your final examinations / assessments. Refunds for any purchased guest tickets will be processed automatically in the month following the ceremonies for any student who is unsuccessful in their final assessments.

It is vital that we have your booking form by the deadline dates given.
Late bookings are not accepted.

When will I know if I've been allocated all of the tickets I've requested?
You will be contacted by the graduations team approximately one week after the ceremony if the tickets you have requested can't be provided.

When will I receive my guest tickets?
Your guests tickets will be E-tickets and will be available via e-Vision one week before your ceremony.  All entry tickets (Graduate and Guest) must be printed out prior to arrival at the ceremony and distributed to relevant guests.  Entry Tickets are scanned before allowing access to the venue.  Anyone with an invalid ticket will not be permitted to enter the Venue.    

How do I hire my gown and how much will it cost?
Ede & Ravenscroft are the official gown hire company for the University's graduation ceremonies. Graduates will be emailed the link to the Ede and Ravenscroft website once they have submitted the Online Booking Form. For more information please see the gown hire page. 

What colour is my academic gown?
The colour of the gown depends on the subject and level of study.    

How long will the Ceremony last?
Ceremonies can last anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes, but the exact length of each ceremony will depend on the number of graduates, honorary graduates and speeches. Please also take into consideration the post-ceremony reception when making plans.

Will there be any provision for people with hearing difficulties and wheelchair users?
We offer British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters on request for Graduates only. If you require a BSL interpreter please email graduations@sunderland.ac.uk  as soon as possible, and also detail the request on your booking form.

Guests: If any of your guests use a wheelchair or have any other accessibility needs you must state this clearly on the booking form so that suitable seating arrangements can be made.

Graduates: If you use a wheelchair or have difficulty walking please detail this on your booking form.  A member of the Graduations Team will contact you prior to your graduation to discuss your requirements and ensure that suitable arrangements are made to assist you during the ceremony.

What should I and my guests wear for the ceremony?
Graduates should wear formal dress under their Academic Gown (jeans and trainers are not acceptable).  For the summer graduation ceremonies at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, the ceremonies are held outdoors and graduates and guests will be seated in the terraces, therefore graduates and guests should dress accordingly (high heels are not advised due to the nature of the terraces).

I owe the University money - what can I do?
University regulations state that all outstanding fees must have been paid prior to the booking deadline for your ceremony.

Can I bring my young child to the ceremony?

We recognise that students wish to celebrate their achievements with their loved ones, including their children. Please be mindful that this is a formal event and all guests, including children,  are required to remain in their seats for the duration of the ceremony. In order to ensure the safety of all of our guests, children aged 2 years and over are required to have their own seat and are included in your guest ticket numbers. 

We politely remind guests, irrespective of age, that all guests are there to see their loved ones graduate and request that all in attendance respect the enjoyment of others and allow them to enjoy the event free from disturbances. We do offer tickets to our ‘live broadcast’ room which is less formal,  and your children may feel more comfortable in this setting, however consideration for the enjoyment of others is still required. 

In order to support our graduates attending with children, we offer a dedicated pushchair parking area. Upon arrival, please ask your nearest steward for directions. Pushchairs will be stored in our concourse area, and you will receive a receipt which will need to be presented to collect.  All pushchairs must be parked 30 minutes prior to the graduation ceremony commencing and can be collected post ceremony.  Pushchairs are stored at your own risk and no valuables should be left behind.

Please note that all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult whom remains with them for the duration of the ceremony. We regret that we are unable to care for children whose parents are participating in the ceremony. 

Will I receive my degree parchment at the Ceremony?
No, your degree parchment will be published on the Awards and Verification Portal following the Ceremonies.  You will be emailed to advise your qualification documents are available to access and will be provided with the relevant link and information to register an account on the Portal so you can order the documents you need 

What happens if I am unsuccessful in my final year assessments, will I still be able to attend graduation?
If you are unsuccessful in your final assessments you will not be eligible to attend the ceremonies. You will receive an email to that effect and any payment for guest ticket will automatically be refunded following the ceremonies.

You should also contact robe hire suppliers Ede & Ravenscroft and let them know whether you wish to have your gown order carried forward to the next ceremony, or if you would prefer a refund. You must do this in writing seven days prior to your ceremony.

If I don't turn up for my graduation, do I get a refund?
Any student who is unable to attend their ceremony once they have booked their place should contact the Graduations team and refunds will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

If I can't attend how do I get a refund for my robe?
Gown suppliers Ede & Ravenscroft can only process gown hire refunds if refund requests are made at least seven days prior to the Ceremony date.

Will I be able to obtain a family portrait at my graduation?
​​​​​​​Only graduates and guests with a valid 'entry' ticket will be permitted into the Venue and therefore eligible to  be included in any photographs taken on the day of your ceremony.