On the Day Guide

 

On Arrival

• Graduates should proceed to the gowning area in the Founders Bar – entrance adjacent to Main Reception. After gowning, graduates need to register their attendance with the University Awards Team, also in the Founders Bar.
• Guests enter via Main Reception.  Please ensure that all guests are in possession of their tickets as there is a strict ‘no ticket, no entry’ policy in place.  If there are any issues with tickets, please contact a member of the Awards Team on Main Reception.
• Please note that all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult who 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. 
• All guests aged 2 and over must be in possession of a valid ticket. Children under the age of 2 do not require a ticket but must sit on the knee of the guest with a valid ticket.
• To support those attending with children, there is a dedicated pushchair parking area. Upon arrival, please ask a steward for directions. Pushchairs will be stored in the concourse area, and a receipt for collection will be given. All pushchairs must be parked 30 minutes before the graduation ceremony starts and can be collected afterward. Please 
• On the Day Ticket Sales (if available) can be purchased from Main Reception.
• Graduates and Guests will then meet in the designated pre-ceremony hospitality area indicated on their ticket.

Before the Ceremony

• Announcements will be made when the ceremony is due to begin to inform graduates and guests to make their way to their seats.

• Seating:
• Graduates must sit in the correct seat as stated on their ticket, as this will be the order in which they are called to cross the stage and receive their award. All bags, coats, and other items must be left with guests or on/under their seat and are not allowed on stage.  Graduates will return to their original seat after crossing the stage. Mobile phones are not to be used while crossing the stage.
• Guests are allocated an area to sit but not a specific seat and this information is on their ticket.

After the Ceremony

• Both graduates and guests make their way to their allocated hospitality area on their tickets for refreshments and food.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Parking and Transportation

• Parking: Free parking will be available at the stadium. Graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
• Local transport includes buses, metro, train services and taxis.

Accessibility Services

• Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces will be available at the venue.
• Venue Access: The ceremony venue is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators available for those who need them. There will be clear signage directing you to accessible routes.
• Seating: Limited accessible seating areas will be available for guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Please inform the Awards Team when booking if you require accessible seating for guests.
• Assistance: Staff will be on hand to provide assistance to guests with disabilities. If you need any help on the day, please approach a member of the Awards Team or Stadium staff.

Photography

• Ede & Ravenscroft, will be available on your graduation day at the Stadium of Light. 

 

• 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.  

Code of Conduct

• Respect: All guests are present to see their loved ones graduate and are requested to respect the enjoyment of others and allow them to enjoy the event free from disturbances.
• Guest Tickets: All graduates and guests aged 2 and over must be in possession of a valid ticket. Children under the age of 2 do not require a ticket but must sit on the knee of the guest with a valid ticket.

Contact Information

• Awards Team: For any queries, please contact the Awards Team at graduations@sunderland.ac.uk.

This guide should help ensure a smooth and enjoyable graduation day for all attendees. If you have any further questions or need additional details, feel free to ask!