On the Day Guide

 

On Arrival and keeping to the arrival times specified in your invite email

• Graduates should arrive on City Campus and proceed to City Space for gowning. After gowning, graduates need to make their way to the Fire Station to register their attendance with the University Awards Team.  Please listen for announcements and final calls asking Graduates and Guests to make your way to the Fire Station  - this will ensure you do not miss your ceremony.
• Guests can go to City Space with their graduates if they wish.   However once at the Fire Station they will enter the venue through a different door to graduates.  Guest enter via the Main doors to the left.  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.
• Pushchairs are not allowed in the auditorium 

 

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 a specific seat and this information is on their ticket.

 

After the Ceremony

• Both graduates and guests make their way to the hospitality area in the Parade Ground within the Fire Station for refreshments and food.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Parking and Transportation

• Parking: There are various public car parks within the surrounding area, charges apply. Graduates and guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
• Local transport includes buses, metro, train services and taxis.

 

Accessibility Services

• 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 ensure you book these online when booking guest tickets 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 Fire Station staff.

 

Photography

• Ede & Ravenscroft, will be available on your graduation day at City Space, City Campus, Chester Road, Sunderland. Photography can be done before (if you have enough time) or after graduation ceremonies.
• No entry ticket for guests is required for City Space.

 

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!