Welcome to graduation
Prepare for the day
We are so pleased to welcome you to your graduation to celebrate all you have achieved! Please read the guide carefully so you know what to expect from today. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Parking
Unfortunately there is no on-site parking available, but the Wycombe Swan and Eden Centre car parks are very close by, please see map on next page.
Weather
Make sure you’re prepared, wear layers that can be taken off if it’s hot and bring an umbrella and coat if it’s looking chilly and wet!
Ceremony etiquette:
We are looking forward to celebrating your academic achievements with you.
Please read the following guidance to ensure everyone has a memorable experience during graduation.
• Please put your phone on silent and refrain from making calls
• Applaud all graduates as they cross the stage, celebrating each other’s success
• Please avoid talking during the ceremony
For graduands:
• Arrive to the Swan at least 30 minutes before your ceremony, to get seated in your assigned seat.
• Follow all directions from University staff during the presentation and wait until you are instructed to move.
• When prompted, your entire row will be asked to quietly form a line at the side of the auditorium.
• Do not change seats or alter your position in the line—this ensures your name is read correctly and that you don’t miss your turn.
• This is an inclusive and non-political event. Do not take any flags or other personal items with you onto the stage.
• When it is your turn, staff will let you know when to go up the stairs.
• Your name will be announced, and you will cross the stage, pausing in the centre to shake hands with the University official(s). Alternatively, if you do not wish to shake hands, you can nod, place your hand on your chest or doff your cap.
• Continue across the stage, exit via the stairs, and follow staff directions back to your original seat.
• You must return to the same seat after crossing the stage.
• Be respectful to other graduands and remain in the hall until the end of the ceremony.
• You must wear your gown and mortarboard throughout the ceremony and during the exit procession.
For guests:
• Due to the ceremony configuration, you will not sit with your graduand. Please find your assigned seats at least 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
• Feel free to cheer, clap, whistle and celebrate graduands as they cross the stage.
• Please remain seated throughout the ceremony.
• This is an inclusive and non-political event. Please do not bring any flags or other items that may disrupt the ceremony.
Graduation map
QUEEN ALEXANDRA ROAD
LILY’S WALK
ABBEY
SUBWAY
PAUL’S ROW
ABBEY WAY
The Gateway Events Hall
STMARY STREET
Public road - Beware of traffic
Wycombe Swan Car Park
Swan Theatre
Journey to the Swan Theatre - 1 min
A step by step guide for your graduation day
Registration, Robing and Photography
The Events Hall, in the Gateway Building
Please enter Gateway Building main entrance where it is located on the first floor. There will be signage and staff on hand to help direct you.
Registration
Proceed to registration where you will pick up your tickets and refreshment tokens.
Robing
Follow the layout of the Events Hall towards the robing area. You will be able to pick up your gown, hood and mortarboard for the day before exiting via the fire escape staircase (lift for those with mobility requirements). This will bring you out to the right of the main Gateway entrance.
Photography
If you haven’t already pre booked your photography session, we have availability for drop in sessions throughout the day.
There are also informal pop up photography points in the Graduation Hospitality Zone.
A NOTE FOR GUESTS
To ensure we can provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all, there are a number of areas where we are restricting access to graduands/graduates only. When registering and collecting robes, as well as when returning your robes, proceed to registration where you will pick up your tickets.
2
Graduation ceremony
Location - The Swan Theatre
You’ll need your graduation ticket to gain access to the ceremony and to the hospitality zone on campus.
From the concourse, please make your way towards the Swan Theatre. Please be mindful of traffic as St Mary’s Street is very busy. Enter via the main entrance where ushers will help guide you to your seating. Guests
Graduands
Must be seated 30 mins before the ceremony start
Must be seated 15 mins before the ceremony start
Tuesday 31 March 1.00pm Wednesday 1 April 1.30pm Ceremony times
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Hospitality zone
Location - Atrium
Following the graduation ceremony, all graduates and guests should make their way to the hospitality zone back on campus.
As you return to campus from the Swan Theatre, please continue along the concourse and turn right into East Wing, under the Link Bridge. This will take you into our new Atrium for the celebration. You will need your graduation tickets to gain entry. The route is marked and there are guides to help you.
Here you can enjoy a complementary drink and canapes, whilst you relax, talk, have fun and take photos.
If you’d like to take away a memento of your time at BNU, check out the Students’ Union stall, in the Atrium, for a selection of branded items.
Purchase the photo that Ede and Ravenscroft took as you crossed the stage.
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Finish up
Location - The Events Hall, Gateway Building
Once you’ve finished celebrating your graduation, it’s time to make your way back to The Events Hall to return your robes and mortarboard. Once your gown is returned, we hope you go on to enjoy any further celebrations you may have arranged with your friends and loved ones.
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