YOUR GUIDE TO GRADUATION

Helpful information about what to expect on the day

1. How do I get to my graduation?

   Wherever possible we encourage the use of public transport. We are unable to offer any parking unless you or your guests have access requirements and have already arranged this with us.

   Traffic in Leeds will be very busy during graduation week so please allow extra travel time. 

   Please arrive at Leeds Beckett’s Rose Bowl building Level 1 two hours* before your ceremony is due to start.

   Ceremony time	Arrival time
   10:00	08:00
   13:00	11:00
   16:00	14:00

   *A few ceremonies will be particularly busy. If your ceremony is Thursday 20 at 10:00 or 13:00, or Friday 21 at 13:00 then please aim to arrive two and a half hours before your ceremony start time. 

   There’s lots to do before your ceremony. You’ll need to check in at the Rose Bowl, collect your gown, hat and hood from the Students Union and have any photography you’ve ordered taken in the Rose Bowl before walking across to the first direct arena.

   Your ceremony is held at the first direct arena, about a 10 minute walk from the Rose Bowl.

2. Where do I need to go?

   When you arrive at City Campus please go to the Rose Bowl Level 1 to check in. You will be given your name card (this is what we use to announce your name as you cross the stage and you must keep it safe and take it with you into the ceremony), and a programme. Please note that guest programmes will be handed out at the first direct arena.

   You will then be directed to the Portland Building entrance to collect your gown, hat and hood. Your guests will remain at the Rose Bowl where they can enjoy refreshments.

   When you’re gowned you will go back to the Rose Bowl Level 2 for your official photography. If you have booked family photography then please meet your guests once you are gowned and take them with you, otherwise please arrange to meet them afterwards.

   After your photographs you can make your way to the first direct arena. Please ensure that you take your seats at least 15 minutes before the ceremony starts. If you are later than this we may not be able to admit you to the main auditorium. Remember the first direct arena is a 10 minute walk from the Rose Bowl and there will be queues for security checks when you arrive. Everyone entering the arena will go through airport style security gates.

3. What do I need to bring?

   You will need to bring your ticket and your guest tickets. Nobody will be allowed entry to the first direct arena without a valid ticket. These will be emailed to you a few days before your ceremony. You will receive your tickets to both the personal email and student email that we have contacted you on previously. You will receive your ticket and all your guests’ tickets for your ceremony – so you must ensure that you have given your guests their tickets before they enter the arena or they will not be allowed in.

   Graduation is a formal and celebratory occasion so please dress appropriately. Your graduation can be a long day with lots of walking so please wear comfortable footwear.

   Large bags are not allowed in the first direct arena for security reasons. Please do not bring large personal items or valuables with you. There will be a left luggage room in Rose Bowl, but items are accepted at the owner’s risk and the University cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage. 

   There will be a pram park at the first direct arena and you will be permitted to take changing bags into the auditorium.

4. What will happen during my ceremony?

   Graduation is a formal occasion. It will open with celebratory videos and speeches from university representatives.

   After the speeches it will be time for you to cross the stage. Our ushers will tell you when it’s your turn to cross and where to go. You will give your name card to the usher at the top of the ramp. As you cross, your name will be announced and you will doff your hat to your Dean of School. You will then head down the ramp and return back to your seat.

   If you are receiving a doctorate award, you will receive a bonnet as part of your academic dress which the Dean of School will place on your head when your award is announced.

   Please note you cannot take any personal items on stage with you so please arrange to leave these with one of your guests wherever possible. 

   After all graduates have been announced and crossed the stage there will be more speeches before the ceremony closes.

5. Where do I go after my ceremony?

   You will leave the ceremony before your guests leave, exiting downwards and out of the auditorium. 

   From here, you and your guests will cross the road and walk back to the Rose Bowl via Providence Place, Queen Square Gardens or Clay Pit Lane. Please follow the advice of our ushers who will be on hand to direct you back to the celebration space on Level 2. 

   Back at the Rose Bowl there will be refreshments, music, informal photo opportunities and a chance to catch up with your cohort. You must also return your gown, hat and hood here before you leave. 

6. I have accessibility requirements, what do I do?

   Ensuring the best possible graduation experience for everyone is very important to us.

   Leeds first direct arena is fully accessible with a lift to all floors and accessible toilet facilities, and a hearing loop will be available.

   If you have told us about accessibility requirements you or your guests have then we have made appropriate arrangements for you, for example accessible seating. The accessible seating in the arena is primarily on Row Z. 

   If you have not already let us know about your needs then please go to the information desk in the first direct arena when you arrive.

7. Can my family and friends watch online?

   Yes, all ceremonies will be live streamed online. Head to our Graduation Live page to watch.

8. Final notes

   Leeds Beckett University reserves the right to modify or cancel any event if unforeseen circumstances arise. If we cancel an event, we shall inform you as soon as possible using the contact details provided to us. We will also provide event updates via our social media channels.
   

9. Find out more about our alumni community

   As a graduate of Leeds Beckett University, you will belong to a network of more than 214,000 alumni around the world. We want you to maintain a lifelong relationship with our University. 

   Please visit our alumni webpages for more information about the benefits that will be available to you.