How will I know the time, date and venue of my ceremony?

All of the University’s Graduation ceremonies are held at Chichester Festival Theatre. For details of your course ceremony please see the Graduation Ceremonies page of this website.

The dates for Graduation 2012 will be published at the end of February 2012.

How to I apply to attend graduation?

We are currently planning to post packs inviting students eligible to graduate this year by the end of Semester 2.

Once you receive your invitation please return your Registration and Ticket Application Form by Friday 29 July 2011. If we have not heard from you by Friday 29 July 2011, we will assume you are not attending. Eligible students cannot defer attendance to another year.

How much does it cost to attend graduation?

There is no charge for graduands’ seats. All graduands must wear full academic dress, the costs of hiring this are available from www.wmnortham.co.uk

How many guest tickets can I have?

All graduands may apply for a maximum of two guest tickets. The cost of guest tickets is £13.00 per person.

Are children permitted to attend the ceremonies?

Please note that children under 5 are free, but due to health and safety restrictions at the venue they must have a seat and will be included as one of your two guests. Please let us know using the ‘additional information’ section on your Registration and Ticket Application Form if you will be bringing young children so we can allocate them a seat close to an exit.

Can I apply for extra guest tickets?

You may request additional tickets on your Registration and Ticket Application Form, however the number you request is subject to availability and our confirmation at later date. Please do not send payment for these now.

Graduands and guests with additional requirements

Please indicate on your Registration and Ticket Application Form if you or your guests have any additional requirements in order to fully participate in this ceremony, eg wheelchair access, sign language interpreter, no stairs, special seating request such as end of row seat etc. The University will make every reasonable adjustment to meet your needs within the licence arrangements of the Chichester Festival Theatre. Please note there are a limited number of wheelchair spaces and these will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

I have mislaid my return envelope where do I send my Registration and Ticket Application form?

Please return your form to Graduation Team, University of Chichester, FREEPOST SCE 794, CHICHESTER, PO19 6ZZ

Do I have to wear academic dress for my ceremony?

All Graduands taking part must wear full academic dress of gown, hood and hat to take part in the ceremony.

How do I order my academic dress?

Please order your academic dress on-line from www.wmnortham.co.uk. For images of the academic dress for the University of Chichester please visit http://www.chi.ac.uk/graduation/AcademicDress.cfm

What do I wear with my academic dress?

Graduation is a formal occasion, smart dress is appropriate. It is helpful to have something, a tie or button for example, to hook your hood onto.

When and where do I collect my academic dress?

This information will be available in the information booklet which will be sent to you by early September.

What should my guests wear?

There is no formal dress code for guests, dress should be appropriate to the occasion.

How do I order my photographs?

To pre-order your graduation photographs on-line visit www.wmnortham.co.uk.

Do I have to attend the graduation ceremonies?

It is not compulsory to attend your graduation ceremony. If you are not attending please let the Graduation Team know now so that we can allocate your seats to another graduand who may wish to invite more guests. You can do this by emailing graduation@chi.ac.uk. Please include your name, ceremony number and course in the email. Your certificate will be posted to you after the graduation ceremonies have taken place.

I will not be attending the graduation ceremony how will I receive my certificate?

Your certificate will be posted to you after the graduation ceremonies have taken place.

What happens if I do not pass my exams before 14 October 2011?

Unfortunately if you do not pass your exams by 14 October 2011 you will not be eligible to attend the graduation ceremonies.

We will refund the cost of any tickets you have already paid for.

I am not sure if I owe any debts, where can I go to check?

Please contact our Finance Department on 01243 816107 or 01243 816417. You will not be eligible to attend your Graduation Ceremony if you have not repaid all outstanding financial commitments by 14 October 2011.

Will my name be published in the Graduation Programme?

We will publish the full name and course of all students eligible to graduate this year in the Graduation Programme. If you do not want your name to be printed in the programme please let us know using the tick boxes in the Data Protection Section of your Registration and Ticket Application Form.

Will my name be published in the local newspaper?

We will publish the name and course of all students eligible to graduate this year in the Chichester Observer newspaper. If you do not want your name to be included please let us know using the tick boxes in the Data Protection Section of your Registration and Ticket Application Form.

Will my name be published on the ‘Year of 2011’ T-shirts?

We will publish the name of all students eligible to graduate this year on the on ‘Year of 2011’ T-shirts. If you do not want your name to be included please let us know using the tick boxes in the Data Protection Section of your Registration and Ticket Application Form.

Will my tickets be posted or do I collect them?

Your guest tickets will be posted to you by early September. Your ticket will be given to you when you register on the day of your graduation ceremony.

Do you have an overview of graduation ceremonies?

An information booklet will be sent to you by early September, this will contain the timings for registration etc for each ceremony.

How long does each ceremony last?

Each ceremony is approximately 1.25 hours long.

What happens during the ceremony?

This information will be included in the information booklet which will be posted to you by early September.

I have already received my certificate in the post do I have to bring it with me to my graduation ceremony?

There is no need to bring your certificate with you to the ceremony.

Is there parking available at the University?

Parking will not be available at the University. Pay and display car parks are available in Chichester. A map of where to park in Chichester will be sent to you with your information pack by early September.

Will there be any refreshments?

There are refreshment areas at the Chichester Festival Theatre where drinks and light refreshments can be purchased on the day.

What do I do if I feel unwell during the ceremony?

If you feel unwell during the ceremony please make yourself known to one of your ushers, they will be able to help you. Ushers are identified by their royal blue robes.