Arrival
· Royal Festival Hall is a Central London venue on the Southbank. We recommend that you travel via public transport. The closest national rail and underground station is London Waterloo (a five minute walk away).
· You are invited to arrive at least an hour and a half prior to the start of your ceremony. This allows time for registration, gown collection and photography. Please be aware that there is the likelihood of queues for all these areas and you should plan accordingly.
· You will be required to register at our e-Ticket desks and receive a green wristband before you can collect your gown. You will not be able to collect your gown without this wristband.
Academic dress is compulsory for graduands attending their ceremony and crossing the stage. Our official robemaker and supplier is Marston Events. The University reserves the right to refuse admittance to a graduand on the day should they not be wearing the appropriate dress.
Ceremony
· The official ceremony proceedings begin twenty minutes before the start of your ceremony. We ask that you make your way to the auditorium then to collect your name card and find your seat. Please ensure you sit in your allocated seat.
All graduates and guests are required to remain until the end of their ceremony and ensure phones are off or on silent. This is out of courtesy for your peers and respect for the proceedings.
· At your ceremony start time, the procession will enter the auditorium and you will be asked to stand.
· The ceremony will be opened by the Presiding Officer. Following this will be a welcome speech from your Head of College.
· Students will be invited to receive the conferment of their award by the Graduation Team, who will inform you when it is your turn and queue you on the steps leading to the stage.
· You will need to bring your name card only onto stage with you, hand it to our steward to be read out. You will then cross the stage and shake hands with the Presiding Officer.
If you do not wish to shake hands, please keep your hands folded in front of you or place a hand to your heart as you cross.
We ask that any items you have on your person, including your phone and hat, are left at your seats. If you would like for someone to film you or take photos please organise this before we are taking you to the stage. Please note that the students behind you will be following you onto the stage so are not an appropriate choice for this.
Official photos of your stage crossing will be available following the ceremony. The entire ceremony is also livestreamed via the Roehampton YouTube page.
· At the midway point during the ceremony there may be the awarding of an Honorary Degree to an esteemed member of the professional community. They will give a short speech.
· The ceremony will be closed with a short speech given by the Presiding Officer. The platform party will then recess out of the auditorium. Once the stage has cleared you are free to leave.
Reception
· A short celebratory reception will take place following your ceremony on Level 4 and Level 5. Refreshments will be available.
· If you were unable to take photos prior to the start of your ceremony, this is your chance to head back down to Level 2 to visit our official photographers or take a stroll on the Southbank Centre.
· Once you intend to leave, you will need to return your gown to Marston Events on Level 2, unless you have paid for an extended hire.