UCS - Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my Graduation and Awards Ceremony be held?
All ceremonies will be held in St Chad's Church.
The Ceremony date is inconvenient. Is it possible to attend another Ceremony?
No. You will need to request that your award be presented in absentia. If you believe you have extenuating circumstances that warrant a ceremony deferral, please contact the Graduation Office on 01244 512911 or graduation@chester.ac.uk. Deferrals can only be made once.
What if I want to bring more than two guests?
Up to two guest tickets are allocated to each Graduand/Diplomate who registers by the deadline. Once the online booking form has closed on September 8th, if there are additional tickets available for your ceremony, you will be sent further details of how you can apply, via email. All ticket allocation remains subject to any restrictions that may be in place as a result of the pandemic. Admittance is by ticket only.
When will I receive my tickets?
Your tickets will be emailed to you approximately two weeks before your ceremony. They will be sent to the email address supplied on the booking form.
What should I do if I can no longer attend the Ceremony?
You should contact the Graduation Office immediately on graduation@chester.ac.uk
How much does the Ceremony cost?
The University of Chester is one of the few institutions that does not charge for Graduation and Awards Ceremonies.
Do you allocate seats for guests?
A. We do not allocate seating for guests, they are offered on a first come first served basis on the day of the ceremony. B. Due to the design of St Chad’s Church, it is possible that some guests may have a restricted view of the Ceremony.
What if I'm an international student?
It is your responsibility to check you have the correct visa in time to attend the Graduation Ceremony. If you intend to invite family and friends to watch your Ceremony, please go to www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office for more information on the visa requirements.
Where do I collect and return my gown?
You collect your gown from SGH026 in the Guildhall. Please click here for details on gown collection and returns times.
Where do I have my photograph taken?
You have your photograph taken in SGH026 in the Guildhall.
What time do I need to arrive at St Chad's?
You and your guests should arrive at St Chad's, having first collected your gown from the Guildhall, and be in your seat at the latest 30 minutes before the Ceremony is due to start. The doors will open approximately 45 minutes before the Ceremony is due to start.
How long will the Ceremony take?
Each Ceremony will last approximately one hour.
Where can I park?
Frankwell car park https://shropshire.gov.uk/parking/find-my-nearest-car-park/shrewsbury-frankwell-main/. If using pay and display bring correct change as no change is available at UCS. Pay by Phone also an option, see link.
Is there disabled parking near St Chad's?
There is disabled parking at St Chad’s but limited spaces so you will need to inform us of any accessibility issues prior to arrival.
What happens when I arrive at St Chad's?
On arrival at St Chad's, please enter through the main door. To maintain a safe and secure environment, we ask that you and your guests DO NOT bring large bags/backpacks/suitcases into St Chad's. You should make alternative arrangements to leave baggage elsewhere as there are no storage facilities at the venue. Please make yourself known to an Usher at the door who will advise you of your seat number and direct you to your seating. You will then be seated by a Nave Usher who will check to make sure you are sitting in your designated seat. At the appropriate time during the ceremony you will be directed to go up and receive your award and your name will be checked to make sure that you are in the correct order. As you line up to receive your award, staff from Ede & Ravenscroft will ensure that your mortar board is straight and that your gown and hood are positioned correctly. When your name is called you will cross the centre of the church and shake the hand of the Presiding Officer, before continuing across the church and returning to your seat (If you prefer NOT to shake hands, please contact the Graduation Office). At the end of the ceremony you will process out of the St Chad's behind the staff procession.
What if I am late for the Ceremony?
It is extremely important that you arrive in good time for your Ceremony. If, however, you are late for whatever reason, every effort will be made to include you. If your award has already been presented, it will be awarded in absentia.
N.B. The Graduation and Awards Ceremonies are regarded as public events and as a result audio and visual images of the ceremony are publicly available via an online streaming service and the sale of photographic images. In addition to this, the names of all Graduands/Diplomates receiving their awards are listed in the programmes produced for each ceremony. If you have completed your online booking form to indicate that you do not wish to attend your ceremony and also object to personal data (name and award) being displayed you should inform the Graduation Office immediately on graduation@chester.ac.uk.
Can I purchase University gifts?
Gifts are available for purchase by visiting https://shopfront.chester.ac.uk and a selection will be available in the Guildhall on the days of the Ceremonies.
What happens if I indicate that I will be attending my Ceremony but do not attend on the day and didn’t advise the Graduation Office beforehand?
The Graduation Office will have noted your absence on the day. You should already have received your certificate in the post before the ceremony.
Can I bring children to the Ceremony?
Please remember this is an official ceremony that is being filmed and we would not want to disturb the enjoyment of others. Therefore, bringing young children to the ceremony is not recommended. However, if you choose to do so, you will be asked to remove them immediately if they become agitated or distressed.
N.B. Whether your child is old enough to occupy their own seat or if you intend to bring them in a pram/pushchair, all children must have a ticket to be able to attend the ceremony.
Will there be anything taking place after the ceremony?
Each ceremony will be followed by a complimentary celebratory drinks reception at St Mary's Church for all graduands. This will take place immediately following the conclusion of your ceremony. Each graduand may bring two guests to the reception.