2023 Graduation

Our annual Graduation ceremony is the highlight of our college year in celebrating the success of our Higher Education students.

This year’s event will take place at the stunning Hull Minster on Wednesday 8th November 2023, providing a magnificent backdrop for a day of pride, reflection, and joy.

The ceremony is not just a graduation; it is an opportunity for our graduands who have completed university-level qualifications to come together with friends, family and fellow students for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of academic success and personal growth.

What sets our Graduation Ceremony apart is our unwavering commitment to ensuring that this day remains etched in the hearts of our graduands for many years to come. We understand the hard work, commitment and passion that our students have poured into their academic journeys during their time with us. Therefore, we've designed an experience that truly honours their dedication.

The special occasion will recognise the tremendous achievements of our students who have gained Higher National Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, Higher Level Apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees, Honours Degrees and other qualifications in a range of different subjects. We will also take the opportunity to acknowledge excellence within our student and business community with the presentation of a number of special awards.

Following the ceremony, there will be a celebration event a tour Queen’s Gardens campus where food and drinks will be served, giving our graduates the opportunity to continue the festivities with family and friends. To facilitate entry to this exclusive post-ceremony event, all students will receive gold wristbands for themselves and their guests as part of the initial registration process at Hull Minster. Please remember that these wristbands are essential for gaining entry to Hull College.

Booking Information

We are delighted to offer complimentary admission to all graduands and up to two guests each. We believe that this day should be shared with those who have supported our students throughout their academic journey.

Booking for the event is now open and will remain so until Monday 30th October 2023. To book tickets for this momentous occasion, please visit the William Northam website here: https://www.williamnortham.com/Northams/Index.aspx.

The itinerary for the day is as follows…

10am- 12noon - Registration, robe-fitting and professional photography 

12:30pm - Doors open for guests  

1pm - Graduands and guests to take their seats in the Main Hall  

1:15pm - Academic, staff and platform party procession
1:30pm - Ceremony starts

3pm - Ceremony finishes

3:15pm - Informal procession to Hull College for post-event celebration

If you have any questions, please take a look at the key information and FAQs below, or contact our Graduation Team at via heregistry@hull-college.ac.uk.

Registration

Registration will take place by the robing area. It is important that you register otherwise your name will not be announced during the ceremony.

ROBE-Fitting and photography

You will collect your gowns and have photographs taken at Hull Minster on the day of the ceremony. We work closely with William Northam, Robemakers and Photographers, who will be at Hull Minster to fit you with your gown and take photographs before the ceremony starts. Alternatively, you will be able to have your photograph taken after the ceremony closes.

Tickets and Seating Arrangements

Booking is open and will close on 30th October 2023.

You must book your own ticket and tickets for your guests through William Northam: https://www.williamnortham.com/Northams/Index.aspx. Please note that admission to the ceremony is by ticket only and non-ticket holders cannot be accommodated. You will be issued an e-ticket by William Northam to confirm your booking which you may need to produce on the day when collecting your gown. It is important when making the booking that you indicate if either you, or your guests, are disabled so that special seating arrangements can be made.  

Due to the capacity of the venue, we can only issue two free guest tickets per graduate. Extra tickets up to a maximum of three can be booked at a cost of £5 each, when booking closes after 21st October and final numbers have been confirmed, then it will finally close on 30th October. We strongly advise you NOT to make travel or accommodation arrangements for extra guests without confirmation that you have extra tickets, we may also need to consider any restrictions in place that affect capacity at the venue.  

You will be issued with a ticket on the day when you register. It is important that you are in your correct seat otherwise you may miss your name being read out and the opportunity to cross the stage. Additional tickets for guests and will also be issued to you on the day during your registration.

Please note that graduates will sit separately from guests.

The Hull Minster’s Health and Safety regulations require that all participants and guests at the ceremonies must be seated. Children over 2 years of age must have their own seat in the venue and therefore need to be included in your ticket allocation. Children under two must be kept on a guest’s knee for the duration of the ceremony. Please note prams and pushchairs will not be permitted inside the Main Hall.

Children

The ceremony is a lengthy formal event, which can be unsuitable for young children. We do of course encourage you to bring along children to experience the day with you, out of respect for other guests we request that small children and babies should be taken outside if they become unsettled during the ceremony so as not to disturb proceedings.

Format for the day

The Ceremony will commence at 1:30pm with a number of introductory speeches from a range of speakers, there will also be a performance from our students and then graduands will be conferred their degrees. We anticipate the ceremony will be finished by 3pm. All students and guests must stay for the full ceremony, and to make all graduates aware, the bars at the venue will be closed during the ceremony. As mentioned above, we will be holding a post-event celebration on site at the college for all graduands and family members.

What Happens on the Day of Your Graduation?

This is a formal occasion so please dress in smart, presentable attire. All graduates are required to wear full academic dress for the ceremony (gown, hood and cap.) Please note that you will not be able to pass across the stage if you are not dressed appropriately.

The official photographers will be just past the robing area and we suggest you are photographed immediately after being dressed as there may not be the opportunity once the ceremony has finished.

You should be seated in the Main Hall half an hour (by 1pm) before the ceremony commences. There will be staff on hand to show you to your seat.

At the opening and close of the ceremony please stand whilst the platform party process in and out of the Main Hall.

Award Certificates

Please note: If possible, your certificate will be presented at the ceremony, otherwise it will be posted to you as soon as possible afterwards. Please contact HE Quality and Registry (Email: HERegistry@hull-college.ac.uk)if you have a query regarding your certificate. Please also make sure that your correct address is recorded with our Data Services team as the College cannot be held responsible for non-delivery of certificates. Should you require a duplicate certificate from the relevant validating University because you have lost it or failed to advise the College of a change of address, please apply directly to the University concerned. A charge will be incurred for replacement certificates.

FAQs

Am I eligible to attend the award ceremony?

You will only be allowed to graduate if your award has been confirmed by the Board of Examiners.

When and where do I register and get my gown etc?

You will be notified of the start time of the ceremony here and when making your booking. You should allow two hours prior to the start time of the event to register, collect your gown and have photographs taken.

I can’t make the date of my graduation – can I swap to a different day?

Unfortunately, the date for graduation is set. You may be able to attend the following year but you would need to arrange this with HE Quality and Registry.

Is there anything I need to do in preparation for my graduation?

Yes, you should confirm your attendance and hire (or purchase) your gown using the online booking system through William Northam (https://www.williamnortham.com/Northams/Index.aspx). Please ensure that your correct correspondence address is recorded at the college. If you do need any additional guest tickets in addition to your two free guest tickets, these can be purchased from mid-October from the same booking site.

How many guests can I bring?

You will be allocated two free guest tickets. Because of capacity restrictions at the venue we are unable to issue extra tickets until after the closing date (30th October) and final attendee numbers are confirmed.

When should I expect my tickets to arrive?

You will receive an e-ticket when making the booking through William Northam. You will also be issued tickets on the day of the ceremony when you arrive to register with your allocated seat number and for your guests.

I am (or a member of my graduation party) is disabled, what should I do?

Please indicate on the booking form if either you or any of your guests are disabled. It is important to inform us when making the booking so that special seating arrangements can be made.

What if my plans change and I can’t attend my degree ceremony?

Please contact HE Quality and Registry as soon as possible (Email: HERegistry@hull-college.ac.uk).

My friend has not received any graduation information; can I let them have mine?

Please do not pass this graduation information to other people – there may be a reason why they haven’t received any. They should contact HE Quality and Registry to find out why.

What will the timings be on the day of the ceremony?

10am- 12noon - Registration, robe-fitting and professional photography 

12:30pm - Doors open for guests  

1pm - Graduands and guests to take their seats in the Main Hall  

1:15pm - Academic, staff and platform party procession

1:30pm - Ceremony starts

3pm - Ceremony finishes

3:15pm - Informal procession to Hull College for post-event celebration (all gowns should also be returned at college)