Graduation reminder: everything you need to know

Graduation University of Liverpool

We hope you’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved. To help make your day a special one, we’ve created this graduation checklist that covers everything you need to do before, during and after graduation. #LivUniGrad

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Don’t forget to Join your Graduation WhatsApp Community for helpful updates and tips about graduation. You can read the Privacy Notice here.

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Before the day

  1. Check your graduation itinerary email – you will receive this in the run up to your ceremony. Check where your ceremony will be held, as well as where to collect and return your gown.
  2. Read our guide to academic dress so you know what you will be wearing on the day.
  3. Make sure you know where your gown order confirmation is and bring it with you on the day of your ceremony.
  4. Join your Graduation WhatsApp Community. If you choose to join the WhatsApp Community we’ll send helpful updates and tips about graduation. You can read the Privacy Notice here.
  5. Find out more about the official documentation you’ll receive
  6. If you are planning to drive, check out parking options. Parking on campus will be extremely limited on the day. The public multi-storey car park on Mount Pleasant is the largest nearby parking facility. See Liverpool City Council Parking for a list of city centre car parks.
  7. Have guests who don’t have a ticket? Remember, you can stream all ceremonies on our website or on YouTube. Guests can also watch live ceremonies in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, Lecture Theatre 1. Guests do not need a ticket to watch the streamed ceremonies on campus.

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The University may have official photographers and videographers at Graduation. If you don’t want to be photgraphed or filmed, please tell the event staff (who will be wearing a blue gown) immediately.

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On the day: Two to three hours before your ceremony

  1. At least two to three hours before the start of your ceremony, head to the Guild to be dressed by Ede & Ravenscroft in your gown.
  2. You’ll also collect your tickets, Graduation brochure and certificate from the Guild. You’ll get a free University of Liverpool bag to help keep everything safe.
  3. While you’re getting your gown, your guests can relax in Guild Walk (the garden area beside the Guild) or wait in The Courtyard area within the Guild.
  4. Before leaving the Guild, make sure you collect your free University of Liverpool pin badge from our Alumni team.
  5. If you have booked photography through Ede and Ravenscroft make your way to the Sports Centre next. If the queue is too long, pop back later but check with the Sales Desk for closing times.
  6. You might have noticed some of our buildings, like the beautiful Victoria Gallery and Museum, are having some work done. We know it’s really disappointing not to be able to get that iconic graduation shot in University Square, so we’ve created a green screen opportunity so you can take a photo with a virtual VG&M. We know it’s not perfect, but hopefully you can get some good shots to remember your special day.
  7. You can collect a free print of any graduation photo you post to Twitter or Instagram using #LivuniGrad. Just make sure your profile is set to public. Collect your free print from the Alumni team in the Guild.

During your ceremony

  1. Doors open one hour before the start of the ceremony. Make sure you allow time for security checks. It’s important you are seated at least 45 minutes before your ceremony begins.
  2. When it is your turn to go on stage you will be directed by staff to the side of the stage in a continuous procession. Give your name to the officer at the foot of the steps and then follow their instructions to proceed onto the stage to collect your degree.
  3. After being admitted, you should continue to walk across the stage and then go back to your seat as directed by the ushers.
  4. Your ceremony lasts for around 90 minutes.

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Staff at the  Philharmonic would be really greatful if you don’t take large bags to your ceremony as they are difficult to store.

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After your ceremony

  • Head to Guild Walk, Abercromby Square or The Sphinx to celebrate. Your school or department might be throwing a celebration too. They’ll be in touch with you if they are having an event.
  • You will need to return your gown on the day of your ceremony to the Guild. Please see our website for closing times.

Beyond graduation

Just because you have graduated doesn’t mean that you’re no longer a part of our University community. We value every single member of our alumni network and want to stay connected with you in the years to come.

Here are three ways we want to stay connected in the future:

  1. Make sure you follow our Alumni team on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn group.
  2. Check out our careers support via the Career Studio and our Your Future programme
  3. Don’t forget that as a #LivUniGrad you’ll receive:
  •  free online journals and library access
  • discounts on hotels and holiday accommodation
  • Access to Liverpool Connect– our online networking platform that lets you connect with thousands of alumni worldwide
  • Invitations to social, careers and networking events
  • Access to Handshake for graduate jobs and careers resources

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University merchandise will all be available on the day of your graduation. The official University class rings, cufflinks and charms are also available online.

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