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Graduation

Celebrating your achievements

Graduation

Celebrating your achievements

January 2025 ceremony dates

Find the date and time of your graduation ceremony

Site Logo

Your graduation ceremony:

Course name
Ceremony
Time
Date

The University reserves the right to make changes to the schedule if deemed necessary. In this instance, we will contact graduands by email and/or text. Tickets will be transferred to the new ceremony details.

Also follow our Facebook Graduation page for up-to-date information.

Can't find your subject?

If you can't find your course, try checking the full ceremony list. If you still can't see it, please contact graduation@chi.ac.uk.

Graduation information

Everything you need to know about graduation

Important Dates and Information

Important Dates and Information

Please see below for key dates surrounding graduation and important information about the ceremony.

January 2025 Graduation - Important dates

Deadline Date Deadline Time Action
4 November 2024 12pm Midday Deadline for booking guaranteed student tickets
4 November 2024 12pm Midday Deadline for booking guaranteed guest tickets
4 November 2024 12pm Midday Deadline for consenting for your name to be in the graduation programme
Week commencing 18 November 2024 (Provisional date) N/A Extra ticket release - please note that extra tickets will be a staggered release this week. If your ceremony is on Wednesday then extra tickets will be released on the Wednesday of this week, if your ceremony is on Thursday then extra tickets will be released on Thursday of this week
2 December 2024 12pm Midday Final deadline for all tickets, ordering academic dress and photography
9 January 2025 12pm Midday Deadline for accessibility requests, ticket swaps and free carers tickets
22-23 January 2025 Graduation ceremonies 🎉

Important Information

Please ensure you read the Eligibility and Terms & Conditions tab, this contains important information about the criteria for attending each graduation event. You will have to confirm you have read this when booking your tickets.

As students are invited to graduation when they are provisionally eligible, should it be established that you are not eligible, we will contact you to advise this. If you have already purchased tickets and hired robes, you will need to cancel your order with William Northam and payment will be refunded in full. Please see the Refunds section of the Eligibility and Terms and Conditions tab for further information.

Missing Deadlines

Please ensure you book your place before the guaranteed booking deadline listed above. If you miss the date it may not be possible to graduate at this ceremony or any other future ceremony. In case of extenuating circumstances please contact graduation@chi.ac.uk.

If you do not book your guaranteed 2 guest tickets by the guaranteed booking deadline shown above, then these tickets will no longer be guaranteed and you will only be able to purchase guest tickets if there is availability.

You will be asked for your consent for your name to be in the graduation programme and on the hoodie when booking your graduation tickets. If we do not receive your consent by the deadline, your name will not be included. Please note that the graduation hoodie may not be available for all graduation events, please contact the Students Union for all merchandise enquiries.

Ceremony Changes

We reserve the right to make changes to the graduation ceremony configuration if deemed necessary. In this instance, we will contact graduands by email and/or text to advise you.

For any ceremony changes, all tickets, robe and photography orders will be transferred to the new ceremony. We are not liable for any other costs you may have incurred.

Follow our Graduation Facebook page for up-to-date information.

In Absentia

It is not compulsory to attend your ceremony, if you choose not to attend your ceremony this is called graduating in absentia.

Please note that your name will not be read out during the ceremony and you will not be eligible to attend other or future ceremonies.

You can still choose to have your name in the Graduation programme, please email your full name, student number and consent to graduation@chi.ac.uk.

Certificates

A certificate will be issued as proof of your award. It will show your full name, course title, level of award, classification and date of the award. Please take care of it as charges will apply for duplicate certificates issued.

The assessment team will contact all final-year students to ask them to confirm the delivery address for their certificate.

Please note - certificates are NOT handed out at graduation, they will be posted to you.

If you have any questions relating to certificates, please email your name, student number and question to examinations@chi.ac.uk.

System Issues

Should you experience issues when trying to book tickets, hire robes or purchase photography, please contact William Northam directly via their contact form.

Weather

You may be outside for long periods of time so please prepare for the weather. There is a café at the Cathedral and Cloisters corridor is undercover but has limited stone seating.

William Northam

William Northam is the only authorised partner of the university for tickets, robing and photography. University of Chichester will receive a share of robing sales (a commission payment) from William Northam. This is standard across the university sector.

Please be reassured that the entire commission paid to the University is entirely reinvested into the running and organisation of the graduation events themselves.

This is to ensure that the ceremony is enjoyable and successful for all of our graduates and guests.

Graduation Photo

Tickets

Tickets

Everything you need to know about graduation tickets

Course Graduation Photo

Robing and Dress Code

Robing and Dress Code

What to wear and where to get it

To be allowed to attend your ceremony you must hire the appropriate academic dress from William Northam consisting of gown, hood and mortarboard. This can be done once you have created your account.

William Northam is the only organisation authorised by the University of Chichester to provide robes for our graduation ceremonies. The University of Chichester will receive a share of robing hire sales (a commission payment) from William Northam. This is standard across the university sector.

Please rest assured that the entire commission paid to the University is entirely reinvested into the running and organisation of the graduation events themselves.

Please click to access the William Northam [ad] website or if you have any queries they can be contacted via contact form.

The price to hire the robes depends on your award and can be hired after you have created your account.

Award Price
Foundation £32.00
Diploma £32.00
Bachelors £35.00
Postgraduate £35.00
Masters £35.00
PhD £41.00

Top Tip!

Don’t forget to bring safety pins to pin your hood to your gown to stop it slipping, and hair grips for keeping your mortarboard in place.

What should I wear?

Under your academic gown, we recommend smart clothing suitable for a formal occasion.

When deciding what to wear, please consider the comfort and practicality of your outfit. How easy is it to walk in those shoes? Will a mortarboard fit with that hairstyle?

Academic dress and formal attire must be worn during the ceremony. Graduates are not permitted to carry anything whilst walking across the stage, with the exception of disability aids. Failure to do so will result in graduates being refused entry to the ceremony until rectified.

Graduation Photo

Photography, Filming and Livestream

Photography, Filming and Livestream

A Record of Your Graduation

Professional Photography

William Northam offer optional professional photography packages which can be purchased once you have created your account with them.

The photography studios will be in The Council House (September) or Edes House (January) along with registration and robing.

Should you have any questions relating to photography, please contact William Northam directly via their contact form.

Please note that William Northam do pay the University a commission. This is standard across the university sector.

Please be reassured that the entire commission paid to the University is reinvested into the running and organisation of the graduation events themselves.

There may be a University photographer, videographer or social media content coordinator present at some ceremonies. These ceremonies are selected randomly and we do not guarantee that you or your ceremony will be photographed/filmed.

Whilst this material will be for marketing purposes only, we will share the photographs we have taken with you, however, some photographs may be discarded due to quality.

Should you want professional photography, please purchase a package with William Northam.

Livestream

All ceremonies will be livestreamed and the link will be available on this page on the day. We will also have an area of the Cathedral where we will be showing the livestream. Tickets for this will be free and can be collected on the day from the information desk (see the How to Find Us tab).

Taking Your Own Photos

Personal photography is permitted during the ceremony, but please note that standing to take photographs is not considerate as this will block the view for other guests.

All guests are to remain seated throughout the ceremony unless they need to attend to an upset or restless child.

This is to ensure that the ceremony is enjoyable and successful for all of our graduates and guests.

Course Graduation Photo

Accessibility and Additional Requirements

Accessibility and Additional Requirements

To ensure you and your guests have the best graduation experience, if you and/or your guests require any additional assistance, please email graduation@chi.ac.uk with your name, student number, whether the assistance required is for yourself or your guests, and what assistance you require. We will then be in contact to discuss arrangements.

Please make sure this is completed by 9 January 2025, to allow us to make the correct accommodations in advance so that all guests have the best experience.

Chichester Cathedral

Level access into the Cathedral is available through the south west door. Within the Cathedral and Cathedral precincts there are ramps for easy level access.

A hearing loop system is available.

Toilet facilities are available in the North Transept opposite the Treasury. The nearest public toilets can be found opposite the Cathedral on Tower Street.

Guide, Therapy and Assistance dogs are welcome in the Cathedral for events.

Edes House

Accessible access is to the rear of the house. Please notify a member of the graduation team who will assist you with this.

Lift access to the first floor for robing is available and a photography studio will be available on the ground floor.

Assistance dogs are permitted in the house.

Toilets are located on the lower ground floor, which can be accessed via the lift.

The Council House

Level access to The Council House is through the front entrance.

There is a lift available to the first floor where student robing and photography will take place. There will also be a photography studio on the ground floor.

Assistance dogs are welcome in The Council House.

Disabled Parking

There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces on West Street, these are free to use provided the vehicle is displaying a disabled person’s badge and the registered disabled person is driving or a passenger.

For further information please visit the Chichester District Council website.

23 Students Graduating 1920 1080

On the Day

On the Day

Helping you plan your day

  • Please see the ‘How to find us’ tab for the graduation locations.
  • Due to limited space, we ask that only students register their attendance.
  • Please note that you may be outdoors for periods of time, so please prepare for the weather.

Here is your step by step guide to your graduation day

When you arrive

  • We advise you to arrive around 2 hours before your ceremony start time
  • The first stop is the Council House (September) or Edes House (January)
  • Register your attendance:
    • you will be given a card with your name on it – do not lose this! You will need to hand it to the orator to read out your name as you cross the stage
  • Collect your guest entry tokens:
    • your emailed guest tickets will be exchanged for entry tokens. Only the entry tokens will be valid for entrance to the Cathedral, they will also be required to gain entry to the reception
  • Collect your robes (a robing team member will help you put them on)
  • Have your professional photographs taken (optional), these can be pre-purchased to save time, or purchased on the day
  • Head to the Cathedral for photos outside
  • Got questions/want extra tickets? Head to the information desk at the Cathedral (see the 'How to Find Us' tab)

Entry into the Cathedral

  • Doors will open 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony
  • Students will queue at the front entrance of the Cathedral
  • Guests will queue in Cloisters (near the information desk)
    • Please note that there are 2 steps down to enter the Cathedral this way, so please contact us on graduation@chi.ac.uk with your student number if your guests require additional assistance or an alternative entrance

Taking your seat

  • Students and guests will be seated separately so that we can arrange for students to walk across the stage smoothly
  • Students will be shown to their seats by the ushers and will sit in course order (but not alphabetically within your course so you can sit with your friends)
  • Ushers will check that you have your name card
  • The first person from each course will be given an additional card with their course name on it (see 'Crossing the stage' step for information)
  • Guest seating is not reserved, please do not leave spaces to ensure everyone can take a seat
  • All students and guests are required to remain in their seats until the end of the ceremony. This is to avoid disruption to the ceremony, and to ensure that all of our students' achievements are honoured equally.

The ceremony

  • The ceremony will begin as the academics and platform party process in to the Cathedral
  • All students and guests will be asked to stand if they are able to
  • The procession will head to the stage and the Vice-Chancellor or their representative will take their seat
  • Students and guests may then sit
  • The Vice-Chancellor or their representative will be invited to give their opening remarks
  • Once this has ended, the ushers will start leading students to the stage – students are to remain seated until advised by the ushers that it is their turn

Crossing the stage

  • When you get to the front of the queue, you will be told when to hand your name card to the orator
  • If you are the first person in the ceremony or in your course, hand the course name to the orator, wait for them to read it out, then hand them your name card
  • Wait for them to read your name then walk to the centre of the stage where you will shake hands with the Chancellor or Chair of Governors – this is your moment, take your time and enjoy it!
  • You will turn to the photographer and will have your photo taken with the Chancellor or Chair of Governors (they will direct you to where the photographer is)
  • You will then exit the stage between the lectern and the pulpit (an usher will be there to direct you where to go)
  • Once you have crossed the stage, you will be directed back to your seat by the ushers
  • After all the awards have been concluded there may be an honorary award given (not all ceremonies)
  • The Vice-Chancellor or their representative will confer the awards and give their closing remarks
  • Students and guests will be asked to stand if they are able to
  • A soloist will sing and then students and guests can join in the second verse, the words are in the back of the graduation programme
  • The platform party and academics will process out of the Cathedral
  • Students will exit the Cathedral row by row when advised by the ushers to do so
  • Guests will exit the Cathedral row by row when advised by the ushers to do so
  • Each ceremony will last approximately 1 hour

Time to celebrate

  • Head to the drinks reception at the Duke & Rye to celebrate!
  • You will need your entry token to gain access to the venue. It can then be exchanged at the bar for a free glass of prosecco/soft drink for students & 20% off for guests – this token is only valid for the drinks and times stated on the token, please check this carefully
  • If the venue is at capacity, please bear with the door staff as they will let you in as soon as they can
  • Enjoy the music, take plenty of photographs, meet with your friends, browse the merchandise
  • Remember to tag us in your photos #chiuni

Return your robes

Return your robes to the Eastern Arm of Cloisters at the Cathedral (see the 'How to Find Us' tab)

On the Day Timings

Arrival - register, collect entry tokens, collect gown, optional photography From 08:30, latest 09:45 From 11:30, latest 12:45 From 14:00, latest 15:15
Cathedral doors open 10:00 13:00 15:30
Graduands to be seated 10:20 13:20 15:50
Guests to be seated 10:20 13:20 15:50
Ceremony starts 10:30 13:30 16:00
Ceremony ends Approx. 11:30 Approx. 14:30 Approx. 17:00
Drink reception ends 13:30 15:30 19:00
Robes to be returned 13:30 15:30 19:00
Graduation Photo

How to Find Us

How to Find Us

Registration, Collecting Robes, Professional Photography

January Ceremonies - Edes House

Edes House
27 West Street
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1QW

See location on a map

Front view of Edes House building in Chichester

The Ceremony

Chichester Cathedral
The Royal Chantry
Cathedral Cloisters
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1PX

See location on a map

18 Chichester Cathedral Panorama Cropped 2

Drinks Reception

Duke & Rye
West Street
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1QU

See location on a map

Duke Rye

Information Desk & Robe Returns

Please see the diagram below for key points.

Graduation map key information points
  1. The Council House - registration, robing and photography (September 2024 Graduation)
  2. Edes House - registration, robing and photography (January 2025 Graduation)
  3. Cathedral - student entrance
  4. Cloisters - information desk and guest entrance
  5. Cathedral café
  6. Duke & Rye - drinks reception
  7. Eastern Arm of Cloisters - robe returns

Parking

Parking is located in the city centre car parks, please see the Chichester District Council website for all parking information.

Course Graduation Photo

International Students

International Students

Inviting family or friends to your graduation

If you are planning to invite family or friends to your graduation they may need to apply for a standard visitor visa to come to the UK.

Some nationalities can enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance, but other nationalities have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before leaving home. These nations are called ‘Visa Nationals’. You can check the Visa nationals list on the gov.uk website.

You can also check if you need to apply for a visa in advance by visiting gov.uk and using the “Check if you need a UK visa” online tool.

How to apply?

Applications are submitted online via the UK government website. Your visitor should read the information on this website to make sure they meet the criteria for this visa. The application fee is £115 for a 6-month visa.

What documents are needed?

Your visitor must show the visa application centre some documents. They usually include the following. Please check the above website for the latest information.

  • At least 3 months’ bank statements, payslips or some other evidence to show that they can pay for the trip and that they have enough money to support themselves without working or getting any help from public funds.
  • Evidence that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit (for example, a letter from their employer).
  • Proof of your graduation (see below).
  • A letter of invitation from you (see below).

Students sometimes ask us for an additional formal letter of invitation for their visitor, but this is not necessary.

Proof of your graduation

You can provide your visitor with a letter from the University’s graduation team that confirms that you, the student, have been invited to attend your graduation ceremony. Make sure the letter includes the date of the graduation ceremony and your name.

Your letter of invitation from you

Write a letter, addressed to your visitor. Include in your letter:

  • the full name of the proposed visitor(s)
  • their relationship to you (parent, friend etc.)
  • why they want to come and visit you (to attend your graduation)
  • how long they want to stay in the UK and, if possible, their proposed arrival and departure dates.
  • where they intend to stay; if they plan to stay with you, give your full address.
  • your own immigration status in the UK (for example a Student Route visa until 2024).

You can download our invitation letter template and use it as a guide on what to write. Remember to amend it to fit your and your visitor’s circumstances and make sure you provide a separate letter for each of your visitors.

If you would like more information about this visa route, please email international@chi.ac.uk.

Eligibility and Terms & Conditions

Eligibility and Terms & Conditions

Important information you need to know

Graduation Memorabilia

Graduation memorabilia

Remember your day with some of our amazing memorabilia

We all want to remember our time at university, the friends we made, and all the hard work it took to achieve our awards. Celebrate this and your graduation by purchasing some memorabilia.

Please visit the Student’s Union online shop where you can pre-order your graduation memorabilia to collect on the day.

They have everything from certificate tubes and teddies, to clothing and the amazing graduation hoodies featuring all of your cohorts’ names (hoodies available for September graduation only).

For all merchandise enquiries, please email studentsunion@chi.ac.uk

Alumni

Alumni

Join our alumni community

Welcome to the University of Chichester Alumni Community!

Follow our alumni Facebook page, University of Chichester Alumni for up-to-date advice and offers.

Don’t forget you will also have access to the alumni page of ChiView so make sure you keep your details up to date and let us know what you are doing.

Some of the benefits of the alumni community;

  • Possible discounts of up to 15% off our Postgraduate courses (conditions may apply)
  • Lifelong career advice, support, and job opportunities
  • Invitations to events
  • Discounted access to University facilities including library facilities, conference and accommodation facilities
  • Updates on the University and what other alumni are doing now.

To find out more visit chi.ac.uk/alumni, please also see the details regarding data protection

Graduation Photo

Contacts

Contacts

Key contacts

Graduation Enquiries Email: graduation@chi.ac.uk
Website: chi.ac.uk/graduation
Finance Email: studentfinance@chi.ac.uk
Website: chi.ac.uk/finance
William Northam Website: williamnortham.com
Tel: 0370 240 1852
Students Union Email: studentsunion@chi.ac.uk
Website: ucsu.org
Alumni Association Email: alumni@chi.ac.uk
Web: chi.ac.uk/alumni

Important Dates and Information

Important Dates and Information

Please see below for key dates surrounding graduation and important information about the ceremony.

January 2025 Graduation - Important dates

Deadline Date Deadline Time Action
4 November 2024 12pm Midday Deadline for booking guaranteed student tickets
4 November 2024 12pm Midday Deadline for booking guaranteed guest tickets
4 November 2024 12pm Midday Deadline for consenting for your name to be in the graduation programme
Week commencing 18 November 2024 (Provisional date) N/A Extra ticket release - please note that extra tickets will be a staggered release this week. If your ceremony is on Wednesday then extra tickets will be released on the Wednesday of this week, if your ceremony is on Thursday then extra tickets will be released on Thursday of this week
2 December 2024 12pm Midday Final deadline for all tickets, ordering academic dress and photography
9 January 2025 12pm Midday Deadline for accessibility requests, ticket swaps and free carers tickets
22-23 January 2025 Graduation ceremonies 🎉

Important Information

Please ensure you read the Eligibility and Terms & Conditions tab, this contains important information about the criteria for attending each graduation event. You will have to confirm you have read this when booking your tickets.

As students are invited to graduation when they are provisionally eligible, should it be established that you are not eligible, we will contact you to advise this. If you have already purchased tickets and hired robes, you will need to cancel your order with William Northam and payment will be refunded in full. Please see the Refunds section of the Eligibility and Terms and Conditions tab for further information.

Missing Deadlines

Please ensure you book your place before the guaranteed booking deadline listed above. If you miss the date it may not be possible to graduate at this ceremony or any other future ceremony. In case of extenuating circumstances please contact graduation@chi.ac.uk.

If you do not book your guaranteed 2 guest tickets by the guaranteed booking deadline shown above, then these tickets will no longer be guaranteed and you will only be able to purchase guest tickets if there is availability.

You will be asked for your consent for your name to be in the graduation programme and on the hoodie when booking your graduation tickets. If we do not receive your consent by the deadline, your name will not be included. Please note that the graduation hoodie may not be available for all graduation events, please contact the Students Union for all merchandise enquiries.

Ceremony Changes

We reserve the right to make changes to the graduation ceremony configuration if deemed necessary. In this instance, we will contact graduands by email and/or text to advise you.

For any ceremony changes, all tickets, robe and photography orders will be transferred to the new ceremony. We are not liable for any other costs you may have incurred.

Follow our Graduation Facebook page for up-to-date information.

In Absentia

It is not compulsory to attend your ceremony, if you choose not to attend your ceremony this is called graduating in absentia.

Please note that your name will not be read out during the ceremony and you will not be eligible to attend other or future ceremonies.

You can still choose to have your name in the Graduation programme, please email your full name, student number and consent to graduation@chi.ac.uk.

Certificates

A certificate will be issued as proof of your award. It will show your full name, course title, level of award, classification and date of the award. Please take care of it as charges will apply for duplicate certificates issued.

The assessment team will contact all final-year students to ask them to confirm the delivery address for their certificate.

Please note - certificates are NOT handed out at graduation, they will be posted to you.

If you have any questions relating to certificates, please email your name, student number and question to examinations@chi.ac.uk.

System Issues

Should you experience issues when trying to book tickets, hire robes or purchase photography, please contact William Northam directly via their contact form.

Weather

You may be outside for long periods of time so please prepare for the weather. There is a café at the Cathedral and Cloisters corridor is undercover but has limited stone seating.

William Northam

William Northam is the only authorised partner of the university for tickets, robing and photography. University of Chichester will receive a share of robing sales (a commission payment) from William Northam. This is standard across the university sector.

Please be reassured that the entire commission paid to the University is entirely reinvested into the running and organisation of the graduation events themselves.

This is to ensure that the ceremony is enjoyable and successful for all of our graduates and guests.

Graduation Photo

Tickets

Tickets

Everything you need to know about graduation tickets

Course Graduation Photo

Robing and Dress Code

Robing and Dress Code

What to wear and where to get it

To be allowed to attend your ceremony you must hire the appropriate academic dress from William Northam consisting of gown, hood and mortarboard. This can be done once you have created your account.

William Northam is the only organisation authorised by the University of Chichester to provide robes for our graduation ceremonies. The University of Chichester will receive a share of robing hire sales (a commission payment) from William Northam. This is standard across the university sector.

Please rest assured that the entire commission paid to the University is entirely reinvested into the running and organisation of the graduation events themselves.

Please click to access the William Northam [ad] website or if you have any queries they can be contacted via contact form.

The price to hire the robes depends on your award and can be hired after you have created your account.

Award Price
Foundation £32.00
Diploma £32.00
Bachelors £35.00
Postgraduate £35.00
Masters £35.00
PhD £41.00

Top Tip!

Don’t forget to bring safety pins to pin your hood to your gown to stop it slipping, and hair grips for keeping your mortarboard in place.

What should I wear?

Under your academic gown, we recommend smart clothing suitable for a formal occasion.

When deciding what to wear, please consider the comfort and practicality of your outfit. How easy is it to walk in those shoes? Will a mortarboard fit with that hairstyle?

Academic dress and formal attire must be worn during the ceremony. Graduates are not permitted to carry anything whilst walking across the stage, with the exception of disability aids. Failure to do so will result in graduates being refused entry to the ceremony until rectified.

Graduation Photo

Photography, Filming and Livestream

Photography, Filming and Livestream

A Record of Your Graduation

Professional Photography

William Northam offer optional professional photography packages which can be purchased once you have created your account with them.

The photography studios will be in The Council House (September) or Edes House (January) along with registration and robing.

Should you have any questions relating to photography, please contact William Northam directly via their contact form.

Please note that William Northam do pay the University a commission. This is standard across the university sector.

Please be reassured that the entire commission paid to the University is reinvested into the running and organisation of the graduation events themselves.

There may be a University photographer, videographer or social media content coordinator present at some ceremonies. These ceremonies are selected randomly and we do not guarantee that you or your ceremony will be photographed/filmed.

Whilst this material will be for marketing purposes only, we will share the photographs we have taken with you, however, some photographs may be discarded due to quality.

Should you want professional photography, please purchase a package with William Northam.

Livestream

All ceremonies will be livestreamed and the link will be available on this page on the day. We will also have an area of the Cathedral where we will be showing the livestream. Tickets for this will be free and can be collected on the day from the information desk (see the How to Find Us tab).

Taking Your Own Photos

Personal photography is permitted during the ceremony, but please note that standing to take photographs is not considerate as this will block the view for other guests.

All guests are to remain seated throughout the ceremony unless they need to attend to an upset or restless child.

This is to ensure that the ceremony is enjoyable and successful for all of our graduates and guests.

Course Graduation Photo

Accessibility and Additional Requirements

Accessibility and Additional Requirements

To ensure you and your guests have the best graduation experience, if you and/or your guests require any additional assistance, please email graduation@chi.ac.uk with your name, student number, whether the assistance required is for yourself or your guests, and what assistance you require. We will then be in contact to discuss arrangements.

Please make sure this is completed by 9 January 2025, to allow us to make the correct accommodations in advance so that all guests have the best experience.

Chichester Cathedral

Level access into the Cathedral is available through the south west door. Within the Cathedral and Cathedral precincts there are ramps for easy level access.

A hearing loop system is available.

Toilet facilities are available in the North Transept opposite the Treasury. The nearest public toilets can be found opposite the Cathedral on Tower Street.

Guide, Therapy and Assistance dogs are welcome in the Cathedral for events.

Edes House

Accessible access is to the rear of the house. Please notify a member of the graduation team who will assist you with this.

Lift access to the first floor for robing is available and a photography studio will be available on the ground floor.

Assistance dogs are permitted in the house.

Toilets are located on the lower ground floor, which can be accessed via the lift.

The Council House

Level access to The Council House is through the front entrance.

There is a lift available to the first floor where student robing and photography will take place. There will also be a photography studio on the ground floor.

Assistance dogs are welcome in The Council House.

Disabled Parking

There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces on West Street, these are free to use provided the vehicle is displaying a disabled person’s badge and the registered disabled person is driving or a passenger.

For further information please visit the Chichester District Council website.

23 Students Graduating 1920 1080

On The Day

On the Day

Helping you plan your day

  • Please see the ‘How to find us’ tab for the graduation locations.
  • Due to limited space, we ask that only students register their attendance.
  • Please note that you may be outdoors for periods of time, so please prepare for the weather.

Here is your step by step guide to your graduation day

When you arrive

  • We advise you to arrive around 2 hours before your ceremony start time
  • The first stop is the Council House (September) or Edes House (January)
  • Register your attendance:
    • you will be given a card with your name on it – do not lose this! You will need to hand it to the orator to read out your name as you cross the stage
  • Collect your guest entry tokens:
    • your emailed guest tickets will be exchanged for entry tokens. Only the entry tokens will be valid for entrance to the Cathedral, they will also be required to gain entry to the reception
  • Collect your robes (a robing team member will help you put them on)
  • Have your professional photographs taken (optional), these can be pre-purchased to save time, or purchased on the day
  • Head to the Cathedral for photos outside
  • Got questions/want extra tickets? Head to the information desk at the Cathedral (see the 'How to Find Us' tab)

Entry into the Cathedral

  • Doors will open 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony
  • Students will queue at the front entrance of the Cathedral
  • Guests will queue in Cloisters (near the information desk)
    • Please note that there are 2 steps down to enter the Cathedral this way, so please contact us on graduation@chi.ac.uk with your student number if your guests require additional assistance or an alternative entrance

Taking your seat

  • Students and guests will be seated separately so that we can arrange for students to walk across the stage smoothly
  • Students will be shown to their seats by the ushers and will sit in course order (but not alphabetically within your course so you can sit with your friends)
  • Ushers will check that you have your name card
  • The first person from each course will be given an additional card with their course name on it (see 'Crossing the stage' step for information)
  • Guest seating is not reserved, please do not leave spaces to ensure everyone can take a seat
  • All students and guests are required to remain in their seats until the end of the ceremony. This is to avoid disruption to the ceremony, and to ensure that all of our students' achievements are honoured equally.

The ceremony

  • The ceremony will begin as the academics and platform party process in to the Cathedral
  • All students and guests will be asked to stand if they are able to
  • The procession will head to the stage and the Vice-Chancellor or their representative will take their seat
  • Students and guests may then sit
  • The Vice-Chancellor or their representative will be invited to give their opening remarks
  • Once this has ended, the ushers will start leading students to the stage – students are to remain seated until advised by the ushers that it is their turn

Crossing the stage

  • When you get to the front of the queue, you will be told when to hand your name card to the orator
  • If you are the first person in the ceremony or in your course, hand the course name to the orator, wait for them to read it out, then hand them your name card
  • Wait for them to read your name then walk to the centre of the stage where you will shake hands with the Chancellor or Chair of Governors – this is your moment, take your time and enjoy it!
  • You will turn to the photographer and will have your photo taken with the Chancellor or Chair of Governors (they will direct you to where the photographer is)
  • You will then exit the stage between the lectern and the pulpit (an usher will be there to direct you where to go)
  • Once you have crossed the stage, you will be directed back to your seat by the ushers
  • After all the awards have been concluded there may be an honorary award given (not all ceremonies)
  • The Vice-Chancellor or their representative will confer the awards and give their closing remarks
  • Students and guests will be asked to stand if they are able to
  • A soloist will sing and then students and guests can join in the second verse, the words are in the back of the graduation programme
  • The platform party and academics will process out of the Cathedral
  • Students will exit the Cathedral row by row when advised by the ushers to do so
  • Guests will exit the Cathedral row by row when advised by the ushers to do so
  • Each ceremony will last approximately 1 hour

Time to celebrate

  • Head to the drinks reception at the Duke & Rye to celebrate!
  • You will need your entry token to gain access to the venue. It can then be exchanged at the bar for a free glass of prosecco/soft drink for students & 20% off for guests – this token is only valid for the drinks and times stated on the token, please check this carefully
  • If the venue is at capacity, please bear with the door staff as they will let you in as soon as they can
  • Enjoy the music, take plenty of photographs, meet with your friends, browse the merchandise
  • Remember to tag us in your photos #chiuni

Return your robes

Return your robes to the Eastern Arm of Cloisters at the Cathedral (see the 'How to Find Us' tab)

On the Day Timings

Arrival - register, collect entry tokens, collect gown, optional photography From 08:30, latest 09:45 From 11:30, latest 12:45 From 14:00, latest 15:15
Cathedral doors open 10:00 13:00 15:30
Graduands to be seated 10:20 13:20 15:50
Guests to be seated 10:20 13:20 15:50
Ceremony starts 10:30 13:30 16:00
Ceremony ends Approx. 11:30 Approx. 14:30 Approx. 17:00
Drink reception ends 13:30 15:30 19:00
Robes to be returned 13:30 15:30 19:00
Graduation Photo

How to Find Us

How to Find Us

Registration, Collecting Robes, Professional Photography

January Ceremonies - Edes House

Edes House
27 West Street
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1QW

See location on a map

Front view of Edes House building in Chichester

The Ceremony

Chichester Cathedral
The Royal Chantry
Cathedral Cloisters
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1PX

See location on a map

18 Chichester Cathedral Panorama Cropped 2

Drinks Reception

Duke & Rye
West Street
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1QU

See location on a map

Duke Rye

Information Desk & Robe Returns

Please see the diagram below for key points.

Graduation map key information points
  1. The Council House - registration, robing and photography (September 2024 Graduation)
  2. Edes House - registration, robing and photography (January 2025 Graduation)
  3. Cathedral - student entrance
  4. Cloisters - information desk and guest entrance
  5. Cathedral café
  6. Duke & Rye - drinks reception
  7. Eastern Arm of Cloisters - robe returns

Parking

Parking is located in the city centre car parks, please see the Chichester District Council website for all parking information.

Course Graduation Photo

International Students

International Students

Inviting family or friends to your graduation

If you are planning to invite family or friends to your graduation they may need to apply for a standard visitor visa to come to the UK.

Some nationalities can enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance, but other nationalities have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before leaving home. These nations are called ‘Visa Nationals’. You can check the Visa nationals list on the gov.uk website.

You can also check if you need to apply for a visa in advance by visiting gov.uk and using the “Check if you need a UK visa” online tool.

How to apply?

Applications are submitted online via the UK government website. Your visitor should read the information on this website to make sure they meet the criteria for this visa. The application fee is £115 for a 6-month visa.

What documents are needed?

Your visitor must show the visa application centre some documents. They usually include the following. Please check the above website for the latest information.

  • At least 3 months’ bank statements, payslips or some other evidence to show that they can pay for the trip and that they have enough money to support themselves without working or getting any help from public funds.
  • Evidence that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit (for example, a letter from their employer).
  • Proof of your graduation (see below).
  • A letter of invitation from you (see below).

Students sometimes ask us for an additional formal letter of invitation for their visitor, but this is not necessary.

Proof of your graduation

You can provide your visitor with a letter from the University’s graduation team that confirms that you, the student, have been invited to attend your graduation ceremony. Make sure the letter includes the date of the graduation ceremony and your name.

Your letter of invitation from you

Write a letter, addressed to your visitor. Include in your letter:

  • the full name of the proposed visitor(s)
  • their relationship to you (parent, friend etc.)
  • why they want to come and visit you (to attend your graduation)
  • how long they want to stay in the UK and, if possible, their proposed arrival and departure dates.
  • where they intend to stay; if they plan to stay with you, give your full address.
  • your own immigration status in the UK (for example a Student Route visa until 2024).

You can download our invitation letter template and use it as a guide on what to write. Remember to amend it to fit your and your visitor’s circumstances and make sure you provide a separate letter for each of your visitors.

If you would like more information about this visa route, please email international@chi.ac.uk.

Eligibility and Terms & Conditions

Eligibility and Terms & Conditions

Important information you need to know

Graduation Memorabilia

Graduation memorabilia

Remember your day with some of our amazing memorabilia

We all want to remember our time at university, the friends we made, and all the hard work it took to achieve our awards. Celebrate this and your graduation by purchasing some memorabilia.

Please visit the Student’s Union online shop where you can pre-order your graduation memorabilia to collect on the day.

They have everything from certificate tubes and teddies, to clothing and the amazing graduation hoodies featuring all of your cohorts’ names (hoodies available for September graduation only).

For all merchandise enquiries, please email studentsunion@chi.ac.uk

Alumni

Alumni

Join our alumni community

Welcome to the University of Chichester Alumni Community!

Follow our alumni Facebook page, University of Chichester Alumni for up-to-date advice and offers.

Don’t forget you will also have access to the alumni page of ChiView so make sure you keep your details up to date and let us know what you are doing.

Some of the benefits of the alumni community;

  • Possible discounts of up to 15% off our Postgraduate courses (conditions may apply)
  • Lifelong career advice, support, and job opportunities
  • Invitations to events
  • Discounted access to University facilities including library facilities, conference and accommodation facilities
  • Updates on the University and what other alumni are doing now.

To find out more visit chi.ac.uk/alumni, please also see the details regarding data protection

Graduation Photo

Contacts

Contacts

Key contacts

Graduation Enquiries Email: graduation@chi.ac.uk
Website: chi.ac.uk/graduation
Finance Email: studentfinance@chi.ac.uk
Website: chi.ac.uk/finance
William Northam Website: williamnortham.com
Tel: 0370 240 1852
Students Union Email: studentsunion@chi.ac.uk
Website: ucsu.org
Alumni Association Email: alumni@chi.ac.uk
Web: chi.ac.uk/alumni

Watch Back

September 2024 Graduation ceremonies

October 2023 Graduation ceremonies

Our address

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