On the day - postgraduate ceremonies

Travel and venue

Octagon Centre
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN

We recommend using public transport or park and ride as parking on campus is limited. We suggest using the following car parks if you are travelling by car: 

• QPark Durham Road, across from the Octagon
• QPark Rockingham, approximately half a mile from the Octagon Centre
• All the car parks in the city centre

Parking spaces for blue badge holders are available in QPark, Durham Road. Blue badge holders can also park on double yellow lines for a maximum of 3 hours providing there are no loading/unloading restrictions and the vehicle is not causing an obstruction. 

Venue security

The safety of visitors to the University is our highest priority. With this in mind, the following procedures are in place:

• Bags will be searched. Please do not bring large bags or suitcases to the Octagon Centre. 

• There will be person searches on entry. 

• Anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted entry.

Please arrive as near as possible to the published opening times, bearing in mind that security checks on the door take place.

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Robing

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Accessibility and support

We are committed to making graduation inclusive and accessible for all our graduands and guests. If you have accessibility or support requirements, please note these in the appropriate section of the registration form and we will do our best to ensure suitable arrangements are put in place. 

Alternatively, you can email us and we will be happy to talk through the options available to you. 

Ceremony and robing venues
The Octagon Centre is accessible by ramp and has lifts and accessible toilet facilities.  More detailed information can be found on AccessAble.

Items such as mobility scooters and pushchairs should be left in the cloakroom once guests have taken their seats as it is not possible to store them in the ceremony hall.

Robing is on Level 4 of the Students’ Union.  The building is accessible by level access and contains lifts and accessible toilet facilities.  The Octagon centre can be accessed from the Student’s Union via the link bridge. More detailed information can be found on AccessAble.

Gender neutral toilets are located in the Students’ Union Building, next door to the Octagon Centre.

The Students’ Union Building (Level 2) has a Prayer Room with Wudu facilities.

Parking information can be found above.

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The ceremony

Before the ceremony

• Graduands need to be in their allocated seat 40 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. University marshals undertake student registration from seats in the hall. 

During the ceremony

• Ceremonies last between 45-90 minutes
• Marshals will direct graduands out of their rows. As graduands leave their seat they must ensure they follow the graduand immediately in front of them. Graduands must not change position in the queue.
• Graduands will ascend a short flight of steps onto the platform (alternative access can be arranged if we are notified in advance). Names will be read out by the Presenter. Graduands will proceed across the stage, doff their cap to the Presiding Officer and descend the steps at the other end of the stage.
• Once off the stage, graduands will be given their certificate (if they have not already received it).
• Stewards will direct graduands back to their seats.

After the ceremony

• When the ceremony has closed, Marshals will lead a graduand procession.
• Once in the Octagon Foyer and Octagon Bar area, graduands must leave the Octagon via the main doors and meet guests outside on the concourse.

How to doff the cap

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Dining and activities on campus

Departmental receptions

Some departments hold receptions before or after the ceremonies. Please contact your department about these.

Students' Union

Coffee Revolution, Bar One and Our Shop will be open throughout the week. 

There will be a child friendly space in Committee Central on Level 2 in the Students’ Union with toys. Please note, this space will not be staffed and guardians are responsible for their own children. Baby changing stations are in the Interval disabled toilets and in the disabled toilets by SSID.

Inox Dine

Inox is the perfect place for a special graduation meal on campus.  

Cafes

A full list of the University's cafes with opening times is on the website.

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Live stream

There will be a professional video recording taken of each graduation ceremony which is streamed on our website. Graduates and guests seated in the Octagon should be aware that they might appear on the live stream and on the recordings.  

A link to the live stream will be available before the ceremonies. 

Live stream to the auditorium

Each graduation ceremony is live streamed in the Students' Union Auditorium, to enable family and friends without allocated seats to see the ceremony. 

This facility may be particularly useful for guests with young children who may not be able to remain seated throughout the ceremony. Seats in the Auditorium are not ticketed and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Whilst the Auditorium seats 400 people and does not normally reach capacity, the Events Team cannot be held responsible should seats be unavailable at busy times.

The Auditorium has tiered seating and 10 spaces for wheelchair users.

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Alumni

Congratulations, you did it! You're officially part of the incredible Sheffield alumni community. Pick up your free goody bag, including your class of 2024 mug from our Alumni Relations stand in the SU, level 4. The stand is open until 5.00pm all week. 

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Candidates instructions

Candidates instructions will be available in December 2024.

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Checklist