毕业典礼流程

How do parents from China participate in the graduation ceremony in the UK?

 

In general, the graduation ceremony process in British-style education is quite similar, but there may be variations in the specific rituals. However, all ceremonies are typically grand and significant, whether in the UK, Australia, Singapore, or other places. In the UK, there are usually 2-3 graduation ceremonies held each year, with specific dates varying between universities. For example, Imperial College London holds two graduation ceremonies annually, one in October for undergraduate students and another in May for master's and doctoral students. On the other hand, the University of Cambridge holds three graduation ceremonies throughout the year.

 

Most universities in the UK hold two graduation ceremonies, typically one in July for undergraduate students and another in November for postgraduate students. However, some universities may have additional graduation periods such as March-May, July-August, or October-December. Nonetheless, the majority of graduation ceremonies generally take place around November.

 

For instance, referring to the provided image, the graduation ceremony at the University of Warwick in the UK occurred in 2020.

 

When it comes to parents from China participating in the graduation ceremony, they usually have the option to attend the ceremony in person by traveling to the UK. They can make arrangements for travel, accommodation, and visas to accompany their graduating child during the ceremony. Alternatively, if attending in person is not feasible, parents can participate remotely by watching live-streamed or recorded footage of the ceremony, which is often made available by the university. This allows parents to be part of the celebration and witness their child's milestone achievement, even if they cannot physically attend the ceremony.

：

So how can one participate in a graduation ceremony in the UK?

 

First, successfully graduate: Only students who have successfully graduated are eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. If you have any outstanding subjects or academic issues, you can defer your participation to the next available graduation ceremony once you have successfully completed all requirements.

Second, online registration: Participating in a graduation ceremony requires registering in advance. The university will typically send you an email about 2-3 months before your graduation. The email will contain important information such as graduation ceremony guidelines, schedule, and registration details. You will be asked to indicate your willingness to participate in the ceremony. It's important to note that by registering for the ceremony, you are agreeing to receive your graduation certificate and transcript during the event. This means you will be called on stage to receive your certificate. The email will clearly specify the date, time, and location of the ceremony. It may also provide information on the number of guests you can invite, typically allowing 2-3 guests per graduate. It's crucial to remember that once you make a registration appointment, it is important to attend. If you can't attend, it can be troublesome, requiring you to make prior arrangements for alternatives such as having the certificate mailed to you or appointing someone to collect it on your behalf.

 

For example, at the University of Warwick in the UK, registration for the November 2019 graduation ceremony was already open, and the registration deadline was October 16, 2019. The actual graduation ceremonies for the November 2019 session at the University of Warwick were held from the 18th to the 26th of November.

As shown in the image below, the University of Warwick in the UK organizes its graduation ceremony schedule based on the specific faculties and disciplines. For example, on November 18th, the ceremony is dedicated to the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Third, renting or purchasing graduation attire, specifically the bachelor's gown. You can rent or buy a gown from the designated location specified by the university. The price may vary, usually ranging from a few tens of pounds. Each university has different requirements regarding graduation attire. For example, the University of Bristol in the UK does not require wearing a cap during the graduation ceremony unless you are awarded a higher doctoral degree. It is advisable to make an appointment in advance for the graduation attire. Renting is often more cost-effective if you only need it for one occasion. Most students choose to rent, except for those who frequently require the attire, such as students at the University of Cambridge. It is important to measure your chest circumference and height in advance to select the appropriate gown. Otherwise, the gown may not fit well or the available sizes may be fully booked.

 

The email you receive for your ceremony registration will include a link specifically for renting graduation attire. It's important to note that each university has designated places to rent graduation attire, and the attire for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students may differ. During the booking process, it's crucial to carefully read the instructions to ensure you select the correct attire for your degree. Typically, once you select your degree level (undergraduate or master's), the system will automatically guide you to the corresponding graduation attire.

 

Fourth, attending the ceremony: On the day of the ceremony, you need to arrive early at the designated location. You will join the queue to receive the assigned guest tickets and wear your gown. Take photos and capture memories. Sit in your assigned seat or designated area according to the order of your name. Then, the ceremony will commence. You will queue up and wait for your name to be called by the professor. Walk onto the stage, shake hands, and receive your graduation certificate, transcript, and ceremony booklet. It's worth noting that not all universities have students standing while receiving their degrees; some may require students to kneel, such as at the University of Cambridge.

 

The venue for the graduation ceremony varies for each university. Some ceremonies take place in their own campus halls, while others may be held in city churches, music halls, or theaters. For example, the University of Warwick in the UK holds its ceremony at the Coventry Cathedral, while the University of Oxford holds its graduation at the Sheldonian Theatre.

 

Fifth, returning the bachelor's gown: After completing photo sessions and capturing videos, you are required to return the gown to the designated location within the specified time. Since the bachelor's gown is typically rented for only one day, it must be returned within a few hours.

A reminder from Ten Sheng Miao: Female students can bring some small hairpins to secure the bachelor's cap, as some caps may be a bit large and not fit securely. Also, make sure not to be late. Guests attending the ceremony need to enter early to find a convenient spot for taking photos. If you arrive late, you may not be able to enter. The graduation ceremony time for each university is predetermined, so you just need to check the official website for the details.

 

How can I invite my parents in China to attend the graduation ceremony?

 

Ten Sheng Miao answers: You can apply for a UK tourist visa for your parents. Applying for a visa specifically for attending the graduation ceremony can be complicated, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Therefore, obtaining a tourist visa is the most efficient, convenient, and cost-effective option.

 

Is it possible to not attend the graduation ceremony?

 

Yes, you can choose not to attend the graduation ceremony. When you receive the graduation link, you can select the option of not participating in the ceremony. Provide your recipient's address and other information, and the university will either mail the necessary documents to you, or you can personally collect them from the university or arrange for someone to collect them on your behalf.