16 | ETIQUETTE
Etiquette
Graduation ceremonies are among
the most formal and ceremonial of all
University events, so you may find the
following guidelines helpful.
Graduands
• You are a ‘graduand’ before the ceremony and
a ‘graduate’ when you are ‘conferred’.
• Ensure that you have made alternative arrangements
for coats, bags and other personal belongings, as you
will not be allowed to cross the stage with these items.
The cloakroom will be open in the Students’ Union for
you to store your belongings free of charge. Please try
and travel light as cloakroom facilities are limited.
• Please note that under no circumstances may a child
be permitted to cross the stage with a graduating
parent. Please make arrangements for one of your
guests to look after your child if you are graduating.
• Check that your mobile phone has been turned off
or turned to silent.
Guests
• Please note that refreshments must not be consumed
in the Chapel.
• To avoid obstructing the view of other guests or
causing a distraction, members of the audience may
take photographs from a seated position, but should
not move about the venue, use flash apparatus
or selfie sticks.
• Check that your mobile phone has been turned off
or turned to silent.
• It is customary to applaud and cheer the achievements
of all graduands as they cross the front of the Chapel.
• If you arrive late or need to leave during the ceremony,
please be aware that you will not be allowed to enter
or re-enter the hall during the ceremony.
Children
• Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions and
usually last for at least one hour. They are therefore
not really suitable for children under school age.
However, we understand that it is not always possible
to make alternative arrangements or that you would
like your child there as you graduate. If you have
a guest under 5, your party may be asked to sit
at the end of an aisle or near an exit so that the child
can be taken outside should they become restless.
We would appreciate your co-operation in this matter.
• Alternatively, your guests and children in their care
may prefer to watch a live broadcast of the ceremony
on keele.ac.uk/graduation/viewliveceremonies
• Please note that all guests, including children over 3,
must be in possession of a ticket.
• We regret that we are unable to provide childcare
facilities at the graduation ceremonies.