Graduation Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What time does the ceremony start?

Ceremonies commence at 10:30 and 14:30. The time and date of your ceremony will be printed on your invitation letter.
The doors of the William Aston Hall open 45 minutes before the start of the Ceremony.
All graduands must be seated 30 minutes before the commencement of the ceremony.

Where will I be sitting?

Upon arrival at Glyndŵr University proceed to the Registration Desk. You will be issued with a name card which includes your seat number. You will be directed to your seat by an Usher in the William Aston Hall.
Graduands will be seated in alphabetical order within programme groups on the right-hand side of the hall from Row A back.
Guest tickets will state the Row and Seat number allocated. Guests will be directed to their seats by an Usher. 
Please ensure all mobile phone are switched off when in the William Aston Hall

How many tickets will I be allocated?

Graduands do not require a ticket.
All graduands are initially entitled to 2 free guest tickets subject to a completed Registration form being received by the 27th August 2010.

Can I get any extra tickets?

There is an initial cap of two guest tickets per graduand which are free subject to completing and returning your registration form by 27th August 2010.  
After this time, space permitting, any remaining guest tickets for your ceremony will be placed on sale online in the week commencing 20th September 2010. There will be a charge of £10 per ticket purchased online.
If we receive your form after 27th August 2010 deadline you will not be entitled to the initial 2 free guest tickets and will only be able to buy guest tickets at £10 per ticket online if any remain. Therefore please allow adequate time for postage to ensure your form is with us by this date. 
All remaining guest tickets to be purchased online will be available strictly on a first come first served basis. Please also be aware that extra guest tickets bought at that time cannot be guaranteed to be near your original guest seating.  

When will I receive my tickets?

Tickets and further information on the Ceremony will be sent to all students who have registered their attendance approximately 5 days before the Ceremony.

Where will my tickets be sent?

All tickets for students based in the UK will be posted to your permanent home address. Please ensure that the Student Programmes Office (spo@glyndwr.ac.uk) is kept informed of your current home address and contact telephone number. If you would prefer, tickets can be posted to an alternative address. Please contact us on graduation@glyndwr.ac.uk to notify us if you wish for your tickets to be posted elsewhere.
Tickets for EU and international students will NOT be posted but will be available for collection on the day of the ceremony (at the Ticket Collection desk in the Catrin Finch Centre).  Alternatively, ticket packs can be collected from the Academic Office, Room L313 in the Edward Llwyd Centre from approximately 10 days before the event.

When will I know if I’ve been allocated my extra tickets?

If you have purchased extra tickets online you will receive an email confirmation to confirm the purchase. These additional tickets will be sent to you with the rest of your ticket pack approximately 10 days before the ceremony.

What if I lose my tickets?

If you lose your tickets before the Ceremony, ring 01978 293232 for replacements - your originals will be cancelled. If you forget your tickets on the day, please speak to one of the Marshals in the Foyer and explain the situation.
Your guests will be asked to present their tickets when entering the William Aston Hall as the seat number will be printed on these.

I’m not sure whether I have any outstanding debts to the University?  

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have no outstanding debts to the University. 
To check your status, please contact Accounts Receivable in the Finance Department by phone on (01978) 293037 or email at accountsreceivable@glyndwr.ac.uk. All debts must be settled by September 24th 2010. 

What is the dress code?

It is a requirement that you must wear academic dress.
The ceremonies are formal occasions. It is recommended that female students wear a white blouse and dark skirt/trousers and male students wear a white shirt and dark suit. Your shirt or blouse should be button through so that the hood can be securely fastened.
It might also be useful to bring safety pins for the gown and Kirby grips to securely fasten the Mortar Board.  

How do I order my gown?

Gowns are supplied by Ede & Ravenscroft.
Gowns can be ordered via the Ede & Ravenscroft web site http://www.gownhire.co.uk or by telephoning the Ede & Ravenscroft Call Centre 01223 861854. (You will not receive the on-line hire discount if you order through the Call Centre). Hats will be provided by Ede & Ravenscroft along with the gown and hood.
Ensure you order the correct gown - the hood is different for each level of award.

Where do I collect my gown?

You should collect your gown from Catrin Finch Centre after you have registered.
10:30 ceremony - Registration is open from 08:30 to 09.45
14:30 ceremony - Registration is open from 12:30 to 13.45

Where do I have my official photograph taken?

Photography will be based in the Catrin Finch Centre. Orders can be placed with Ede & Ravenscroft (see order form in your Invitation Pack) or by ordering online at www.edeandravenscroft.co.uk.
Please allow sufficient time to collect your gown and have your photo taken, bearing in mind the time of your ceremony. Photography is available from 08:30 until an hour or so after the last ceremony of the day.
It is advisable to arrive early as photographs are taken on a first come first served basis.
Orders can be placed on the day but by pre-ordering you avoid queuing at the sales desk.

Presentation to the Vice-Chancellor/ Chief Executive (please read carefully)

You will be ushered out of your seat and directed to process across the stage. Students will be presented in groups of four and will shake hands with the Vice-Chancellor/Chief Executive. If you are a Prizewinner, the prize will also be presented to you.
After being presented, students will walk down the centre of the stage and be directed to a seat in the hall. You may not necessarily return to your original seat. Please leave all your personal belongings, such as handbags, with friends or relatives.
A photograph of each student shaking hands with the Vice-Chancellor/Chief Executive is taken and available from Ede & Ravenscroft Photography.
Please do not chew gum when on the stage.

How long will the ceremony last?

The Ceremony will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Please do not leave the Hall whilst the Ceremony is still in progress.
Following the ceremony Graduates will formally process from the William Aston Hall to the Edward Llwyd Centre. It is strongly suggested that you arrange to meet guests in the Edward Llwyd Centre to avoid congestion outside of the William Aston Hall.

Is the ceremony suitable for babies or small children?

We believe that the ceremony is not suitable for children under school age and would ask that alternative arrangements are made. If this is not possible, guests with young children may be requested to sit at the end of an aisle or near an exit in order that the child can be taken outside should they become restless.
All children over the age of 12 months require a guest ticket for a seat - this is in keeping with the Health & Safety Policy. Please state on your Registration Form how many children will be attending the ceremony, if it is necessary for them to attend.
Prams are not allowed in the aisles - this too contravenes fire regulations.
A crèche facility will be available on the day. Contact Little Scholars Nursery on 01978 262551 or e-mail: littlescholars@activechildcare.co.uk

Can I buy a video of the ceremony?

A DVD will be available for purchase. Orders can be pre-booked with MC Video or made on the day.

Can I use my video camera or take photographs?

There are no restrictions on photography or home video cameras - but please do not block the view of other guests or block the aisles.

What if my guest(s) or I have special needs?

You should indicate this on your registration form.
Provision can be made for guests with severe mobility problems - e.g. wheelchair users.
Anyone requiring an aisle seat should indicate this on the registration form.
Should there be any other circumstances which you feel we should be aware of, please indicate this in a letter attached to your registration form or telephone 01978 293232.

Will there be refreshments?

A glass of wine or a soft drink will be served in the Edward Llwyd Centre following the Ceremony
Food and drink will be on sale in Scholar’s Rest, Fellows Café Bar and Chapters
Graduation lunch or afternoon tea can also be booked in Restaurant 1887 by contacting Sarah Fisher on 01978 293494 or e-mail catering@glyndwr.ac.uk

Will I receive my actual degree certificate on the day?

Your parchments will not be available on the day of the Ceremony, but will be posted to your home address at a later date.  Please ensure that the University has your up to date home address by checking your details via the Glyndŵr University Student Website. 
If you want your certificate to be posted to an alternative address, please indicate this on your graduation Registration Form.

Where can I park?

There will be no parking available onsite during Graduation.  Car parking facilities are available at the sites below, free of charge.

Shuttle bus

Please note there will be a mini bus running as a shuttle between Yale College and Glyndŵr University to pick up and drop off students and guests. Please note there will not be enough space for all students and guests to use this service, as it is provided mainly for those who may have difficulty walking etc. Please note places on this shuttle cannot be guaranteed. This service will be running from approximately 8am-5pm on Wednesday and Thursday 27-28th October 2010 and 8am-3.30pm on Friday 29th October 2010.

Drop-off area and disabled parking

Please note students/guests can be dropped off at the main building before parking if required. Please use Entrance A if you wish to do this.

For those students and guests requiring disabled parking a limited number of spaces will be available on the Plas Coch site (Entrance A – Main entrance) but cannot be guaranteed. A disabled car parking pass will be required to park in this area and should have been requested on the Graduation registration form.

Public car parks

The following public car parks can also be used:

Public Transport – Buses

A number of buses run between Wrexham bus station (across the road from Yale College) and Glyndŵr University/ Plas Coch Retail Park (across the road from the University). The buses that run from the bus station to the University are numbers 13, 15, 21, 23, 40 and the Townlink (to Plas Coch Retail Park).

Timetables for these routes can be found here.

Taxis

Wrexham and Prestige Taxis 01978 291 999 

Regal and Town cars 01978 313 131 

Town Cabs 01978 313030

Please note all prices and information were correct at the time of publishing.