Arrangements for the day

Please ensure you plan and leave sufficient time for your journey. We are running free-of-charge shuttle buses to and from the Pride Park side of Derby railway station.

Find out more about transportation to the venue

Please read the itinerary for your ceremony carefully.

Make sure you know where you need to be and at what time, such as when you need to register, where to collect your gown, have your photograph taken and when you need to be seated. Please also prepare for any possible adverse weather conditions, as there is a short walk between the Pride Park Stadium and the Arena. 

At any point during the day, if you have any queries, University staff wearing maroon gowns will be able to assist you.

Collecting your gown and having your photograph taken

Gown collection takes place at the Pride Park Stadium, in the Pedigree Suite, and opens prior to your ceremony. After gowning, there is the opportunity for you to have your photographs taken with your guests at the stadium. Alternatively, if there is insufficient time after your gowning for you to have your photos taken, please do not worry as there is a further opportunity to have your photography post-ceremony at the stadium. 

Registration - IMPORTANT

• You'll need a ticket to get into the arena, or if you still need to collect your tickets you will be directed to the Box Office at Derby Arena
• Please report to the appropriate registration desk to collect your allocated seating card. It is important that you take up your allocated place as it reflects the order that your name will be read out as you cross the stage
• Please make sure that you and your guests are seated in the arena at least 15 minutes before the ceremony is due to start
• If you haven't registered 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony, unfortunately, we can't guarantee that your name will be read out
• Please switch off all mobile phones before the start of the ceremony

Arriving late

If you're arriving late (within 45 minutes of your ceremony start time), please go directly to the registration desks at the Arena. Alternative arrangements for your gown collection will be made.

The ceremony

The ceremony begins and ends with processions of executive, Council, civic dignitaries and academic staff. As well as the presentation of the graduates, it includes addresses from the Chancellor or Chair of Council and Vice-Chancellor, and usually the presentation of an honorary degree.

• Ushers (in maroon gowns) in the arena will indicate when it's your turn to be presented and will direct you through each step
• You'll be asked to go up in the order of awards, as stated in the programme. Don't worry, we'll do a final check that you're in the right position before you cross the stage
• You should wear your hat as you cross the stage
• When your name is read out, please cross the stage slowly and be ready to shake hands with the Chancellor of the University or Chair of Council
• You should then continue walking across the stage, and walk back to your seats
• So everyone can enjoy the event, please remain seated for the whole ceremony once it has started
• At the end of the ceremony, please stand until the stage party and University special guests have left the arena

After the ceremony

Arrange a meeting point with your guests as the foyer area becomes crowded after the ceremony.

Returning your gown

Please return your gown to either the Arena or Pride Park Stadium by 7:00 pm.

Refreshments

Complimentary refreshments are available prior to your ceremony and following your registration. Refreshments are available to purchase in both the stadium and the Arena. 

Ticket collections or queries on the day

Additional tickets may be available and purchased at the Box Office, this is dependent on the day capacity of the Arena. 

If you have any general queries please talk to a member of staff. You'll be able to spot them easily as they'll be wearing a maroon gown.