On Graduation Day
The Graduation Day Information Booklet is published a month before your ceremony and gives detailed information about what happens on the day.
You should download a copy and read the information carefully so that you know what to expect.
There is a lot to do before your ceremony starts, so please ensure you allow enough time. We advise that you are in the Cathedral grounds at least two hours before your ceremony starts.
Carlisle is easily accessible by road and rail.
Your guests will need to be seated in the Cathedral before you, so please ensure that they have their ceremony and reception tickets before you leave them. Remember to keep your own reception ticket with you.
Your guests can stay with you while you have your photographs taken but, due to space, will not be able to go with you when you collect your gown or when you are being lined up.
Guests can gain access to the Cathedral at the following times:
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Ceremony start time
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Access to the Cathedral
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10.00
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9.00 - to be seated by 9.30
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12.00
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11.10 - to be seated by 11.30
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15.00
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14.00 - to be seated by 14.30
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Guests can sit in any seat in the Cathedral that isn't reserved. Due to fire regulations we ask that all guests occupy a seat.
To compensate for restricted viewing in some areas, close circuit television monitors will be in operation at various points in the Cathedral so that guests see as much of the ceremony as possible.
Guests will be asked to queue outside the Cathedral prior to access times. You may wish to have an umbrella to hand should the weather be inclement.
You'll need to make your way to the Tithebarn to collect your gown at the following times:
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Ceremony start time
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Academic dress collection time
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10.00
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between 7.30 and 9.00
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12.00
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between 9.45 and 11.00
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15.00
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between 11.45 and 14.00
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If you collect your gown early you must be back in the Tithe Barn, wearing your gown and ready to be lined-up, one hour before your ceremony.
If you are having professional photographs taken, you will need to visit the Crown & Mitre Hotel . Allow yourself plenty of time to be back at the Tithe Barn one hour before the ceremony.
Please note that the Photography Sales Desk is in the Supper Room which only accessible by stairs, so if you think this could present problems for you or your guests please read the guidance notes about making alternative arrangements.
For more information please go to Photography.
You must be at the Tithe Barn one hour before your ceremony is due to start.
You will be lined-up in the right order, ready to process through Carlisle city centre and then be seated in the correct place in the Cathedral.
You will be guided by the ceremonial marshals during this process and we ask that you listen carefully to instructions so that you don't appear on the Cathedral platform at the wrong point.
You will be given a card with your name on it - please keep this safe and readily available so that you can hand it to the Dean of Faculty (or representative) on the platform so that they can announce your name.
Approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony you will be led in procession through Carlisle city centre to the Cathedral, where you will be shown to your seat.
The procession is approximately a five minute walk, with a couple of steps to negotiate. If you are a wheelchair user or have any particular needs please contact us so that we can discuss arrangements.
The ceremony lasts approximately an hour and begins with a procession of civic dignatories and academic staff followed by the Vice Chancellor/Pro-Vice-Chancellor's address.
Then comes the presentation of the graduands - your big moment!
You will hand your name card to the Dean who will read out your name. You will then walk up two steps onto the platform, shake hands with the Presiding Officer and have your photograph taken. Finally you'll exit the platform down two steps and walk down the north side of the Cathedral and back to your seat.
At the end of the ceremony you will file out in pairs down the central aisle and exit the Cathedral behind the academic procession and then process to the Crown & Mitre Hotel.
You will be guided by marshals through all of this.
All graduates and guests are invited to a celebratory reception, with complimentary light refreshments, at the Crown & Mitre Hotel where you can celebrate with your tutors and fellow graduates.
Tickets need to be pre-booked and presented upon arrival. As you will arrive before your guests, please ensure you have your reception ticket with you.
You should return your gown to the Edwardian Room at the Crown & Mitre Hotel shortly after the ceremony, unless you are having photographs taken at this point.
We advise that you try to have your photographs taken before your ceremony, shortly after collecting your gown.
Are you ready to graduate?
Print out the full checklist for July 2012 ceremonies and tick off the items as you complete them so you can relax and enjoy your day knowing everything will run smoothly.