What do I wear?
The dress code for graduation is formal/semi-formal, so whatever that means to you! We do recommend taking into consideration when choosing your outfit that the gowns are thick and heavy, and the auditorium can get warm, you will also be required to walk up the stairs to the auditorium and across the stage.
All graduands are expected to wear the designated Graduation attire. Without this, you will not be allowed to cross the stage. This includes a black gown and mortarboard (cap) and a coloured hood. Undergraduates have a gold and dark green hood with light green trim and black shell. Postgraduate hoods include both green and gold trim, with black shell. Doctoral attire includes a red gown with green and gold cuffs and facing, with a hood of dark and light greens, gold trim, and black shell. Foundation and UG/PG certificates have a fully light green hood with black shell.
Can I bring children to graduation?
Graduation is a formal occasion with ceremonies lasting from one and a half to two hours. Whilst children are welcome within the auditorium you may want to consider the suitability of the event.
Guest tickets must be purchased for any child of two years of age or older. Tickets are not required for children if they do not require their own seat.
Children under 16 years of age must be always accompanied by an adult whilst at the Royal Festival Hall and an adult guest of the relevant graduand whilst in the auditorium. Please note that it is not possible for a child to sit with a graduand or without accompaniment. Roehampton Stewards and Royal Festival Hall staff cannot care for children in your absence due to safeguarding.
Can I wear national dress or carry a flag on the stage?
Wearing national dress is permitted underneath your robe. We do not permit graduates to bring anything onto stage with them, including flags or banners. We kindly ask you to refrain from bringing anything of the nature into the auditorium and items may be confiscated until the end of the ceremony. The auditorium is a safe place for all our students to celebrate their studies and achievements.
What happens if i’m late for my ceremony?
Doors to the auditorium will close at the stated start time. This is to ensure the smooth running of all ceremonies taking place that day. Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you arrive on time.
If you arrive just before the doors close or as they close, you will be asked to proceed to Level 4 where our stewards will locate your name card and take you to your assigned seat once the Opening Speech has been given.
If you arrive after students have started crossing the stage, we will try our best to get you across the stage before the end of the ceremony. However please note this may not be with your School or cohort as they may have already crossed.
If you arrive after students have finished crossing the stage, we will offer you to attend a ceremony later that day. If it is the last ceremony, then you will be offered a ceremony the following day or a future graduation date.
If you have any other queries or concerns, please contact us on graduation@roehampton.ac.uk for support and guidance. Otherwise we hope to see you in September!