Frequently Asked Questions
Please take some time to read some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about what you need to do to prepare for the ceremony and during the ceremony.
Before the day
I've received a letter inviting me to attend the graduation, what do I do next?
Congratulations on successfully completing your course. You now need to let us know that you will be attending the ceremony.
Register
Make sure you have your student reference to hand (it is on your letter) and visit our website to register here: www.glasgowclyde.ac.uk/graduationandawardsceremony2022
When you register, you should also let us know if you have any accessibility requests and if you require any guest tickets.
You need to register by 8am on Tuesday 25 October 2022.
I haven't received a letter inviting me to attend graduation, what do I do?
Glasgow Clyde College makes every effort to ensure all eligilbe students are invited to attend.
However, if you think there has been an error and you should be invited to attend, please email graduation@glasgowclyde.ac.uk
How much does it cost to graduate?
We do not charge you to attend. The only cost you will incur is the £25.00 hire cost of an academic gown. You can purchase photography, however this is not compulsory.
I will be on holiday when the ceremony takes place, will I receive my certificate? (Graduate in Absentia)
Yes, if you are eligible to graduate but are unable to attend on the day, we can arrange to post your commemorative certificate to you.
Just contact us with your details by emailing graduation@glasgowclyde.ac.uk
I graduated in a previous year in an online ceremony, can I attend this year's in person ceremony?
Last year, when you registered for our Graduation and Awards Ceremony, we offered you the option to express an interest in attending the ceremony in person, if circumstances allowed.
Our Graduation and Awards Ceremony in November is the highlight of our academic year and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students with their friends and family. However, with health and safety issues still an important consideration and taking account of the number of students and guests involved, we have taken the difficult decision that we will be unable to invite previous graduates to attend as we had hoped.
We understand that this news may be disappointing, however, we thank you for choosing to study with Glasgow Clyde College and wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.
Hiring a Gown
How do I hire a gown?
The gown hire company is called Ede & Ravenscroft. When you are registering to attend online, a link to www.edeandravenscroft.com will be provided to enable you to book an academic gown. You will be able to order your gown online until Friday 28 October 2022. The cost will be £25.00.
You should hire a gown prior to the event, however, limited stock will be available on the day at a higher cost.
How do I know which hood to order?
When you place your order with Ede & Ravenscroft you will be asked for the name of the course you studied, e.g. HND Social Sciences. Ede & Ravenscroft will know which hood you need.
Do I get to keep the hood and gown?
No. You’re paying to hire the academic gown for the duration of the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony return your gown to the collection point in the Hunter Halls.
Can I pay for a gown and photography on the day? Does the supplier take cash / cards?
Yes, you can pay for a gown and photography on the day.
A limited stock of gowns will be available on the day to hire at a higher cost of £30.00.
Gown hire will be a cash only payment. However, for photography cash and cards will be accepted.
What do I wear underneath my hood and gown?
Graduation ceremonies are a formal, ceremonial occasion and you should therefore wear appropriate smart, formal clothing.
We recommend black skirt/trousers and a white shirt/blouse – the buttons will help hold your academic hood in place. However, a safety pin is a handy addition.
Some students prefer to wear their national dress.
Photography
Do I need to have my official photograph taken?
No, however we ensure there is a company available to provide this service for you and your family. It is up to you if you wish to take advantage of it.
Any questions about this service should be directed to the photography company, who will be happy to help you.
If you wish to book photography, please visit Ede and Ravenscroft
Event Photography
The College will have a photographer documenting the day.
During the online registration process, please let us know if you or your guests would not like to appear in any phptography.
Please note this may involve you not sitting with your class group during the ceremony and your guests being allocated seating within the Bute Hall.
Plan your Journey
How do I get to the University of Glasgow?
If you are not sure how to get to the University of Glasgow, don't leave it to the last minute to work out how you will travel there.
The address is:
University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ.
The ceremony is taking place in Bute Hall at the University of Glasgow.
Travel by Car
- General parking is unavailable within the University of Glasgow grounds.
- Limited disabled spaces are available within the University of Glasgow grounds.
- Parking is restricted in the surrounding streets.
Public Transport
If you are using public transport, please plan your journey and give yourself plenty of time to arrive.
Bus
Plan your journey by bus here
Train
Plan your journey by train here
Subway
Plan your journey by subway here
Further details about travelling to the University of Glasgow can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/explore/maps/howtogethere/
On the day of the Ceremony
What do I do on the day?
On the day there are a few things you need to do before the ceremony, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time to enable you to register, collect your gown and have any photography taken (if ordered) before the ceremony begins.
Where do I collect my gown?
You collect your gown and hood from Ede & Ravenscroft in the Hunter Halls.
You will return your gown and hood here too.
What happens if I am late on the day?
Being on time is essential. If you’re late, you will not be able to participate, as the final list of student names will already have been passed to the person presenting the awards on stage.
You are strongly advised to be at the University of Glasgow at least an hour before your ceremony, to enable you to have enough time to register and collect your gown.
Will there be college merchandise for sale on the day?
Yes, a selection of merchandise will be available to purchase on the day.
On receiving my scroll, will I have to shake hands with the Principal on the day?
You will receive a scroll tube from our Principal but you will not be expected to shake hands unless you wish to do so.
Will I get my SQA certificate on the day?
No, this is issued directly to you from SQA. You will be presented with a Glasgow Clyde College Commemorative Certificate.
What happens during the ceremony?
During the ceremony you will hear from the Principal, the Chair of the Board of Management and from a guest speaker.
You will be asked to leave your seat and will be directed to collect your scroll from the Principal on the stage at the front of the hall. You will then walk to the back of the hall to collect your commemorative certificate and will then return to your seat.
Are photographs permitted during the ceremony?
Yes, guests are welcome to take photographs during the ceremony.
Will there be somewhere for me to store personal belongings?
No there is nowhere for you to securely store personal belongings.
We recommend that you limit the number and size of items that you bring with you on the day.
Information for Guests
How many guests can I bring with me?
As part of your invitation you are allocated up to two guest tickets. During online registration, you will be able to order your guest tickets and these will be posted to you the week commencing 24 October 2022.
Each student is automatically allocated a seat so you don’t need to order a ticket for yourself.
Can I order additional guest tickets?
Additional tickets may be available on a first come, first served basis. Once registration closes, everyone who registered to attend the ceremony and requested additional tickets will be entered into a ballot. If you are successful, you will receive these tickets the week commencing 24 October 2022.
On the day, for entry to the ceremony, guests must produce tickets.
Please note that access to seating in the upstairs gallery is unsuitable for those with mobility or relevant access issues.
Can children attend as guests?
The ceremony is a long and formal occasion and we have found that even well-behaved children find it difficult to cope with this and to remain quiet throughout the ceremony. Therefore we advise that the ceremony is not suitable for children under five years of age.
If children do become restless we ask that parents/carers tend to them outside the hall. Children must sit with a guest and cannot sit with students. Children do not require a guest ticket if they are able to sit on the knee of an adult who is in possession of a guest ticket. Otherwise you will need to use one of your two guest tickets for the child, so they can sit in their own seat.
On the day, while I’m registering and collecting my gown, what do my guests do?
Your guests are welcome to join you during registration, photography and while you are collecting your gown. They can also wait for you in Bute Hall.
Please remember that all students must be seated half an hour before the ceremony starts. Guests must be seated by fifteen minutes before the ceremony starts.
Accessibility
How accessible is the venue?
The University of Glasgow is accessible to all. The Bute Hall is not on the ground floor and is accessed by stairs or by a lift.
The balcony of the Bute Hall is not accessible to those with mobility or relevant access issues or wheelchair users. Guests with mobility or relevant access issues should arrive early to get seated on the ground floor of the Bute Hall.
If you need any additional support, please email graduation@glasgowclyde.ac.uk by Wednesday 26 October 2022.
Will a BSL interpreter be present during the ceremony?
Yes, BSL interpreters will be present during the ceremony.
Health and Safety
Will there be fire drill instructions before the ceremony?
Yes, there will be fire drill instructions before the ceremony.
What if I can't attend because of any new or unexpected Covid-19 restrictions?
The College and the University of Glasgow will follow Scottish Government regulations regarding events.
Are there any precautionary Covid-19 measures in place?
The event is taking place within current guidelines.