All attendees are to be seated 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. If your guests are not able to make it to the ceremony on time, please inform a member of the Arden University team.
When you enter the room for your ceremony, you will be shown to your seat. Please do not move seats. Sitting in the wrong seat could lead to the wrong name being read out when you cross the stage.
At the beginning of the ceremony, you will be asked to stand to welcome the academic procession. This will be followed by speeches from Senior Staff Members and a student representative.
A key part of the ceremony as a graduate is walking across the stage in your academic dress to shaking hands with the Presiding Officer. The Presenting Head will announce your name and course. You should leave any items (e.g., bags/mobile phones/ceremony programmes) at your seat as you will not be able to cross the stage with these.
Remember to smile, take your time, and enjoy the moment. A photo will be taken as you shake hands so pause and celebrate so that your friends and family can see you.