On The Day
What time should I arrive at York St John
University?
For morning ceremonies, gowns and photographs will be available
from 7.00am. You will need to be gowned and be at York Minster by
9.00am at the latest. For afternoon ceremonies, gowns and
photographs will be available from 10.30am. You will need to be in
York Minster by 1.45pm at the latest. All gowns are to be returned
by 5.30pm.
Roads are very congested in York and car parking is in short
supply. Please allow plenty of time for your journey and to
negotiate the traffic in York. You will also need to allow time to
walk from the car park to the University (for robing) and then to
the Minster. Graduands and guests may find it more comfortable to
wear low heeled shoes for the cobbled streets and grating in the
vicinity of the Minster. There are no cloakroom facilities or
public car parks for the Minster.
Where do I collect my gown?
The location for the collection of robes and for photography
will be the Sports Hall, Foss Building, Lord Mayor’s Walk. Please
ask your guests to wait outside whilst you collect your gown. A
one-way system is in operation to ensure no congestion or undue
delays. With academic dress it is advised that men wear a dark suit
or jacket and trousers; women a dark suit, dress or skirt and
buttoned blouse. Overseas students may wear their national costume.
Ede & Ravenscroft will make mortar boards available for the
day. It is the University convention that mortar boards are
not to be worn during the ceremony but may be worn
processing out of the Minster and during the remainder of the day.
Please be aware the final deadline for ordering your gowns is
28 October 2012. If you have not done so already,
please go to www.gownhire.co.uk.
Please note that photography is not permitted in the Minster.
Please make sure all of your guests are aware of this. A
photographic service will be available to graduands at the York
campus both before and after the ceremony (please note studios
close at 5.30pm). The photographers will also be present in the
Minster and will photograph every Graduand as they receive their
degree.
After the ceremony hired gowns should be returned to Ede &
Ravenscroft in Foss Sports Hall at the University no later than
5.30pm.
Are there car parking facilities?
You are strongly advised to aim to have your car parked at least
two hours before the ceremony so that you will have time to collect
your gown, have photographs taken (also available after the
ceremony) and arrive at the Minster on time.
The many public car parks in York will be sign posted. A map of
York can be found here. Car parks should
have places available early in the morning. The City Council has
asked us to advise you that there is a vehicle height restriction
in the car parks of 6’ 6”. The main, long-stay car parks closest to
the University are at Union Terrace, Foss Bank and St John’s
Street. Car-parking facilities are not available on campus.
When should we arrive at the Minster?
For morning ceremonies, gowns and photographs will be available
from 7.00am. You will need to be gowned and be at York Minster by
9am at the latest. For afternoon ceremonies, gowns and photographs
will be available from 10.15 am. You will need to be in York
Minster by 1.45pm at the latest. All gowns are to be returned by
5.30pm.
Where will we be seated?
On entering the Minster, graduands will be directed to their
seats. It is of particular importance that you sit on the chair
that bears your name and number. Do not sit in a seat which is not
yours even if it is empty. Once you have taken your place, please
remain in your seat – if your seat is empty, it will indicate you
are absent and you will not be presented for your award.
Guests will be seated in the unreserved seating in the nave.
Please note that some guest seats in the Minster have restricted
views of the platform and earlier arrival is essential for a good
view to be secured. Guests should remain in their seats until
directed to leave the Minster by a steward after the ceremony.
What happens during the ceremony?
At the appropriate time you will be directed onto the platform.
Graduands will be conferred with the award with a
handshake. Graduands will receive their certificate on the
platform and then return to their seats.
What happens after the ceremony?
The new graduands form the final part of the academic
procession, which will leave the Minster through the Great West
Door at the end of the ceremony. The marshal in charge will direct
you to join the procession at the appropriate moment; you will then
proceed down the centre aisle, out through the Great West Door and
to the right into the Dean’s Gardens (on the north side of the
Minster) where you should wait for your guests to rejoin you.
Please do not leave the procession until it disperses in the Dean’s
Gardens: the West End of the Minster will be kept free of
bystanders to ensure that all graduates and their guests meet as
quickly as possible after the ceremony. If wet, other arrangements
will be made: please follow the Marshal’s directions. Your guests
should remain in their seats until directed to leave the
Minster.
What are the catering arrangements?
The University’s caterers will be open from
7.30 am and additionally we will be inviting students and their
families the option to enjoy a warm drink and a slice of cake on
campus after their ceremonies.
Due to the centre city location of the event, many students and
their families take advantage of the many restaurants and eateries
located near the Minster.
What if I am unable to attend?
If you are unable to attend the ceremony please contact Registry
via DegreeCeremonies@yorksj.ac.uk or 01904
876846 without delay, giving your name and the award to be
conferred upon you. Please note that this phone is not staffed on
the days of the ceremonies.
We hope, however, that your arrangements will proceed
without any difficulty and that the day of the ceremony will prove
both memorable and enjoyable for you and your guests.