Graduation guest Information
We understand that for many guests, it may be your first time at a graduation or indeed at Keele University. Here is some information specific for you.
Guest tickets
Students can apply for 6 guest tickets at the time of registering. The breakdown below explains what their allocation will be according to how many guest tickets they apply for. Please note, the ceremony takes place in the Chapel (note we can only guarantee 2 guest tickets within the Chapel), and the ceremony will be livestreamed in the Live Stream Theatre in the Chancellor’s Building.
1 guest ticket: The ticket will be confirmed for the Chapel.
2 guest tickets: These tickets will be confirmed for the Chapel.
3 guest tickets: These tickets will be confirmed but guests may be split (Chapel x 2, Live Stream Theatre x 1). We will try our best to fit all guests within the Chapel, but this may not be possible. It will be a case of finding out on the day.
4 guest tickets: All 4 tickets will be confirmed but guests will be split (Chapel x 2, Live Stream Theatre x 2)
5 guest tickets: 4 of these tickets will be confirmed and guests will be split (Chapel x 2, Live Stream Theatre x 2). Students will receive an email no later than one week prior to graduation if they have been successful or not in obtaining a 5th ticket. If successful, this ticket will be for the Live Stream Theatre.
6 guest tickets: 4 of these tickets will be confirmed and guests will be split (Chapel x 2, Live Stream Theatre x 2). Students will receive an email no later than one week prior to graduation if they have been successful or not in obtaining a 5th and 6th ticket. If successful, these tickets will be for the Live Stream Theatre.
As indicated above, due to venue constraints, we can only allocate two guest tickets for the Chapel per graduand. Any remaining guest tickets will be for the Live Stream Theatre.
Please note that there is no reserved seating for guests and seats are allocated on a first come, first seated basis.
Children
Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions and may last for two hours. They are therefore not really suitable for children under school age. However, we understand that it is not always possible to make alternative arrangements or that graduates would like their child there as they graduate. If there is a guest under 5 within your party, you may be asked to sit at the end of an aisle or near an exit so that the child can be taken outside should they become restless. We would appreciate your co-operation in this matter.
Alternatively, you may prefer to watch a live broadcast of the ceremony on keele.ac.uk/livekeele
Please note that all guests, including children over 3, must be in possession of a ticket.
We regret that we are unable to provide childcare facilities at the graduation ceremonies.
Guests with disabilities or special requirements
At our graduation ceremonies there is provision made for any particular access requirements, whether that be poor mobility, the use of a wheelchair, partially sighted, hard of hearing etc.
Letting us know
In order for us to make arrangements for guests, students must let us know by filling out the notes section on eVision when registering their attendance to the ceremony. This information will be pulled through when we undertake the seating plans and we can make arrangements for guests then.
Alternatively, if the student has already registered, they can notify us of your requirements so that we can ensure the appropriate services are in place. They can email gradoffice@keele.ac.uk by Friday 13 December.
Support available
Access to all the graduation venues is wheelchair accessible. The Chapel and the Live Stream Theatre has a dedicated seating zone for wheelchair users for guests. Students must notify us when booking tickets if any guests are wheelchair users or have limited mobility.
On the day of the ceremony, anyone in a wheelchair or with limited mobility can make their way to the side entrance of the marquee next to the Chapel 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. The Graduation Welcome Team will ensure you are seated first.
Wheelchair seating is in a designated position in the Chapel and, where possible, we will seat your other guests alongside your wheelchair guest. These seats are pre-allocated and reserved for guests for each ceremony.
Car parking
We regret that parking at the ceremony venue is very limited, but a drop-off facility is available for guests with limited mobility. A small number of disabled parking spaces are available and allocated on a first come, first served basis to Blue Badge holders only. Please alert the car parking attendants on arrival to campus who will direct you.
There are no parking charges on campus during graduation ceremonies.
Are you able to loan a wheelchair?
Unfortunately, this is not something we are able to offer. However, there will be a drop off point close to the Chapel for guests with limited mobility.
Live webcast
We know that some family and friends won’t be able to attend on this special day, but they can still share this moment by watching the ceremony live on our webcast. This service will allow loved ones to feel more involved in the celebrations – wherever they are.
The live stream will be available during each ceremony. Simply log on to keele.ac.uk/livekeele
