GraduationFrequently asked questions

Is it compulsory to enrol for graduation?

Yes, all students who expect to qualify for a degree must enrol for graduation. We need to make sure that all your details are correct so enrolment is essential even if you do not wish to attend the ceremony (i.e. if you wish your award to be presented 'in absentia'). You are not entitled to call yourself a graduate and/or receive your parchment until you have graduated, either 'in person' or 'in absentia'.

How much will it cost?

There is no fee to graduate either in absentia or in attendance at a ceremony. However, you must enrol to graduate so that your details are correct and your certificate can be prepared for you.

How do I enrol for graduation?

You must enrol to graduate. Please use our graduation portal.

You will need to check your details and update them if needed. 

Important: Your name in Pegasus is exactly how your name will appear on your parchment. You must update your name in Pegasus if you wish to change how your name appears. For example, add a middle name.  We advise that this should match the name on all your official documentation.

The address you supply is where your degree certificate will be sent if you are graduating in absentia. It's important that any changes are notified immediately to graduation-enquiries@strath.ac.uk.

If I graduate “in absentia” when can I expect to receive my award parchment?

Your award parchment will be posted by standard mail to the address you provide on the enrolment, at the beginning of July 2024. UK address delivery is normally within five working days and for non-UK addresses we recommend allowing up to 20 working days from the date of postage.

I’ve received the Graduation confirmation email and noticed a mistake. How do I change my information?

To change or update registration details please log back in to the graduation portal or email graduation-enquiries@strath.ac.uk. 

What if I have debts outstanding?

You should clear any debts with the Finance Office or Library immediately. We regret that, due to the deadlines for publication of graduation lists in the press, if your debts are not cleared seven working days before the ceremony, your name may not appear in the press lists on graduation day.

I'm a student who needed a visa to study and has returned home but I want to attend my graduation ceremony. What do I need to do?

If you have a visa that will still be valid on the date of your graduation please ensure you register to graduate.

Once you've registered you'll receive an email confirmation. You should print your email confirmation and carry it with you in your hand luggage when you fly back into the UK. This is important because you may be asked why you are travelling back to the UK after you have completed your studies and so close to the expiry date on your visa. The email confirmation is proof that you are travelling for a reason connected to your studies (graduation). If you carry this confirmation with you, you should be allowed to enter the UK but we cannot guarantee this.

If you no longer have a valid study Visa you'll need to apply for a Standard Visit visa to attend your graduation. Print the email confirming you've registered to attend your graduation ceremony.

You'll also need to provide proof that you have enough money to support your trip to the UK. No amount is specified but make sure you have more than enough to cover flights, accommodation and living costs for the duration of your stay.

We recommend you provide bank statements and booking or enquiry forms for your flights and accommodation. We also suggest you show proof of your intention to leave the UK at the end of your stay (which could include proof of a job or other commitments in your country of residence).

You'll find more information on the required documents, plus the application form and more information on the process on the Government website.

I registered to graduate in person but now I can’t come. How can I cancel my place?

If you are unable to attend your graduation ceremony you must contact us IMMEDIATELY by emailing graduation-enquiries@strath.ac.uk. You will be graduated “in absentia” and get access to your digital certificate from the beginning of July 2024. If you do not contact us and do not attend the ceremony that you are registered for you will automatically be graduated “in absentia” and your degree certificate will be sent to the address on your enrolment form.

What if I haven’t passed in time for the ceremony, what should I do?

If you enrol to graduate but do not qualify for the award in time your enrolment will automatically carry forward to the following ceremony. You'll not need to enrol again.

I cannot attend my ceremony as I have not passed. What should I do about the gown and photography?

You should contact Ede & Ravenscroft on 01223 861854 and they will be able to refund or defer your payment accordingly.

Do I need to wear a gown on my graduation day?

Yes, all students attending a graduation ceremony must wear academic dress. Please contact Ede & Ravenscroft to book your gown.

How and when do I hire a gown for the ceremony?

Make sure you hire your gown as soon as possible after you have confirmed your attendance at your specific ceremony date and time. Gown hire is provided by Ede & Ravenscroft and you can book your gown online.

I have registered for graduation and wish to amend my status/change of address, what should I do?

Please log back into your enrolment on the graduation portal or email graduation-enquiries@strath.ac.uk.

You will need to check your details and update them if needed. Your name in Pegasus is exactly how your name will appear on your parchment. You must update your name in Pegasus if you wish to change how your name appears. Make sure you double check and if, for example, you want middle names included you must add them in Pegasus as appropriate. Remember: Your name in Pegasus is exactly as your name will appear on your parchment.

I have registered for the student verification portal and cannot access/view my certificate.

You will not be able to access the student verification portal until after you have graduated. You will not receive your certificate either digitally or in hard copy until your award has been formally conferred on you at a graduation ceremony.

For the Summer 2024 ceremonies, students will gain access to the student verification portal from the beginning of July onwards. Registering for the student verification portal is not enrolment for graduation. You must still enrol for graduation to be included in the ceremonies and have your award conferred and subsequently be available to you in the student portal.

Please check carefully the information you use to register for the portal. You will need your personal email address that you gave when you enrolled to graduate and your student registration number (for example, 202012345). These must match exactly or you will not be able to access the portal.

Can I have additional guests?

No. Due to the size of venue there are a limited number of places at each graduation ceremony and each graduate may have maximum of two guests.

There will be a live stream of the ceremony taking place in level 2 of the Student’s Union (Learning and Teaching Building) where guests without tickets will be able to view the ceremony before joining you at the reception.

My friend is not using their guest tickets/one of their tickets – can I have them?

If one of your friends is not using all of their guest tickets they may give you all/one of their allocation.

I have a guest who will need assistance. What do I do?

Notify graduations-support@strath.ac.uk as soon as possible and before the date of your graduation ceremony. Someone will contact you for further information.

Can I bring a child/children?

You may allocate your guest tickets to a child, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

The ceremony is not particularly suitable for babies or young children. It's suggested you make other arrangements for them. Guests with young children will be asked to leave pushchairs and buggies in areas out of the hall to maintain access and fire routes.

I have guests who will be coming from outside the UK, is there a letter I can have to assist with their visa application?

A sample “relative’s letter” is available from the International Student Support Team.

Where will the ceremony take place?

All ceremonies take place in the Barony Hall, Rottenrow East, Glasgow G4 0RA.

What if my particular ceremony date is inconvenient, is it possible to change it?

No, students graduate at the date and time at which their course is due to graduate. This cannot be amended. You cannot join a different ceremony. If you cannot attend the ceremony that you are scheduled for you will be graduated in absentia.

Will I get my certificate at the ceremony?

All students should receive their degree certificate during the ceremony.

For those students graduating “in absentia” (not attending), your degree certificate will be sent by Royal Mail (UK addresses) or by standard airmail (non-UK addresses) approximately two weeks after the graduation ceremonies have taken place.

Please allow time for postage before getting in touch regarding lost certificates. Lost certificate queries will not be taken until after the new year. You will be able to access your digital copy from  5 July onwards, which is University-verified and can be used for most purposes.

I and/or my guests need additional support or assistance for the ceremony – what should I do?

If you think you need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in the graduation ceremony, or if any of your guests need assistance, please contact graduations-support@strath.ac.uk no later than ten working days before your ceremony.

Guests requiring wheelchair access will be able to access the Barony Hall from the entrance to the left of the main entrance. Security staff will be available to assist guests into the hall. The Hall is also fitted with induction loop facilities for guests wearing hearing aids, who should set their aids to the “T” position.

Do I have to wear academic dress?

Yes. All graduands attending Graduation are required to wear the correct academic dress. Ede and Ravenscroft, official robe makers to the University, will provide the correct academic dress for your award and Faculty. You can order your gown through Ede and Ravenscroft or by telephone on 01223 861854.

What should I wear underneath my robes?

Graduation ceremonies are a formal, ceremonial occasion. You should therefore wear appropriate smart, formal clothing:

For example, dark suit/skirt/dress or formal jacket/trousers and white shirt/blouse. Additionally, a recognised national dress may also be worn. For example, a kilt.

Will the ceremony be broadcast?

Yes, graduation videos can be found on our Graduations YouTube channel, usually one working day after your ceremony.

How long will the ceremony last?

The ceremonies usually last for approximately one hour.

Will there be a photography company at the graduation?

Ede and Ravenscroft Photographers will be in attendance on the day of your ceremony to provide graduation photographs. Details on the packages available can be found via Ede and Ravenscroft. You can get your photos taken either before or after your ceremony after you have collected your gown. Just make sure you are up at the Barony to sign in one hour before your ceremony start time.

Where and when are the photographs taken? 

Ede & Ravenscroft will be in attendance on the day of your ceremony if you wish them to take photographs.

Awards & Graduations

graduation-enquiries@strath.ac.uk

Help with student or guest accessibility arrangements graduations-support@strath.ac.uk

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