16pj5TM

Ulster University Graduation 2014
06
The Graduation Ceremony
The Graduation Ceremony is the occasion
when students receive their award. It is an
auspicious and formal event, a rite of passage
that celebrates each graduate’s achievement
and marks the transition from university
to the wider world.
The University’s graduation ceremonies are
held on two occasions each year: the winter
ceremonies in December and the summer
ceremonies in June and July. The first
ceremony on each occasion is known as the
Congregation and it is at this ceremony that
the Chancellor or, in the Chancellor’s absence,
the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the
University’s Statutes, confers “degrees and
other academic distinctions” on all students
who have been deemed eligible by Senate.
At the start of each ceremony music
accompanies the arrival of the academic
procession which is led by the Stave-Bearer,
followed by members of the academic staff
of the faculty from which students are
graduating today. They take their place on
the stage or platform. These are followed by
members of Senate and Council. Senate is
responsible for the academic policy of the
University and is composed almost entirely
of academic staff. Council is the governing
body of the University and is responsible
for the overall strategic direction and
governance of the University and over half
of its membership is drawn from outside
the University.
Next come the honorary
awardees, senior administrative staff,
Deans and Pro-Vice-Chancellors and Provosts.
The Deans, Pro-Vice-Chancellors and
Provosts are senior academic staff appointed
for periods of four years to be responsible for
managerial functions within the University.
Finally come the Honorary Treasurer and
Pro-Chancellors, who are the most senior
members of Council, the Vice-Chancellor
and the Chancellor. Where the Chancellor or
Vice-Chancellor preside at a ceremony they
are preceded by the Mace-Bearer carrying
the University’s Mace.
When all members of the academic procession
have reached their places the ceremony begins.
The ceremony is presided over by either the
Chancellor or the Vice-Chancellor and begins
with the Presiding Officer’s opening address
which reviews the major issues affecting
higher education generally and the University
in particular.
Each year the University recognises the
outstanding contribution that a number
of individuals have made to academic life
or to society at large. At this point a senior
member of the University will present the
individual with a distinguished award or
fellowship. These are not awarded at every
ceremony; more than one award or honorary
degree may be awarded at a ceremony.
Graduating students are presented for their
awards by faculty. As the name of each
graduate is read out by the Dean of the
Faculty, he or she proceeds across the stage.
Their achievement is recognised by shaking
hands with the Presiding Officer who will
offer his congratulations. Graduates and
diplomates collect their award certificate
prior to returning to their seats.
If an honorary degree is awarded, the Honorary
Graduate addresses the congregation, ending
with an expression of thanks to the University,
not only for his or her own award, but also on
behalf of today’s graduates. A representative
of the student body will speak on behalf of
those graduating today.
At the close of the formal proceedings the
academic procession leaves the hall in the
reverse order to
its arrival, being led out by
the Chancellor or the Vice-Chancellor,
whichever is presiding. The new graduates
and diplomates join the procession after the
academic staff to symbolise their new status.
They meet up with their family, friends and
tutors for refreshments and to talk and to
take photographs.