Graduation Guide - University of Buckingham

The University of BuckinghamGraduation Guide27-28 February 2009

Dear GraduandGraduation Ceremonies – February 2009As you may be aware the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies will be held in Buckingham ParishChurch on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 February. On behalf of the University, it is withthe greatest of pleasure that I invite you and your guests to this prestigious andmemorable event, and I very much hope you will be able to attend.All information regarding Graduation can be found in this brochure and also on theUniversity’s website: www.buckingham.ac.uk. Please read this booklet carefully andrespond, following the instructions on page 6, or, return the application form on page 9as soon as possible, and certainly by the end of January 2009. If you are not attending,you should still return the application form as this will enable your degree to be conferredin absentia and the certificate to be posted to you after the Ceremony.Some of you will not yet have completed your degree programme, and I wish thosestudents the very best of luck with end of term examinations. Please note that shouldyou not complete your studies this year, it is regretted that you will not be able to attendthis Ceremony.It is also regretted that students with outstanding fees to the University will not bepermitted to attend the Graduation Ceremony and the award will be withheld until allsuch fees are paid. It is therefore important that you settle any outstanding fees by 31December 2008.With very best wishes to you all,“The one real object of education is to leave aman in the condition of continually askingquestions.”Bishop Creighton. Quoted C.A. Alington,Things Ancient and ModernProfessor L V EvansRegistrarData protection:The University Graduation ceremonies are public eventsand should be regarded as such by all those attending.Photographs from the event will be taken for use in theUniversity’s promotional materials and on the website.Whilst we will try to ensure that attendees are aware thatthey have been photographed and that we obtain theirconsent to use the photographs, this may not always bepossible due to the nature of the event. An official DVD ofthe Ceremony will be available to graduates and names ofall those who have successfully completed their programmeof study will be printed in the official Ceremony souvenirbrochure.Disclaimer:The University cannot be held responsible for any costsincurred should it be necessary to cancel, reschedule orpostpone the Award Ceremonies due to circumstancesbeyond the University’s control.

ContentsPageContact list 3Graduation 2009 5Academic dress 6Accommodation 7Frequently asked questions 8Alumni website – AlumNet 8Graduation Dinner & Swan Ball 11Photographs 12Souvenirs 12Contact listThe Alumni OfficeTel: +44 (0)1280 820338Email: anne.matsuoka@buckingham.ac.ukCampus ClothingTel: +44 (0)870 8032 857Email: rupertf@campusclothing.co.ukWeb: www.campusclothing.co.ukEde & Ravenscroft (gown hire)Tel: +44 (0)1223 861854Email: student@edeandravenscroft.co.ukWeb: www.gownhire.co.ukThe Registry (all Graduand enquiries)Tel: +44 (0)1280 820205Email: pat.king@buckingham.ac.ukSarajevo School of Science &Technology (SSST)Adisa Muhovic (Sarajevo)or Julie Cakebread (Buckingham)Tel: (Sarajevo) +387 33 563 030Tel: (Buckingham) +44 (0)1280 820242Email: adisa.muhovic@ssst.edu.baor julie.cakebread@buckingham.ac.ukThe Student Fees OfficeTel: +44 (0)1280 820250Email: studentfees@buckingham.ac.ukThe Students’ Union(Graduation Dinner & Ball enquiries)Tel: +44 (0)1280 822522Email: graduationball@buckingham.ac.ukSuccess PhotographyTel: +44 (0)1293 822211Email: info@successphotography.comWeb: www.successphotography.comSuitors (dinner jacket hire)Tel: +44 (0)1280 823958Email: hire@suitors.co.ukWeb: www.suitors.co.ukUniversity of Buckingham Press(Yearbook enquiries)Tel: +44 (0)1280 828338Email: christopher.woodhead@buckingham.ac.ukWeb: www.ubpl.co.uk3

HIRE YOUR GRADUATIONOUTFIT ON-LINE AND SAVE £5www.gownhire.co.ukRemember, you will need to wear the correct robes to attend yourgraduation ceremony.€ Before you start, make sure you know your head circumference, chest and heightmeasurements and have your credit/debit card details available.• If you do not have access to a computer, you can hire or buy your outfit from our callcentre on 01223 861854. Open from 9 am - 5 pm Monday to Friday. PLEASE NOTE: youwill not receive the on-line hire discount if you order via the call centre.Calls may be monitored for staff training. Facilities for the deaf & hard of hearing or those with a speechimpairment are available using your Textphone dial 1800101223861854 to access the RNID Typetalk system.• Print out the order confirmation and take it with you when you collect your outfit on theday of your ceremony so we can process your order quickly.Book early to be sure of your order!We cannot guarantee to supply you with an outfit if you leave your booking later than21 days before your ceremony. However, you can still try to place an order through ourwebsite or call centre after this date. We take a limited spare stock to the ceremony,but this is charged at a premium rate on a first come first served basis.Terms and conditions including cancellation policy are available on-line or from our call centre.Ede and Ravenscroft, Unit A, Denny Industrial Centre, Waterbeach, Cambridge CB25 9QD4

Graduation 2009Ceremony 1:Friday 27 February 2009 @ 15:00Economics & International Studies, AppliedComputing, Psychology, Diabetes & MetabolicResearch, Sarajevo School of Science & TechnologySign-in at the Anthonyde RothschildBuilding and collectyour academic dressand tickets.Church doors open.Please be seated inBuckingham ParishChurch half an hourbefore the start ofyour Ceremony.Ceremony 111:00to14:00Ceremony 2 Ceremony 308:30to10:3008:30to14:00Ceremony 2:Saturday 28 February 2009 @ 11:30Law14:0010:3014:00Ceremony 3:Saturday 28 February 2009 @ 15:00Business, Education (PGCE), EnglishGraduation Ceremonyfollowed by aReception in themarquee.15:0011:3015:00The venueGraduation is held at the Parish Church of St Peter & StPaul in Buckingham. The Ceremony is not religious at alland we hold it in the Church because it is a beautifulbuilding which suits the importance of your Ceremony.Everyone is welcome at the Church for Graduation aslong as they hold a ticket.DirectionsIf your guests need directions, they are available on theUniversity’s website: www.buckingham.ac.uk.ParkingThere is limited car parking available at Chandos Road andVerney Park but regrettably no parking on Hunter Streetcampus. Parking will be allocated on a first come, firstserved basis. There are additional car parks in the towncentre. Maps showing the campus and town are availableon the University’s website.Disabled parkingAssistance with parking will be given to those with specialneeds. Please email graduation@buckingham.ac.uk withyour requirements.How many guest tickets can I applyfor?Space for the Graduation Ceremony is limited andstudents are permitted a maximum of 3 guest tickets.These tickets include entry to the Church and theGraduation Reception in the marquee following theCeremony. All tickets for both the Graduation Ceremonyand the Reception in the marquee are free of charge.Signing-inAll graduands must sign-in with the Registry in the foyerof the Anthony de Rothschild Building on Graduationday. Tickets can be collected in person at the times statedabove and admission to the Ceremony is strictly by ticketonly, for graduands and guests. It is important that youconfirm your attendance to avoid disappointment.If your guests are arriving separately, please ask them tomeet you in the Anthony de Rothschild Building wheretea, coffee, soft drinks and toilet facilities are available.Arrival at the ChurchAll graduands must enter the Church by the Tower Door.Marshals will direct you to the appropriate seating area. Itis important that you take your seat immediately onentering the Church and remain seated. Being in thecorrect order is vital as you move towards the front of theChurch, so please ensure you follow the Marshals’instructions carefully.All mobile phones must beswitched off before you and yourguests enter the Church.For organisational purposes we ask that all guests andgraduands remain seated once in the Church. It would alsobe appreciated if guests did not enter the graduand seatingarea of the Church.5

The CeremonyPlease stand when the Academic Procession enters thenave at the start of the Ceremony.During the Ceremony each graduand will be presented tothe University Chancellor, Sir Martin Jacomb. When it isyour turn to receive your degree, one of the Marshals willask you to rise and move quietly towards the front of theChurch. Please watch the Marshals so that you are readyto leave your seat when asked.When your name is called, walk forward, mount theplatform and approach the Chancellor. He will shake yourhand and may say a few words to you. A photograph willbe taken of you and the Chancellor at this point, so turnslightly to your right. Dismount the steps and walk downthe centre aisle to the back of the Church. A member ofstaff will guide you to where to collect your Certificate andback to your seat.At the end of the Ceremony, process out of the Church,following the Academic Procession, leaving by the MainDoor. Once outside the Church please move clear of thedoor, so that the exit from the Church is not obstructed.Graduates and guests should then make their way to themarquee on Beloff lawn.Late arrivalIt is regretted that latecomers will not be permitted tocollect their academic dress or participate in theCeremony. No admittance to the church will be permittedonce the Ceremony has started.It will not be possible to admitgraduands to the Church if they havenot signed in with the Registry in theAnthony de Rothschild Building andcollected their academic dress prior tothe Ceremony.Will my guests be seated together?Every effort will be made to seat family groups together.However, seating in the Church is strictly on a first come,first served basisSpecial access requirementsIf you or any of your guests have a disability or specialaccess requirements then please let the Graduation Office(graduation@buckingham.ac.uk) know in advance.Confirm you are comingWhether you are planning to attend your Ceremony ornot, you need to respond to this invitation as quickly aspossible and by 31 January 2009 at the latest. There aretwo ways of doing this:1. You can respond online (www.buckingham.ac.uk) or2. You can complete and return the form on page 9.Graduands unable to attend Graduation will have theirdegree conferred in absentia at the Ceremony. Your degreecertificate will be forwarded to you the week following theGraduation Ceremony. Please ensure therefore that yourespond either online or via the form on page 9 of thisguide.Academic dressWhat should I wear with my academicdress?Underneath your academic dress you should wear alounge suit (if you are a man) or day dress (for women). Ifit is appropriate then you may wear traditional costume.You may find it useful to bring some safety pins or hairgrips to help with securing your hood and hat. If yourshoes are new, don’t forget to remove the labels.How do I hire or buy myacademic dress?Details on how to hire your academic dress can be foundon page 4. Should you have any problems with hiring youracademic dress please contact Ede & Ravenscroft directly.You can also purchase your academic dress if you wishand this information can be found on the Ede &Ravenscroft website. You must still sign-in with theRegistry in the foyer of the Anthony de RothschildBuilding if you buy your academic dress.How much does it cost to hire myacademic dress?The cost of hiring academic dress for a Bachelor’s degreeis £38 if ordered online and £43 if ordered by phone.The cost for a Master’s degree is £42 if ordered online and£47 if ordered by phone.YOU are responsible for hiring youracademic dress and you will not bepermitted to participate in the Ceremonyif you are not robed.What information will the academicdress hire company need?You will need to provide your full height (from the top ofyour head to the ground), either in metres or feet andinches. If your chest measurement is greater than 132cm(52in) then you will need to give your exact measurement.You will also need your hat size. To do this you need tomeasure around your head at a point 2.5cm (1in) aboveyour eyebrows.6

Where should I collect my academicdress from on the day?Ede & Ravenscroft will be located in the Anthony deRothschild Building. Please collect your academic dressafter signing in with the Registry and remember to bringthe reference number given to you by Ede & Ravenscroftwhen you placed your order. There will be attendants tohelp you with your academic dress.Do I have to wear a mortar board?Yes. You should wear your mortar board throughoutyour Ceremony.Please note that all hired academic dressshould be returned to the Anthony deRothschild building or the marquee by18:00. Failure to do so may incur extracharges.What should my guests wear forGraduation day?If your guests dress formally, because Graduation is avery special occasion, then they cannot go far wrong!The rule of thumb is to be smart but comfortable (nojeans or trainers). Graduation can be a long day! Youalso need to remember that Buckingham can be cold atthis time of year so it is advisable to dress warmly.AccommodationHotel accommodation is available in and aroundBuckingham. Prices vary and we recommend that youmake your reservations as early as possible to avoiddisappointment. A list of local hotels can be found atwww.buckingham.ac.uk/life/accommodation/. Thefollowing hotels are located in Buckingham itself:Travelodge Buckingham HotelA421 BypassBuckinghamBuckinghamshireMK18 1SHTel: +44 (0)871 984 6087Fax: +44 (0)1280 815136Web: www.travelodge.co.uk/Rates (room only): Saver rate (non-refundable) - £29,Flexible rate - £51.Best Western Buckingham HotelA421 Ring Road SouthBuckinghamBuckinghamshireMK18 1RYTel: +44 (0)1280 822622Fax: +44 (0)1280 823074Email: info@thebuckinghamhotel.co.ukWeb: www.bw-buckinghamhotel.co.uk/Rates (bed & breakfast): Single - £70, Double/Twin -£90, Family - £120.Villiers Hotel3 Castle StreetBuckinghamMK18 1BSTel: +44 (0)1280 822444Fax: +44 (0)1280 822113Web: www.villiers-hotel.co.uk/Rates (bed & breakfast): Single - £135, Double/Twin -£150.7

Frequently askedquestionsI have an accent on my name – canthis be printed on my certificate?Every effort will be made to print your name correctly.Please remember that the name you used when firstregistering as a student at the University is the nameprinted on the Graduation Certificate. It is therefore veryimportant to notify the Registry of any changes.Can I bring my mobile phone withme?We ask that all mobile phones are switched off during theGraduation Ceremony itself. You are welcome to usethem at all other times.Can I smoke?No smoking will be allowed in the Church, any Universitybuildings or the marquee.What happens if I do not pass mydegree programme this year?If for any reason you do not pass your final examinationsyou may be invited to resit those in which you did notachieve a pass mark. If successful in these resits, you willbe invited to attend a future Graduation Ceremony.Children at GraduationWhilst we appreciate that this is a family day, we do notrecommend bringing children under the age of 12 yearsto the Graduation Ceremony.Children at the Swan BallWe regret that our licence does not permit children toattend the Swan Ball.Animals at GraduationRegistered assistance dogs are welcome at Graduation.Please let our Graduation Office(graduation@buckingham.ac.uk) know in advance if youplan to bring an assistance dog. No pets are permitted.I owe money to the University,can I graduate?No. No award will be made to a student who is in debtto the University. All outstanding fees must be paid by 31December 2008.Alumni website-AlumNetThe University’s Alumni network is invaluable forBuckingham’s graduates. Providing business and socialcontacts around the world, its support and assistancethroughout the University with marketing, careersadvice and fundraising grows more significant each year.Our alumni organisation has branches and keyrepresentatives worldwide. Annual reunions are held inBuckingham and London with gatherings taking placein many other parts of the world, usually timed tocoincide with a visit by a member of staff fromBuckingham.The Buckingham AlumNet website(www.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet/) provides formerUniversity of Buckingham students with a unique globalnetwork of business and social contacts, all with the‘Buckingham experience’ in common. With our veryown customised service we’re helping to keep alumni intouch with each other as well as with us. It is veryimportant that all alumni are aware of it and you allmake the most of it.The Alumni Annual Fund, which began in 2006, hasraised £12,000 to date and some of this money hasgone towards enriching the student experience. The firstmajor project, a memorial garden situated near theTanlaw Mill (OTM), was opened in February 2008 by analumnus and the next major project will be to provide anew minibus for the students. For further details or tomake a donation, visit the AlumNet site:www.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet/aaf/.Alumni Association(UBAA)It has been increasingly obvious over the last couple ofyears that our alumni want and need an active, alumnidriven,organisation. Three Working Groups have beenestablished to discuss the formation of the UBAA(University of Buckingham Alumni Association) and allBuckingham alumni are welcome to join any of theexisting groups and / or to take part in any way.If you would like to be part of this project, pleasecontact the Alumni Office. There will be a launch eventin Geneva in 2009.8

APPLICATION FOR TICKETSGRADUATION CEREMONY & RECEPTION 2009Please complete the form below in respect of reserving tickets for the GraduationCeremony and Reception. Please return to the Registry by 31 January 2009 at thelatest.Name in full:Student identity number:Degree programme:Address in respect of Graduation correspondence:Address where you wish your degree certificate to be sent, if you are not able toattend:Telephone number:Email address:Do you or your guests have any disabilities or special access requirements?Please tick appropriate box:I will not be attending the Graduation Ceremony:I will be attending the Graduation Ceremony:9

I require the following tickets:Ceremony 1 – Friday 27 February: 15:00Economics & International Studies, AppliedComputing, Psychology, DOMR and SarajevoGraduandsNumber of guest ticketsrequired (max 3)*Reception following Ceremony 1Ceremony 2 - Saturday 28 February: 11:30Law GraduandsReception following Ceremony 2Ceremony 3 - Saturday 28 February: 15:00Business, Education (PGCE) and English GraduandsReception following Ceremony 3*(Please indicate the number of guest tickets you require in the appropriate boxes. Graduands whohave confirmed their attendance will automatically be issued with a ticket).RETURN TO THE REGISTRY BY 31 JANUARY 2009 AT THE LATESTIt is important that you confirm your attendance to avoid disappointment, either byreturning this hard copy, or through the website:www.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet/graduation/.10

Graduation Dinner& Swan BallThe Graduation Dinner - 19:30Everything possible will be done to make yourGraduation Dinner a truly special and memorialoccasion. The Dinner will be held in the sumptuousBall Room at Villiers Hotel. On arrival you will bewelcomed with canapés and a glass of somethingsuitably sparking (if so desired). After dining with yourfamily and friends, to celebrate your great achievement,the delights of the Swan Ball await you in theGraduation Marquee just a short walk away.MenuABABCABSTARTERSMelon & Parma hamorThyme roasted vegetables***MAIN COURSERoast lamb shankwith a thyme jusorRoast salmon, parsley crust& Dijon mustard sauceorForest mushroom risottoAll of the above served witha selection of market fresh vegetables***DESSERTVanilla pod crème bruleeand shortbread biscuitsorSticky toffee puddingwith crème anglaiseThe Swan Ball - 22:30The Swan Ball will take place in the GraduationMarquee on Beloff lawn. As always there will be anabundance of musicians and entertainers to delight andamuse you. They will ensure that all our 700 revellersenjoy a night to remember as you celebrate yourGraduation through ’til 6 o’clock in the morning. Aprofessional photographer will be on hand to record thehappy event including a survivor’s photograph at5.30am.The entertainment includes Anything Goes jazz bandViramundo latin band, & E2 - back by popular demand.There will of course be the usual international DJ soplease do let us have any requests prior to the event sothat we can pass them on(graduationball@buckingham.ac.uk). Don’t miss thehuge illuminated cocktail bar with ‘Flair’ bar tendersTicketsThe tickets are priced as follows:• Dinner & Ball £60• Dinner only £40• Ball only £40 (£30 if purchased by Friday 20 February)Dress codeThe dress code is tuxedo & bow tie, ball gown orappropriate national costume. Anyone inappropriatelydressed will be refused entry. Suitors in Buckinghamoffer a discount to Buckingham graduates. Theircontact details can be found on page 3.Further information/ticketapplication formTickets for the Graduation Dinner and the Swan Ball areavailable to purchase online (www.buckingham.ac.uk).Alternatively you can complete and return the form onpage 13. The Students’ Union Office can be contactedby telephone +44 (0)1280 822522 or emailgraduationball@buckingham.ac.uk.***Coffee / tea and chocolate mints11

PhotographsSuccess Photography is available on Graduation day totake photos of your moment of glory in the Church.You will also have the opportunity to pose with yourfamily or for a formal portrait in the Masons’ Buildingat the University. Order photos online atwww.successphotography.com.A variety of photography packages are available withmore options and special discounts online(www.successphotography.com). Two packages areparticularly recommended by Success Photography,which give special savings. They are:Combination pack - £95Includes 1 standard portrait of the Graduate, one set ofFamily Portraits, one set of Presentation Photographs(on the stage) and a standard photo frame.Graduation pack with Family photographs -£185.00Includes Studio Portraits of the Graduate, extra 12 x 8photograph for framing, one set of Family Portraits,one set of Presentation Photographs (on the stage), twospecial Florentine frames for your Certificate and the 12x 8 photo.Can my guests video the Ceremony?We ask that you do not use a video recorder during theGraduation Ceremony. A DVD is available fromSuccess Photography free of charge to anyone whopurchases a photography package (except for the Family& Presentation Photographs) and is availableindividually at a cost of £26 plus postage & packaging.NB: By attending the Ceremony, students and their guests are deemed tobe giving their consent to the recording and transmission of their images.Copies of DVDs will be held in the University archives.Can I take my own photos?You are very welcome to take your own photographs toremember the day but we ask that you do not takephotographs during the Graduation Ceremony itself.SouvenirsRingsThe authorised Graduation Ring of the University ofBuckingham, with it’s unique design, is unmistakable. Itsymbolises the academic excellence of the Universityand is fully personalised with your degree, year ofgraduation, and your name engraved inside the ringband. All rings are available in 10k, 14k and 18k solidgold and come with a lifetime warranty. Prices startfrom around £90. Order forms will be available in themarquee on Graduation day or on the website:www.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet/graduation/.Buckingham merchandiseGraduation mementos will be available for sale at allthree ceremonies. We will be offering cufflinks bearingthe University crest, ties, scarves and pashminas inUniversity colours, and prints of the University. Thesewill be on sale in the marquee. More details will beavailable soon onwww.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet/graduation/.Campus ClothingCampus Clothing offer a variety of items tocommemorate Graduation. They include T-shirts,sweatshirts, champagne, pens and teddies. The T-shirtsand sweatshirts are printed with a list of all graduatingstudents on the back. These items can be purchaseddirectly in the Anthony de Rothschild Building onGraduation day or ordered from the Campus Clothingwebsite: www.campusclothing.co.uk.2008 YearbookThe University of Buckingham Press is compiling the2008 Yearbook. It will be a fun and important keepsakeof your time at Buckingham and a memento of thefriends you made with messages from other studentsand staff. Everyone’s student ID photo will be includedbut there is an opportunity to provide more colour andpersonal memories by submitting material by email tochristopher.woodhead@buckingham.ac.uk.The Yearbooks are £25 each and can be ordered onlineby visiting www.ubpl.co.uk. Please order before 31January 2009 to get your copy of the Yearbook onGraduation day.12

APPLICATION FOR TICKETSGRADUATION DINNER & SWAN BALL 2009Name in full:Student identity number:Degree programme:Telephone number:Email address:Section A - DINNER TICKETS Deadline for ordering Dinner Tickets Friday 13 February 2008No of tickets required @ £40 (Dinner only) Total £No of tickets required @ £60 (Combined Dinner & Ball) Total £Please read the menu and enter the corresponding menu letter choice for each person alongside his or her name.For example: Joe Bloggs A B CName (please print first name & family name)StarterA BMainA B CDessertA BMaximum of 10 guests per table. If you party is less than 10 please let us know with whom you wish to be seated……………………………………………………………………………………………………If you do not wish to share your table with another party please tick the box, whilst we will make every effort toaccommodate this request we cannot guarantee it.Section B – AFTER DINNER TICKETSNo of tickets required @ £40 (Ball only)Special offer £30 if purchase received by Friday 20 FebPlease note that Ball tickets will be £40 on the door cash only accepted.Total £Section C – TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLEYou can pay for your tickets in the following ways:€ Online (www.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet/).• By cheque (made payable to ‘The University of Buckingham’).• By credit/debit card (please complete card details below).Credit/debit card noStart dateIssue no if applicableCardholder’s nameStudents’ UnionUniversity of BuckinghamHunter StreetBuckinghamMK18 1EGTel: +44 (0)1280 822522Fax: +44 (0)1280 812791End date3 digit security code on reverse of cardYour tickets will be available for collection in the Graduation Marquee after yourCeremony. If uncollected they will be taken to either the Dinner or Ball venue, whicheveris appropriate. Dress is strictly Tuxedo, Ball Gown or appropriate National Dress.Anyone improperly dressed will be refused entry; no refund on tickets will be given.13

ChecklistHave you:Notes:• Confirmed you are attending Graduation 2009?• Requested tickets for the Ceremony and Reception for your guests (maximum 3)?• Ordered your academic dress with Ede & Ravenscroft?• Booked accommodation (if required)?• Purchased Graduation Dinner tickets (the deadline for ordering dinner tickets isFriday 13 February 2009)?• Purchased Swan Ball tickets?• Arranged tuxedo / ball gown hire (Suitors in Buckingham offer a discount toBuckingham graduates)?14

THE UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAMHUNTER STREET BUCKINGHAM MK18 1EGTEL: +44 (0)1280 814080 FAX: +44 (0)1280 822245www.buckingham.ac.uk