Graduation

Alternative graduation ceremony

If you’re graduating this year, you and your guests can join us for a quieter, less formal graduation ceremony. 

On this page: 

• Who is it for? • When and where? • How to register • Guest tickets • What to wear • Gowns and photographs • Accessibility • Suggested schedule • What to expect • Not into ceremonies? • Contact us

Who is it for?

  • Autistic or other neurodivergent graduates or guests.
  • Anyone who experiences social anxiety or finds large events overwhelming.
  • Anyone who prefers a more relaxed format, subject to availability. 
A person in academic regalia speaks at a podium on a stage with empty chairs; audience members sit in rows facing the stage at a graduation ceremony.

When and where?

  • Monday 9 November at 10am at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. 

How to register

  • Contact the Graduation Office by emailing graduation@shu.ac.uk or calling 0114 225 5353.
  • You can only register for one type of ceremony.

Guest tickets

  • You can book up to two guest tickets during the registration process.
  • Extra guest tickets may be available nearer the time.
  • Guests without tickets are welcome to join you to celebrate outside the ceremony.    

What to wear

  • Gowns are optional.
  • You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. 
  • If you’re unsure, we recommend smart clothes such as trousers and a shirt or a dress.

Gowns and photographs

  • Gowning and photography are available at Ponds Forge.
  • We’ll send you information about how to book and where to go after you’ve registered. 

Accessibility

Suggested schedule

Time

Activity

8.30am

Arrive in Sheffield City Centre and make your way to Ponds Forge.

8.40-9.30am

Go to the Information Desk in Ponds Forge foyer and let us know you’re here. We’ll tell you where to go and answer any questions.

If you’ve ordered a gown, collect it and have your photo taken.

9.30am

Make your way through to the Graduation Hall and choose your seat.

10am

Ceremony starts

Approx. 10.30am

Ceremony ends

Approx. 10.45am

Photographs of you on stage will be available to buy in the foyer.

Celebrate with your friends and family

11am-6pm

Return your gown to Ponds Forge

What to expect

  • The ceremony will last around 30 minutes.
  • You choose where to sit – there's no allocated seating and all seats are accessible.
  • You’re welcome to stand and/or move around during the ceremony.
  • The ceremony will include short speeches, and you’ll have the option to cross the stage and hear your name.
  • Before the ceremony, you’ll confirm whether you’d like to cross the stage or just have your name read out. If you're crossing the stage, you'll be asked to doff your cap – watch the video below to see how to do this. 
  • You’ll be guided through every step by our team and stewards in burgundy gowns.
  • The ceremony will be filmed but not live streamed. You can buy a recording from the Ponds Forge foyer and/or register for a free clip of your moment on stage.
  • After the ceremony, you can stay in the Graduation Hall for a short time, go outside to continue celebrating, or leave straight away. 
  • A quiet room and café will be available for you to use all day.

Not into ceremonies?

That’s fine! You’re still welcome to come along and: 

  • Wear a gown 
  • Take photos 
  • Celebrate with friends and family at Ponds Forge or on campus 

Contact us  

  • We’ll send you more information closer to the day.  
  • If you have any questions, email graduation@shu.ac.uk or call us on 0114 225 5353.

Graduation guides

A graduate standing in front of celebratory graduation visuals

Accessibility and inclusivity

Find information about accessibility support, requesting adjustments and our alternative graduation ceremony.

Accessibility information
Graduate standing at the podium talking to audience

The venues

Here’s everything you need to know about our venues – the world-renowned Ponds Forge and Owen Building at City Campus.

Where you’ll graduate