Graduation
Frequently asked questions
When should I book to attend?
You should book now. We allocate graduand and guest seats before the examination results are known. If you do not book to attend by the deadline of 8 May you cannot be guaranteed a place at the ceremony.
Can I attend if I haven't booked?
If you have not booked for your ceremony by the deadline, 8 May,you will not be able to attend.
If I do not wish to attend this year, will I be re-invited?
No, unless you are unable to attend on academic grounds. See below.
What happens if I have referrals or deferrals?
For an undergraduate degree you must have a minimum of 60 credits at Level 3. If you are awarded an ordinary degree you are still eligible to attend graduation with your peers. No distinction is made between the degree classifications on stage unless you have been awarded a first class degree. For questions relating to Masters degree results, please contact your school or department for advice.
What do I do if I am awarded an ordinary degree, but wish to complete my course? Do I still attend?
Yes, you may still attend. If you wish to complete the honours award, you will need to contact your school or department to confirm this decision.
I have completed two courses this year, can I attend for both?
Students who have completed more than one course in the current academic year can attend for one course. Students usually attend the ceremony for the higher award.
I have received my results do I need to contact you?
If you have passed your final examinations and have been awarded a final classification you do not need to contact us. Your results will be passed to us and you will be allocated a place in the ceremony (provided you have booked a place). If your results mean that you will not be graduating you may contact us to organise a refund and discuss graduating at a later date.
I have failed my award, what do I do now?
You will not be eligible to attend the ceremony. However, if you plan to come back and complete the required units and do so successfully, you will be invited to attend graduation the following year.
When will I receive my parchment?
Parchments will be posted to your home address by recorded delivery. Please check that your mailing/correspondence address as held on the student record system is correct. If you have not received your parchment by the end of August, please contact us at parchments@port.ac.uk.
Will I be eligible for a refund if I fail?
Yes. Both the University and all its graduation service providers will offer a full refund in the event of academic failure. This must be applied for within the 30-day period after graduation finishes.
Can I still have my photograph taken if I fail?
No. Unfortunately you would not be entitled to wear the academic dress for your award as you were not successful in obtaining it.
I have forgotten to book my gown and/or photographs, what should I do?
If you have missed the deadline for booking your gown you should contact the gown hire company (J Wippell & Co. Ltd.) straight away. You can telephone them on 01392 254234 and they will ensure you have a gown on the day. The photographs can be purchased on the day, so don't panic if you have forgotten to book them in advance.
I need more guest tickets. Can I find out if there are any spare?
Any spare tickets will be available to purchase from 10 June 2013. If you wish to purchase more tickets you need to go to the Online Store.
Can I watch the ceremony online?
Yes you can watch the ceremonies live at www.port.ac.uk/graduationlive. The ceremonies will also be broadcast on the big screen in the Guildhall Square.
How will I receive my tickets?
Student tickets are not sent out and must be collected from the Spinnaker Sports Centre on the day of your ceremony when you book in. Guest tickets will also be collected on the day of your ceremony when you pick up your own ticket.
Is there disabled access to the Guildhall?
Yes, the Guildhall has a lift and a disabled toilet. Please give us as much detail as possible when completing the booking form so that we can ensure your guests have appropriate seating.
Can I bring children to watch the ceremony?
Yes. Children aged 15 years old and under can come for free but take up one of your guest tickets. Please let us know which of your guests are children so we can allocate suitable seats.
I can't find accommodation on the web, what do you recommend?
Please go to www.port.ac.uk/holidays to stay in University accommodation.
I don't know my Student ID/HEMIS number; can I still complete the form?
You won't be able to complete the online booking form without it. Please contact your department.
Who do I contact about my outstanding debt to the University?
For tuition fees, halls of residence and general enquiries, please contact the Finance Office in University House. For outstanding library debts, please contact the University Library.
What time should I arrive and where should I go?
Please read the on the day section of the website for full details.
What should I wear?
The graduation ceremony is a formal occasion and you are expected to dress accordingly. You are, therefore, not permitted to wear jeans and trainers under academic dress. The University reserves the right to refuse entry to unsuitably attired graduands.
Where appropriate, military, emergency services uniform or national dress can be worn with academic dress.
How long will the ceremony last?
The length of the ceremony varies depending on the number of graduands present. However, most ceremonies last between an hour and an hour and a half.
Where can we park?
There are a number of NCP and other car parks within easy walking distance of the Guildhall. See welcometoportsmouth for more information.
Who should I contact with any other queries?
Email graduation@port.ac.uk or phone 023 9284 3434.