Frequently Asked Questions
I'm Graduating in July, how do I find out my seat numbers?
Your seat numbers will be available for you to view and print approximately one week prior to your graduation ceremony.
To access your results:
1) Go to the SSiD homepage
2) Select the Examinations tab (left hand side)
3) Select Examination Results
4) Click on myResults in the Online Results box (top right)
5) Type in your University username and password
You can then access your Final Year Exam results from this point.
Scroll down the page and click on the box marked 'Graduation Details'. You will then be able to view and print your seat numbers. You will need to print this information for yourself and any guests and retain it to gain admission to the hall. No tickets or other information will be sent by post.
You can also download a step-by-step guide of these instructions by using the link on the right hand side of this page.
I registered to attend graduation but now I can't come. How can I cancel my place?
You can cancel your place at graduation and provide an address for your certificate to be posted to by using the the following form: www.shef.ac.uk/graduation/changeofintention.html
When will my ceremony be?
For a list of ceremony dates and times and who is eligible to attend, please see the following webpage: www.shef.ac.uk/graduation/dates.html
How many tickets can I have for my ceremony?
Each candidate attending a ceremony is guaranteed 2 tickets for guests.
Can I get extra tickets for my ceremony?
It is only possible to guarantee a maximum of 2 guest seats to each candidate attending. A small number of extra guest seats may become available, however this cannot be guaranteed. If additional seats are available for your ceremony, you will be notified via an email during the advertised week.
Do I have to wear a gown?
Yes. If you wish to attend a ceremony you must wear academic dress in accordance with University regulations.
Where do I order my gown from?
You should hire or purchase these directly from the University's official supplier, Ede & Ravenscroft at http://www.edeandravenscroft.co.uk/graduation-services/ If you do not have access to the internet, you can telephone 01223 861 854. Operating hours are 9.00 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Before you ring, have your head circumference, chest and height measurements and your credit/debit card details ready.
What colour will my robes be?
You can find details on the colours of the hoods on the following webpage: www.shef.ac.uk/graduation/colours.html
What should I wear underneath my gown?
The ceremonies are formal occasions and we recommend that candidates dress smartly. We welcome national dress and military uniforms. Jeans, T-shirts, trainers and similar casual attire are not considered appropriate for graduation ceremonies.
NB Clothing with buttons down the front is highly recommended to secure the loop on the hood. The hood should lay at the edge of your shoulder and not be wrapped round your arms like a shawl.
Can I purchase photographs and dvds at my ceremony?
Yes you can. Ede & Ravenscroft Photography and Graduation Film Services will have stands on the day for this purpose. Should you have any queries relating to these services, you should contact the individual companies direct.
Ede & Ravenscroft Photography
Telephone - 0870 242 1170
E-Mail - photography@edeandravenscroft.co.uk
Graduation Film Services
Telephone - 01622 844 089
Website - www.graduationfilmservices.co.uk
Where can I park on the day of the ceremony?
We advise that your guests do not bring a car to the Octagon Centre. Parking is scarce and the ceremonies take place on working days for University staff and others in the area. Limited parking is available on the University's Durham Road car park but when parking on the roads in the vicinity, please remember that urban clearway restrictions apply to most roads, i.e. no parking before 9.30 am and after 4.30 pm. The remainder tend to have double yellow lines i.e. no parking at all. Traffic police patrol the area regularly. Sufficient parking space cannot be guaranteed so leave plenty of time if you must bring a car.
The University hosts several ceremonies each day and guests are asked to be considerate by restricting parking to a period commensurate with their attendance at a ceremony.
You may wish to visit the Information for Visitors web pages which has lots of useful information, including maps and travel advice. http://www.shef.ac.uk/visitors
Durham Road has a small capacity and tends to fill up very quickly. Additional parking is available on the edge of Campus at the QPark Rockingham Site. This is a 530 space long-stay off-street car park, approximately half a mile from the Octagon Centre. The university has negotiated a discounted rate of 50% off the advertised price for University visitors. To claim this discount, vouchers will be available from the Octagon Centre. You must present the voucher on your return to the car park to collect your car.
Details of the car park can be found on The QPark web site
Is there provision for disabled parking?
Due to the limited amount of space available, we regret that we are unable to allocate parking spaces for disabled graduands or guests. However, if you are a blue badge holder, normal procedures for parking on double yellow lines etc apply. Blue badge holders can also see the wardens who will be happy to direct them to a suitable parking space.
Due to the high volume of people attending a ceremony in any one day, it is advisable that anyone with mobility difficulties is dropped off at the Durham Road entrance to the Octagon Centre prior to parking the car.
Can I borrow a wheelchair?
The University does not have a supply of wheelchairs for loan. However, if you require the loan of a wheelchair for the day, your local British Red Cross Association should be able to assist. Visit their website at: www.redcross.org.uk
What time do I need to arrive?
You should plan to arrive at the University at least 90 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony.
Doors to graduates only, will be opened 45 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. Graduands must be robed and in their designated seat in the hall 40 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Doors to guests will then be opened approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Guests must be seated in their allocated seats in the hall 20 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Doors to the hall will be closed 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Graduands and guests not seated by this time will not be admitte.
Where do I collect my gown from?
The gown collection point will be published on the following website prior to your ceremony: www.shef.ac.uk/graduation/dress.html
How long does the ceremony last?
Each ceremony usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
I'm not attending the ceremony, how can I receive my certificate?
Provided you have completed and returned your ceremony reply form, your certificate will be posted within 4 weeks of the ceremony taking place.
I registered to attend my ceremony but I didn't attend on the day and didn't advise you I wasn't coming. How can I receive my certificate?
As you did not advise the Events Team that you would not be attending your ceremony, your certificate will be held by SSiD until claimed. To request the release of your certificate, you should email ssid@sheffield.ac.uk to make arrangements for posting. Please do not try to collect your certificate from the Events Team as it will not be available.
If you can't find an answer to your query here, please contact us via our enquiry form where we will be happy to answer any questions you may have: www.shef.ac.uk/graduation/enquiryform