Congratulations on completing your studies at the University of Lincoln. You will soon be attending your graduation ceremony at Lincoln's magnificent Cathedral. The following pages will help you to plan your graduation.
The University's next graduation ceremonies will be taking place on the 23rd and 24th January 2019.
To be eligible to attend the January 2019 graduation ceremonies, your award must have been conferred by a University Board of Examiners on or before 19th December 2018.
If your award is conferred after 19th December 2018, you will be invited to attend the next set of graduation ceremonies, taking place in September 2019. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions of Graduation Attendance for full details.
If you will be eligible to attend the January graduation ceremony, we will be in contact with you in November 2018 with further details on how to register your attendance. Please ensure your personal contact details are up to date, specifically, your personal email account and permanent address. These are used for graduation communication and certificate details.
We look forward to seeing you and hope you have an excellent graduation day.
To attend the Graduation ceremony, you must register by completing our online registration process. This can be done via our ticketing and gowning company, William Northam.
To gain access to the online registration site via William Northam, please click on the link below:
Registration for Graduation Ceremonies
Fill in the details in the new customer box, then enter your university student ID (first 3 letters of your surname followed by your 8 digit ID), Surname and then your University email address (as noted in the invitation email). Once you have created an account you will be able to amend your email address and other contact details by selecting the ‘my details’ option. Please make note of all login details, as you may need these for purchasing extra tickets in the future.
The online site will allow you to register your place at the ceremony, book complimentary guest tickets and organise gown hire. Subject to availability, you will also be able to purchase extra tickets after the initial registration deadline (4th January 2019).
A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provide during registration as proof of your booking. This email address will be used to send future correspondence regarding the ceremony. Therefore, please ensure you fully complete the registration process and provide your correct details. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please log back in and check your booking.
If you do not wish to attend a graduation ceremony, or are unable to attend this ceremony, please contact us at graduation@lincoln.ac.uk and we can invite you to the following set of ceremonies if requested. If you have completed the registration process already, please also cancel your place and cancel or defer your gown hire purchase with William Northam directly.
Please note: attendance at graduation is subject to the successful completion of your award and payment of any outstanding tuition fees.
Please see our Terms and Conditions of Graduation Attendance with reference to late registrations.
Each student is guaranteed their own ticket plus two complimentary guest tickets when they book.
Please note that your own ticket will have a seat number printed on it. It is imperative that you sit in the seat allocated to you as it determines the order you will cross the stage during the ceremony. Your ticket will allow you admittance to the celebration reception and also contains a free drinks voucher, so please keep hold of your ticket.
Each student can order two complimentary guest tickets at the time of booking.
Extra tickets over and above the two complimentary tickets are not guaranteed. If extra tickets are available these will be limited in number and sold on a first come first serve basis. All registered students will be informed by email (to the email account they registered with) if extra tickets are available after initial registration has closed. Extra tickets will be available to purchase through the William Northam registration website at a cost of £20 per ticket (including VAT).
If you are having trouble purchasing extra tickets, in the first instance, please contact William Northam directly via email: student@williamnortham.com or telephone: 0870 2401852 (national rate). For other ticket enquiries, please contact the graduation team: graduation@lincoln.ac.uk
Tickets will NOT be sent in the post. A ticket email will be sent to the email address provided during registration. This email will be sent after extra ticket sales have closed. You will need to bring this email with you as proof of ID to collect your tickets from the registration desk. Your ticket email will state what time you can collect your tickets, and where from.
For ticket enquiries, please contact the Graduation team at graduation@lincoln.ac.uk
Please ensure you book your gown well in advance of your graduation date by visiting the gowning website (William Northam). Your gown will be collected on the day of your ceremony.
The deadline to book your gown is Friday 4th January.
The link to hire your gown is below:
The dress code for the ceremony is smart. Remember that academic gowns do not hide what is worn underneath, so what you wear will be very visible to the entire congregation. Gowns are also more difficult to wear over very casual clothes as they do not ‘sit’ well on the shoulders. Buttoned shirts are helpful for securing your gown hood and jackets help keep the gown in place. Your gown will slip if worn over silky fabric and very low‐cut tops leave you with no means of keeping the hood in place. Please avoid jeans, trainers, casual sandals, open‐necked shirts, T‐shirts and shorts as they are inappropriate for a formal graduation ceremony.
Finally, remember you will have to wear a mortar board, so take care that your hair style will allow you to do so.
Please note: It is a requirement that all graduands attending their graduation ceremony wear the appropriate University of Lincoln academic dress.
| Ceremony | College | Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 23rd January | ||
| 10:30am | Lincoln International Business School |
|
| 2:30pm | College of Arts |
|
| Thursday 24th January | ||
| 10:30am | College of Social Science |
|
| College of Science |
|
|
All graduands must arrive between 08:00 and 09:30.
On arrival, please go to The County Assembly Rooms (located in the Bailgate) to collect your tickets (graduand and guest) and your gown. There will also be an opportunity for photographs to be taken before the ceremony begins.
The doors to the Cathedral will open at 09:30 and the ceremony will begin at 10:30.
All guests and graduands MUST be seated by 10:00.
Gowning and Photography
Gowns are to be collected from The County Assembly Rooms between 08:00 and 09:30; ushers will direct you upon arrival. All gowns must be returned by 13:00.
The official photographers will be taking photographs in The County Assembly Rooms from 08:00 to 09:30 before the ceremony and also after the ceremony. There is no need to pre‐book any of the photography.
All graduands must arrive between 11:30 and 13:30.
On arrival, please go to The County Assembly Rooms (located in the Bailgate) to collect your tickets (graduand and guest) and your gown. There will also be an opportunity for photographs to be taken before the ceremony begins.
The doors to the Cathedral will open at 13:30 and the ceremony will begin at 14:30.
All guests and graduands MUST be seated by 14:00.
Gowning and Photography
Gowns are to be collected from The County Assembly Rooms between 11:30 and 13:30; ushers will direct you upon arrival. All gowns must be returned by 17:00.
The official photographers will be taking photographs in The County Assembly Rooms from 11:30 to 13:30 before the ceremony and also after the ceremony until 17:00. There is no need to pre‐book any of the photography.
The certificate the University issues is proof of the conferment of your award and is a unique and valuable document.
Your University transcript supplements your University certificate by providing a breakdown of the modules you studied and the marks achieved.
Your Diploma Supplement is a further document describing the qualification you have received in a standard format that is easy to understand and compare across Europe. It also describes the content of the qualification and the structure of the higher education system within which it was issued.
The name printed on your documents will be that with which you enrolled at the University. To check the details we hold, please access the Student Gateway and choose the 'My Details' icon. To request a change to the name registered with the University, you will need to visit the Student Support Centre (Ground floor, Main Administration Building) and provide documentary evidence (for example birth/marriage certificate, passport or deed poll).
Please note, once your certificate documentation has been printed, requests for replacement documentation due to an incorrect name are chargeable. You will be asked to surrender your documents back to the University and apply for and purchase a replacement certificate via the University's alumni pages.
What documentation will you receive?
Your University Certificate, final Transcript and Diploma Supplement will only be issued upon successful completion of your programme (or upon achieving an intermediate award should you exit your programme prior to full completion)
However, If you are a current student, you may request a letter of confirmation or a results transcript for any fully completed academic year.
A Letter of confirmation is an official letter confirming the dates you are attending University and the programme you are enrolled on.
If you are a current student requiring a Letter of confirmation you can request one from the Student Support Centre or your College office.
Your current results transcript is a breakdown of the modules you have studied and your academic performance for each academic year of study completed thus far.
What documentation will you receive?
If you've completed your programme within the current academic year you'll be entitled to a University Certificate, final Transcript and Diploma Supplement.
When will you receive your official documentation?
Awarded January to May
If you're awarded January to May, and your programme is eligible to attend the University’s graduation ceremony, we'll post your certificate, final transcript and diploma supplement out to you within 6 – 8 weeks of your award being conferred at the relevant board of examiners. Please note you will still be invited to attend the University’s September graduation ceremony.
Awarded June or July
If you're awarded in June or July, and your programme is eligible to attend the University’s Graduation ceremony, then you'll receive your certificate, final transcript and diploma supplement at the University’s September graduation ceremony.
Awarded August to December
If you're awarded in August to December, and your programme is eligible to attend the University’s Graduation ceremony, then you'll receive your certificate at the University’s January graduation ceremony.
If you are eligible to attend your graduation ceremony but decide not to, you'll receive your certificate, final transcript and diploma supplement by post after the ceremonies have taken place. Please make sure you let us know you're not attending by following the email instructions that you will receive when being invited to register for graduation. Please also check and/or amend the address details we hold for you by going to the Student Gateway and choosing the 'My Details' icon.
If your programme is not eligible to attend the University’s graduation we will send your certificate out to you within 6 – 8 weeks of your award being conferred at the relevant board of examiners.
What happens if I need my certificate early?
If you are due to receive your certificate, final transcript and diploma supplement at one of the University’s graduation ceremonies but require these documents earlier, we may, in exceptional circumstances, prioritise the issue of your documents. You will be asked to provide your reasoning for requesting your certificate documents early on the form below.
You can arrange to collect your certificate, final transcript and diploma supplement from the Student Support Centre by completing an early certificate request form. Only you can collect your certificate documentation - we are unable to accept requests for a friend or family member to collect your certificate documentation on your behalf. If you are unable to collect personally then we will distribute your certificate documents via the post.
Graduation Certificate Request Form
Which address will my certificate be sent to?
Your certificate, final transcript and diploma supplement will be sent to the permanent home address we have registered for you. To check and/or amend the details we hold, please go to the Student Gateway and choose the 'My Details' icon.
What postal service is used?
When we send your certificate, final transcript and diploma supplement to your permanent address, they will be sent using one of the following services.
Deliveries within the UK will be dispatched via Royal Mail recorded delivery.
Deliveries to the EU and rest of the world (except China) will be sent via Royal Mail International Signed for.
Deliveries to China,will be sent using DHL’s tracking service.
How long should I wait for delivery?
If your certificate has been sent to a European destination please allow 20 working days from date of postage. If it was sent to the rest of the world please allow 25 working days from date of postage.
I have not received my certificate in the post, is it lost?
If you have not received your certificate outside of the above waiting times, you need to contact us so we can investigate with the relevant postal service:
Please email assessments@lincoln.ac.uk and include your name at the time of study, student id number/date of birth, title of course and year of completion.
You must contact us within six months of the date of postage. If it is after six months we are unable to track it with the postal service and you would need to apply for and purchase a replacement certificate.
Please note: If your permanent home address is overseas and, upon investigation, the relevant postal service confirms your certificate has been delivered to the country of your permanent address, then it is your responsibility to liaise with the relevant postal service in order to locate your documents.
What happens if I lose my certificate or it becomes damaged?
In the event of your certificate becoming lost or damaged, you will need to visit the University’s alumni site for details on how to apply for and purchase a replacement.
If you completed your studies in a previous academic year and require replacement documentation, you should visit the University’s alumni site for information on how to apply for and purchase replacement certificates and transcripts.
Immediately after the Graduation ceremony an Alumni celebration reception will take place in a marquee in the grounds of Lincoln Castle.
All graduates are invited to attend this reception with their guests. After the ceremony the academics will process out of the Cathedral and to the Castle. We ask students to join this procession and meet their guests in the Castle grounds and then to attend the Celebration reception.
Drinks will be available from the paid bar. After the reception, you will be able to return your gowns.
Only guests with tickets will be able to attend the celebration reception.
Parking
The University does not provide parking for the graduation ceremonies. There are 'pay and display' car parks near to the Cathedral and Castle that also have disabled parking bays. Please allow plenty of time to arrive in Lincoln and find a parking space before the ceremony begins, as these car parks can get busy.
Car parks in Lincoln (please note that the Castle Hill car park may be closed over the graduation period).
Registration
All students who wish to attend their graduation will be required to complete an online registration form. By completing the registration form you are consenting that the information collected can be used for graduation purposes and shared with appropriate departments within the University such as Finance and Alumni. The information will not be disclosed to any third parties outside the University of Lincoln.
Graduation Ceremonies as a Public Event
The University of Lincoln’s bi-annual graduation ceremonies held in January and September are considered to be public events. This means that the names and award titles, but no classifications, of all graduands (including those graduating in absentia) are published in the graduation brochure. In addition, the names of graduands will be provided to our external supplier for use on graduation products such as graduation t-shirts and hoodies. This does not include award titles or any other information.
Photography
The University’s official photographers are Tempest Graduation Photography. They will be available in the photography studio in the Castle Grounds, before or after your ceremony.
Visit Tempest Graduation Photography to view packages and prices. Unfortunately, it is not possible to pre-order a photography package, but these can be ordered during and after your ceremony.
Filming
There will be a professional video recording taken of each graduation ceremony, this will be streamed on the University of Lincoln’s website and will be available for purchase on DVD after the ceremony. Graduates and guests seated in the Cathedral should be aware that they may appear on this recording.
The Press
The local press may be in attendance at the ceremonies and may take photographs and video footage. They will not use individual or small group shots of you without asking for your consent first.
Communication
We are usually only able to discuss student-related matters directly with the student concerned and are not at liberty to divulge information or take instruction from a third party, even if that person is a family member.
Additional Information
We need to know if graduands or their guests require any additional requirements (e.g. for health or mobility reasons), so that appropriate support and adjustments can be made on the day. This information is held securely and only shared with those involved in the running of the ceremony, such as the graduation ushers. Any information regarding a student or their guests’ additional requirements will be deleted immediately after the ceremonies have taken place.
My visa will expire before my graduation ceremony, how can I attend my graduation?
If your visa expires before your graduation ceremony you will need to return home before your visa expires and apply for a Standard Visit Visa to return to the UK (your family can also apply for this visa). When you are issued with a Standard Visit Visa you can then attend graduation using this visa to travel to the UK. It can take some time to receive this visa so you need to apply well in advance of your graduation ceremony. There are a number of documents you need to prepare for the visa application and this may also take some time. It is important that you research this visa carefully to ensure your visa application is successful.
For more information about Standard Visit Visas, visit our website.
Information from the Home Office about Standard Visit Visas is available on the gov.uk website.
If you have any questions about your visa please contact the International Advice Team either by emailing Internationaladvice@lincoln.ac.uk or if you are in Lincoln attend their drop-in Monday-Friday between 12pm-2pm in the Student Support Centre.
After Graduation
Now that you have graduated we hope you will continue to stay in touch through our Alumni community.
Being part of the Lincoln Alumni Network is about staying connected with friends, opportunities, and with what’s going on at the University. It is also about looking to the future – and working in partnership for the benefit of our students and the wider community.
Once you have registered, you will be able to access the following benefits:
