Your ceremony day

Ahead of your ceremony, you should familiarise yourself with the information page for your specific event, which outlines key details and where everything is located at your venue. You should also refer to the guidance in Preparing for your ceremony.

On the day

When you arrive, please go first to the Registration desks to collect your tickets, presentation card, and souvenir programmes.

After registering, you may collect your academic dress (if applicable). If you plan to have official photographs taken, head to the photography studios next.

If you have spare time before the ceremony begins, feel free to visit the Open University Students Association (OpenSU) stand, where merchandise will be available to purchase.

You can check the event webpage for your ceremony to see when the doors will open for graduates and guests. This is usually 45–60 minutes before the ceremony starts, giving you plenty of time to settle in and chat with other graduates. Please note:

• Graduates sit together in the auditorium, not with their guests.
• Seating is arranged by qualification group (e.g., Masters, BA, BSc, Diplomas of Higher Education) and then alphabetically.

During the ceremony

The ceremony begins with the entrance of the procession, led by the Chief Marshal and concluding with the Presiding Officer. Once seated, the Presiding Officer will open the ceremony and deliver their welcome address. This is followed by:

• the presentation of graduates
• the conferment of honorary degrees (if applicable)

When it is your turn, marshals will guide you towards the stage to queue, where your name will be announced by the Graduate Presenter. You will then cross the stage, briefly meet the Presiding Officer, and receive a ceremony tube containing a congratulatory message from the University’s Chancellor.

After all graduates and honorary degrees (if applicable) have been presented, the Presiding Officer will address the audience and formally close the ceremony.

Everyone will stand as the Mace Bearer leads the Presiding Officer and procession from the stage. Graduates are then invited to follow, with marshals providing guidance.

Photography / filming

Graduates and guests are welcome to take photos or video during the ceremony, but please ensure you do not obstruct the view of others or block aisles or doorways.

The Open University reserves the right to film and take photographs at ceremonies, and to use the images on its websites, social media and in its publications.

All ceremonies are recorded, and the final video is posted to YouTube within two weeks of the event. If you do not wish to appear in this recording, please speak to a member of staff at the Registration desk on the day.

Honorary degrees

The Open University’s Charter allows the Senate to award the honorary degrees of Doctor of the University (DUniv) and Master of the University (MUniv). These honours recognise individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and made distinguished contributions in areas that reflect the University’s values.

Your ceremony may include the conferment of honorary degrees. During this segment:

• A senior member of the University presents each honorary graduand and reads a citation outlining their achievements the conferment of honorary degrees
• The Presiding Officer confers the honorary degree
• The honorary graduate gives a short reply

For more information, including previous recipients and nomination guidance, please see our Honorary degrees page.

Social media

We know that graduates and guests at Open University ceremonies love to take photographs and videos and share their special day on social media. If you would like to share these memories with fellow graduates, guests and the wider world, be sure to tag the Open University and use our ceremonies hashtag!

• @OpenUniversity
  #OUfamily
• @OUceremonies
  #OUfamily