1. Session 206 Award Ceremonies:
Effective Practice,
Challenges and Pitfalls
Gillian Lindsey Nick Allen
Oxford Brookes University The University of Northampton

2. So who are we? (1)
• Gillian Lindsey
– Assistant Academic Registrar and Head of
Graduation Office, Oxford Brookes University
– Formerly University of York and Royal Holloway,
University of London
– AUA member since 2002
– Previously worked in hotels, culminating in role of
Associate Academic Director in a hotel school in
Switzerland.

3. So who are we? (2)
• Nick Allen
– Executive Officer, The University of Northampton
– Formerly OU and SHU
– AUA Member since 2002
– Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice
graduate (PgCert)
– Trustee and Chair of PgCert Board of Studies

4. Oxford Brookes University
• 18,000 students (plus almost the same again in
collaborative programmes)
• Three campuses in Oxford and a small campus in
Swindon
• Modern university, recognised particularly for
Architecture, Building and Property Management;
Nursing; Art & Design; Food Science.
• Multiple entry point during the academic year

5. The University of Northampton
• 14,000 students
• Two campuses in Northampton
• Particular recognition in fashion, teacher
education, waste management and leather
technology
• Multiple entry points during the academic
year

6. Oxford Brookes University Ceremonies
• Attendance increased over years, due to
higher number of awarded students:
Actual Actual Actual Actual
attendance on attendance on attendance on attendance on
day 2008 day 2009 day 2010 day 2011
3416 3529 3813 4159
• Overseas ceremonies organised with
collaborative partners
– inc. Kenya, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore,
Poland, Hungary

7. Oxford Brookes University Ceremonies
Recent changes following consultation with Students’
Union and student questionnaires:
• Student priorities
• Reduced from three ceremony occasions to two
• Improving venues
• Increased number of guests in main venue
• Graduation package charge implemented
• Additional funds for improvements

8. Student Priorities

9. Student Details

10. Changes
• Dropped April ceremonies – timing unpopular
• Improve appearance of Main Hall
• Improve external areas and graduation
marquee
• Increase number of guests to three and
include in new package rate
• Plan for new buildings

11. The University of Northampton
Ceremonies
• Two ceremony periods a year
• Increase in eligible attendees and actual
attendees (due to increase in student
numbers)
Academic Year 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11
Eligible attendees 3,502 3,932 4,410
Actual attendees 2,101 2,364 2,695

12. The University of Northampton
Ceremonies
Changes:
• All ceremonies held in town centre theatre
(summer ceremonies were previously held on
campus in a marquee);
• Split operation – campus (gowning and
photography) and town (ceremony);
• Ticketing software trialled.

13. JISCMAIL list
• Running since May 2005
• 140 members
• Sign up at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk
(search for Ceremonies)

14. Sharing Good Practice
• 25 August 2010, The University of
Northampton
• Over 50 attendees from 29 higher education
institutions
• Follow-up session at 2011 AUA Annual
Conference

15. Some examples of recent topics on
JISCMAIL:
• Allowing non-awarded students to attend
ceremonies
• Procedure with latecomers
• Online registration

16. Feedback from parallel groups

17. What next?
• Join the JISCMAIL list
• Visit other institutions – find out how they do
it?

18. Thank you for attending