Graduation
Saturday 31 July 2021

This event will be attended by a total of 115 Graduands and guests, including a seated lunch in either the Dining Hall or Grace Howard Room. Graduands will be notified in advance by email with the arrangements for your party.

We encourage all Graduands and guests arriving in College to follow our COVID safety guidelines. 

COVID safety

  • Take a COVID test prior to arrival, and only travel if all members of your party have a negative result.  
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day.
  • Observe social distancing at all times, and to respect and be considerate of those (for example clinically vulnerable groups) who may wish to take a more cautious approach as restrictions are lifted.
  • Wear a face covering at all times when moving through College buildings and in those places where social distancing is not possible. 
  • Remain on the Downing site to watch the live stream of Senate House and not follow the procession to Senate House. 
  • Be cautious when mixing with people not from your party. 

Registration 

9.15am: Meet in the Fellows' Garden with your guest(s) to register. 

You should be dressed ready for the ceremony. 

9.40am: Talk given by the Praelector explaining how the ceremony works.

Procession to the Senate House

9.50am: Graduands and guests to assemble for Procession to the Senate House.

Graduands please ensure you adhere to the dress code for Graduation. 

10am: Graduands to leave for the Senate House

Live stream in College

10am: Guests will be allocated seating in the Howard Theatre or Assembly Room (Howard Building) ready for the livestream. Please note: you will be notified in advance by email of your allocated seating for the livestream.

Refer to the Downing visitor plan for the location of your allocated seats for the livestream and lunch.

10.20am: Ceremony begins at the Senate House.

10.50am: Approximate finish time at the Senate House. Graduates return to join your guest(s) in College.

Drinks Reception

11.30am: Drinks reception in the Fellows' Garden with your guest(s).

Lunch

12pm: Lunch for Graduands and your guest(s) in the Dining Hall or Grace Howard Room.

Please note:

  • Guests who are allocated seats in the Assembly Room for the livestream will eat in the Dining Hall with Graduands.
  • Guests who are allocated seats in the Howard Theatre for the livestream will eat in the Grace Howard Room with Graduands.

Alumni & Development

The Development Office will be providing information to new alumni. For those graduating, click here to register with the Alumni & Development office so we can keep in touch with you.

You can purchase Downing merchandise here.