SPOTLIGHT ON THE CEREMONIES UNIT
Maria Towes
Donna Cutler
The Ceremonies Unit is responsible for organising Matriculation and Congregation and University representation at Remembrance Service, Founders and Benefactors and other special Cathedral services. We also support the process for the nomination of honorary awards through the Senate Advisory Panel on Ceremonies and Honorary Degrees.
We receive extremely positive feedback from guests and staff attending Congregation, many of whom have attended ceremonies at other institutions, on the location, atmosphere and organisation of the day. It is an experience we would encourage University staff to enjoy, particularly on a warm, sunny day, or better still get involved…
STAFF The Ceremonies Unit is run by Maria Towes and Donna Cutler (with additional support at Congregation time) who aim to provide a professional and efficient service to continue the high-quality reputation of Durham University ceremonies.
ATTENDING CEREMONIES – GET INVOLVED All members of staff are invited to University ceremonies via Dialogue Signposts and can attend either as members of the academic procession, marshals or guests.
UNIVERSITY CEREMONIES The term Matriculation is defined as “the act of placing a student’s name upon the matricula or roll of members of the University”. In reality, what this means is that we have a ceremony, in Durham Cathedral, to welcome new students to the University and where one representative from each College signs the Matriculation Book (the current version has signatures dating back to 1949!). Students, including those from Queen’s Campus, gather with their college and process across Durham to the Cathedral, making a fantastic spectacle to mark the beginning of the academic year.
The formation of an academic procession at ceremonies greatly adds to the formality and sense of occasion and allows you to witness your students at these memorable events or to represent the University at Cathedral services.
Congregation is the University term for graduation and is held in January and June/July. Students gather at the Castle and process, in full academic dress, across Palace Green to the Cathedral. In summer we place a large marquee on the green providing a focal point for people to gather and it allows us to promote a wide range of University services that are of benefit to graduates including the Development and Alumni Relations Office and the Careers Advisory Service. We also have stalls for University merchandise and refreshments plus photography and DVD sales. In the winter all these activities are located inside the buildings surrounding the green, for warmth and shelter. We are always striving to improve the graduation experience and a Congregation Enhancement Team has been established which meets before and after every set of ceremonies to consider whether any further improvements can be made.
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As we are a small unit we rely on the support of staff from across the University to act as ‘marshals’ at ceremonies providing advice and guidance to students, guests and staff. Anyone can marshal; enthusiasm and a smile are all that is required. Marshalling provides a great opportunity to experience these celebrations which mark the academic calendar, meet staff from across the University and enjoy the refreshments provided in the Cathedral restaurant. Comments received from recent marshals: “I really enjoyed marshalling – you should emphasise how enjoyable it is when recruiting people!” “Everyone in the University should do this at least once because after all the students are the reason we are all here, and it feels brilliant to be part of their fabulous day in the most amazing and beautiful surroundings steeped in such history.” “Working as a marshal always has been and remains a highlight of congregation week. Swishing around in a gown, meeting proud parents and families, listening to Bill Bryson and getting a lovely lunch in the Undercroft – loved it!” Remember to watch out for the invitations in Dialogue Signposts and sign up to get involved.
FIND OUT MORE More information about the Ceremonies Unit at: www.durham.ac.uk/ceremonies