Hello my loves ! Back in summertime, I made a general guide for graduations – which you can find if you dig deep enough on the SU Education Officer blog. I heard that this was handy for y’all and so wanted to make a couple separate posts on graduation guides for other people who might be attending in January. So, I am setting up the following:
This guide is specifically for the student graduating (so that it doesn’t get too long!).
Physical accessibility
Can I use a mobility aid?
Of course!
The Abbey is wheelchair accessible, and you are welcome to use any kind of mobility aid you feel comfortable with – including walking sticks, manual wheelchairs, and power/electric chairs. If you need to borrow a wheelchair for whatever reason (e.g., if you’re an ambulatory wheelchair user) this service is available both via Security in the Library on campus, and also from the Abbey itself.
To borrow one from campus security, you can email them on security-office@bath.ac.uk, or call them on the non-emergency number 01225 385 349.
To borrow one from the Abbey, you can email vergers@bathabbey.org or call them on 01225 303 328.
An email template could be something like:
Dear X
I hope this message finds you well! I am a current student at the University of Bath, and I am looking to borrow a wheelchair for my graduation ceremony.
I am in the ceremony at TIME on DATE.
When would I be able to pick up the chair? Any advice on when and how to return it is also appreciated.
Best regards,
NAME
Thanks to repairs on the Abbey floor, the floor is now stable and level. As well as this, the stage itself has no steps, instead having ramps either side.
Moving around the Abbey
If you also want to try to see how you can move around the Abbey, you can request to come in before your ceremony to see how you can navigate the Abbey and the stage. You can request to do this by emailing graduation@bath.ac.uk. This slot will usually be either after the last ceremony of the day, or right before your ceremony when the previous one has left.
Before you get onto the stage, you get up from your seat in the pews and join a line. In this line, people will typically check your gown, hat, and name. If you cannot stand in lines for longer periods for whatever reason, telling an Usher is your best bet – as they can find you a seat or delay you standing up until you need to be called onto stage.
Specific measurements provided by Euan’s guide include:
Where can I park?
The nearest Blue Badge parking is on York Street or outside the Guildhall. Failing this, the nearest short stay car park is in the Podium – approximately 5 minutes away.
Sensory Accessibility
Is there loud music, flashing lights etc?
There is loud organ music playing at the start of the ceremony and consistent clapping throughout.
When you have your photo taken on stage, they use one large flash light.
Can I wear noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs?
Absolutely! Earplugs maybe more convenient so you can keep your cap on.
Is there a sensory friendly area or quiet space?
If you need it, you are able to make your way to the Discovery Centre under the Abbey. There are steps to this within the Abbey, as well as a lift and ramp if you can’t access these.
Service Animals
Can I bring my service animal / assistance animal ?
The Abbey welcomes service dogs, and you can walk across the stage with them. Note - I have been advised that we don't really tend to use the term "service animal" here in the UK (where this usually means stuff like police dogs!), instead "assistance animal" is the more widely used term. As service animal is used on the Abbey website, I have used both here.
Instructions during the ceremony
How will I know what is happening during the ceremony if I can’t see/hear prompts?
As this relies on your specific needs, I would recommend emailing graduation@bath.ac.uk to determine what works for you best – but as an example, prompt cards can be used if you can’t hear the Ushers.
What should I do if there are last minute changes?
You will be informed via your determined method by the Ushers, who are easily spotted thanks to their blue gowns.
Gowns
Are there gowns that are adjusted for wheelchairs?
Yes! You can contact Graduate Attire directly for these.
Can I modify my cap?
As these are typically rented, alterations need to be temporary/reversible.
For your cap, you can fold under the fabric part and using thick hair clips clip the mortarboard part onto your head.
How do I get out?
How do I get out if I need to leave the ceremony early?
If you need to get out of the ceremony early for whatever reason, tell an usher – they will get you to the side door.
If this is before your name is read and you cross the stage, make sure someone knows (otherwise we will look for you!)
Both the back and side doors have ramp access for this.
How can I get out of the ceremony at the end?
The person leading the graduation will lead it to an end, which will then be followed by organ music. The people on the stage leave first, and the ushers will signal to get you all up from your seats. You then form a queue, and you will be lead out of the Abbey. This is via the central aisle.
You can also choose to use a back door if needed.
Is there an accessible evacuation route if anything goes wrong?
Yes -all routes out of the Abbey are flat or have ramp access