Laurie Taylor Column

The vice-chancellor of Birmingham University has publicly reprimanded the large numbers of staff who fail to attend degree congregation ceremonies and thereby "create a very poor image of the university". - The Times Higher, November 25

UNIVERSITY OF POPPLETON

Grand Congregation December 2005

Order of Ceremony

3.00 Entry of Platform Party: Vice-Chancellor (bearing mace); Mrs Dilworth (bearing degree certificates) and Janet (temporary).

3.07 The Vice-Chancellor declares the Congregation open. The Platform Party is seated.

3.09 The Vice-Chancellor rises and calls on Mrs Dilworth to present graduands in the Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences for the conferment of degrees.

3.12 The Vice-Chancellor shakes hands with successful graduands.

4.30 Conferment concluded. Mrs Dilworth and the Vice-Chancellor resume their seats.

4.31 The Vice-Chancellor rises and announces the Public Oration.

4.32 The Vice-Chancellor proceeds to give the Public Oration and introduce this year's Honorary Graduand.

4.46 Mrs Dilworth rises to accept her Honorary Degree and address the Congregation.

4.55 Dr (formerly Mrs) Dilworth resumes her seat.

4.56 The Vice-Chancellor rises and sings Jerusalem (unaccompanied).

5.05 The Vice-Chancellor resumes seat.

5.06 The Vice-Chancellor rises and declares the Congregation closed.

5.07 The Vice-Chancellor lifts the mace.

5.08 The Platform Party - the Vice-Chancellor, Dr (formerly Mrs) Dilworth and Janet (temporary) - process off stage.

5.30 The Vice-Chancellor and Dr Dilworth serve Devonshire cream teas in the atrium of the Corporate Management Block.

6.30 Janet (temporary) washes up.