On the day

Before you set off

Email confirmation

Make sure you have your email confirmation either printed or on your device; you’ll need this to register when you arrive at the Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, to collect your tickets and academic dress.

Before your celebration

Arrive at the Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai at the time indicated on your confirmation email and head to the registration desk on the third floor and collect your tickets.

Once you’ve registered, make your way through to the robing rooms to collect your cap and gown and then you can have your official photograph taken.

30 minutes before your celebration

You should make your way up to the Shanghai Centre Theatre on the fourth floor at least 30 minutes before the start of the celebration.

Please remember to give your guests their tickets, as they’ll need these to enter the venue. Staff will be there on the day to guide you and your guests to the appropriate seats.

Please note that there is no allocated seating on the day for either graduates or guests. However, graduates and guests will be seated separately.

During your celebration

Once all the speeches have been delivered, a member of staff will ask your row to stand and make your way towards the steps at the bottom of the stage. It is important that you always have your ticket with your name and degree on it with you, as this will be handed to the presenter.

When the presenter reads out your name, please proceed across the stage, where you will be congratulated by the Presiding Officer. If you wish, you may choose to shake their hand. You are also encouraged to pause briefly while a photograph is taken to commemorate this special moment.

For students who prefer not to engage in a handshake, please indicate this by placing your right hand over your left shoulder. In such cases, the Presiding Officer will acknowledge you with a respectful doff of their cap instead of extending a hand.

You will leave the stage using the steps at the opposite end before returning to your seat. Don't forget to pick up your celebration certificate at the bottom of the steps. 

The celebration will last between 45 minutes to an hour.

After your celebration

Following the event, graduates and guests are invited to continue the celebration in the Shanghai Centre Atrium.

Gown returns

Please note that gowns have been provided on a hire basis.

It is important that you return your gown to ‘Gown Returns’, located on the 3rd floor, Portman Ritz‑Carlton, Shanghai.

Return times based on ceremony:

• Ceremony starting at 1:00pm
  Please return your gown between 3:00pm and 5:00pm
• Ceremony starting at 4:00pm
  Please return your gown no later than 6:00pm