This year’s Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony will take place at 2.30pm on Friday 21 June 2019 in Bedford Square Gardens. Please read through the information below and print a copy for your reference on the day. Each year we experience a wonderful turn out, and look forward to celebrating and congratulating all our graduates on their efforts.
ON THE DAY
11.30 – Registration desk opens
12.00 – Individual photographs available from Ede & Ravenscroft at 32 Bedford Square
1.45 – Students make their way to North Gate entrance to Bedford Square Gardens
2.00 – South Gate entrance to Bedford Square Gardens opens to guests
2.30 – Graduation ceremony begins
4.30 – Students gather for 2019 Group Photo
5.00 – Reception: Drinks and canapés served
6.30 – Projects Review opens
TICKETING
All graduating students attending the ceremony are entitled to two complimentary guest tickets. An unlimited number of additional tickets can be purchased in online in advance for £40 each.
For students who have already completed their course and require a confirmation letter for the purposes of obtaining a visa for themselves or their guests, please contact the AA’s Compliance Officer Krishna Songara (Krishna.Songara@aaschool.ac.uk) with details of the request.
A live stream of the ceremony will be available for friends and relatives who are unable to attend at www.aaschool.ac.uk/live.
DRESS CODE
Academic gowns are not required, however smart or national dress is expected. In case of unfavourable weather conditions, please ensure you and your guests bring umbrellas as you will be queuing outside the garden in the open air.
THE CEREMONY
All graduating students need to report to the registration desk on arrival. The registration desk will open from 11.30am on the day, on the paved area opposite 36 Bedford Square. Guest tickets will also be available for collection by the graduating student at the registration desk.
At 1.45pm all graduating students are required to gather at the garden’s North Gate entrance and make themselves known to the undergraduate and graduate school coordinators.
The South Gate entrance to Bedford Square Gardens will open for guests at 2.00pm. Seating will be first come first served.
Following the speeches and presentation of awards and prizes, students will proceed to the paved area in front of 34-36 Bedford Square for the group photograph. Complimentary drinks and canapés will be served in the gardens until 6.30pm. Please make your guests aware that in line with UK licensing laws no drinks will be allowed outside the garden gates.
The 2019 Projects Review exhibition will open immediately following the ceremony at 6.30pm.
GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHS AND FILM
Individual photographs: From 12.00pm on the day of the ceremony, academic photographers Ede & Ravenscroft will be available to take portrait photographs of graduates and guests. They will be based in 32 Bedford Square First Floor Front and will have graduation robes on hand for individual photos. Copies of individual photos will be available to order from Ede & Ravenscroft directly. Details on how to register for your individual photos will follow soon.
Group photograph: A group photograph of all graduates will be taken in front of the AA immediately following the ceremony. This will be available to pre-order online for a discounted price when booking graduation tickets, or available to purchase at full price after the event at the AA Bookshop. This year students will be able to buy both the formal photograph and an informal one.
Graduation film: A film documenting graduation day will be available to pre-order at a discounted price, or available to purchase at the standard rate after the event.
STUDENT ASSISTANTS NEEDED
If you know any non-graduating students who are eligible to work in the UK and interested in assisting on the day please ask them to contact the Membership & Alumni Office at graduation@aaschool.ac.uk. They will be paid the standard student rate, and will be entitled to attend the ceremony at no cost.
DISABLED FACILITIES
If wheelchair access is required, please contact graduation@aaschool.ac.uk in advance to make the necessary arrangements.
TOILET FACILITIES
Toilet facilities will not be available in the Gardens. The toilets within the AA buildings will be available for use. Please ensure you advise your guests of this in advance.
PARKING FACILITIES
There is an NCP Car Park on Adeline Place and limited Pay & Display bays in Bedford Square. Please advise any driving guests that restrictions on resident bays are enforced 24 hours a day.
Should you require any further information about the ceremony, please contact the Membership & Alumni Office 10am-6pm Monday-Friday on 020 7887 4034 or at graduation@aaschool.ac.uk