Winter Graduation 2024

Congratulations, Class of 2024, on reaching this incredible milestone. Your journey deserves to be celebrated, and this page will be your one-stop destination for all things related to your graduation.

Pre-book your photography here: https://www.lafayettephotograp...

We are extremely proud of our students who have put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to complete their qualifications. Join us with your family, friends and fellow alumni to celebrate your special day. If you are eligible to graduate, you should have received your invitation email. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help. Please contact us at swcgrad@swc.ac.uk

Stay in the loop and join the conversation on social media:

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• Like our Facebook page for event highlights and photos. @thesouthwestcollege
• Join our Instagram community for memorable moments and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. @swccollege

The below information will help to ensure that your Graduation day is a happy memory for many years to come. Graduation will take place at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh on Wednesday 4th December for all eligible Higher Education students who have registered.

Where is the graduation ceremony taking place?
The ceremony will take place at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh which is only a short walk from the Omagh Campus. However all graduands must register at the Omagh Campus.

What time can I collect my gown?
Morning graduates can collect their gown at the Omagh campus between 9am - 10:00am. Afternoon graduates can collect their gown between 1pm - 2:00pm. Staff will be on hand to direct you.

What time can I return my gown?
Morning graduates must return their gown at 1pm sharp. Afternoon graduates must return their gown at 5:15pm sharp

Gowns must be returned before you leave the premises. Please refer to the email you will have received for full details and itinerary.

Graduands

Having secured your ticket from the registration desk and gown you will be directed to your allocated seat for rehearsal. Please ensure you are seated by no later than 1 hour before the ceremony official start time for rehearsal. It is critical for the correct running of the ceremony that you remain in the seat allocated to you by staff.

Attire

While South West College does not state what style of clothes should be worn under your gown, please be advised that Graduation is a ceremonial occasion marking an important achievement in your life. You should dress appropriately for the occasion. Casual jeans, trainers, t-shirts and other casual items of clothing should be avoided. We recommend wearing securely fitting shoes with a suitable heel height as you will be required to walk from your seat onto the stage (via stairs) during the Graduation Ceremony. Graduands who require extra assistance will not be required to walk onto the stage.

Tickets

Once you register a ticket will be allocated to you which must be collected on the day of the graduation ceremony. The ticket you receive at the campus registration desk will enable you to collect your gown, enter the Graduation and to obtain your refreshments.

Tickets are required throughout the day of the Graduation. If you require further information please contact the Graduation Helpdesk on swcgrad@swc.ac.uk. Graduation registration is £45.00. This price includes attendance at the ceremony and reception, the hire of your gown/hood and refreshments (eg. Tea & Dainties).

Babies and Young Children

In the interests of all patrons, we are unable to accommodate babies and children under the age of 3. The ceremony can last up to two hours in length and understandably young children will struggle with the solemn nature of the event.

Can I get my official photography taken?
Yes, you can pre-book your photography for the day here https://www.lafayettephotography.co.uk/graduation/book

Additionally, we would also like to advise you that photographs and videos will be taken at this event. These may be issued to media organisations for South West College publicity purposes, and/or used in College promotional material including newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, electronic and social media, and the internet. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed please inform an event organiser. Photographers will be on duty to take roaming photos for press and marketing materials. Wherever possible, your consent will be obtained but please be aware that this may not be practical in all circumstances e.g. crowd images.

Do I get my certificate at the ceremony?
At the ceremony you will receive a mock-up certificate. The photographers will provide a prop certificate for photographs.

Can I graduate if I owe the College money for fees?
No, all debt must be cleared or you will not be allowed to Graduate. If you are in any doubt please contact our Finance Department to check if any debt is outstanding.

Where do I park?
Disabled blue badge holders will catered for on the day. Car parking is also available at the Omagh campus and the surrounding area within walking distance. The map below outlines where free and paid carparks are located throughout the town within walking distance.

What time to I need to arrive?

Please see email for full details or read below. Graduands should arrive at Omagh Campus for registration and to collect their ticket. Please be advised that Graduands will be expected to be in their seats 1 hour prior to the ceremony time for rehearsal, otherwise you may not be able to take part in the Ceremony.

Please ensure that you have left sufficient time to collect your gown as there may be queues. Gowns and caps must be returned following the Graduation Ceremony after. Failure to return the items will result in a fee of £20.00.

When I arrive at the Omagh Campus where do I go?
There will be ceremonies in both the morning and afternoon. You will be notified via the email address you provided when you booked your tickets as to which you should attend. On arrival for both ceremonies please make your way through the main entrance and look for the registration desk – it will be signposted. Graduates must collect their tickets from the Registration Desk on the day of graduation.

There will also be SWC staff available to assist.

What happens before the ceremony?

You must register at the registration desk to let staff know that you are in attendance and to collect your ticket. You will get gowned and there will be refreshment’s provided.

What do I do when I arrive?

Collect your tickets and gown.

How long will the ceremony last?

Approximately 1 ½ hours.

Can I choose where I sit?

No - It is imperative that you sit in the seat allocated to you by the stewards on duty. You will be called in rows and in alphabetical order to receive your certificate on stage.

Can I leave before the ceremony ends?

No it is essential that you stay seated until the platform party leave the stage.

In preparation for the Ceremony, please be advised of the following arrangements for this special event.

Morning Graduation

For those who have been asked to attend the morning session, your ceremony will commence at 11:30am.

Afternoon Graduation

For those who have been asked to attend the afternoon session, your ceremony will commence at 15:00.

*Your ticket will be available for collection on the day and is required for admission to the Strule Arts Centre, collection of your gown, admission to your Graduand Seat in the Auditorium and refreshments before the ceremony

Is there anywhere we can eat/ drink before the ceremony?

Yes, there will be refreshments available to purchase before the ceremony on Campus in the Bistro. There will also be a drinks reception which will include canapés. This is included in the price.

If I have special requirements, can you cater for them?

Yes, please state these at the time of the online registration we will make arrangements in advance.