Graduations update – January 2022

Following careful consideration, we have decided to continue with our planned January graduation ceremonies. This decision comes after detailed discussion and risk assessments of the events. We continue to closely follow UK government and local public health guidance to protect the safety of our visitors, staff and students.

Our ceremonies are a time for celebration and we want to ensure that those graduating are able to do so safely. As a result, we are taking all necessary precautions, including:

• Face coverings – all staff, students and guests attending the ceremonies must wear a face covering at all times unless a person has a legitimate exemption (stickers will be provided if desired to those who are exempt). Graduands are able to remove face coverings while crossing the stage and for photography only.  
• Lateral flow testing – we are strongly encouraging graduands and their guests to take lateral flow tests prior to attending their ceremony, only attending if the result is negative.
• Cleaning and ventilation – Curve theatre is deep cleaned every morning and between each show/event and there is enhanced spot cleaning and sanitisation throughout the day. In addition, all areas are treated with antiviral mist. The air handling system has also been optimised to provide cool fresh air throughout all of the performance spaces to ensure the building remains well ventilated. All fans are regulated to increase fan speed in proportion to the amount of CO2 in the air, which results in cleaner and fresher air being delivered into the auditorium during the day’s events.

We will, of course, continue to assess the risk involved in hosting the ceremonies and will carefully monitor any change in government guidance. In the case of further changes to our ceremonies, all of those attending will be contacted at the earliest possible opportunity. Updates will also be added to our website and FAQs.

We continue to advise graduating students not to make any non-refundable travel or accommodation bookings, with government Covid-19 restrictions and advice still subject to change.

We look forward to celebrating our long-awaited ceremonies with the Class of 2020 and Class of 2022 in spectacular style at the award-winning Curve theatre.