Q: Where do I go to book a degree ceremony?
A: At LMH degree ceremony bookings are organised by the Development Office on the first floor of Deneke (Principal's corridor). Mrs Jane Wang handles the details.

Q: When do I book my ceremony?
A: The Development Office takes bookings from the start of Hilary Term for the Big Degree Day in September. You should book as soon after that as possible to be sure of a place.

Q: What are Mrs Wang's contact details?
A: You can email Mrs Wang at development@lmh.ox.ac.uk; you can telephone her on 84073 or you can visit the Development Office on the first floor of Deneke (Principal's corridor). She is ordinarily in the office from approx 9 - 5.15, but is at lunch between 1 - 1.45.

Q: I have sent Mrs Wang an email asking her to reserve me a place. Am I booked?
A: No! You are not booked until you have filled in a form and returned your form and payment in person to the Development Office. An email request is not sufficient.

Q: I don't know how many guests I want. Can I add them later?
A: Yes, you can let us know up to two weeks before the ceremony if your guest numbers change, but we won't chase you. It is your responsibility to let us know of any amendments to your booking.

Q: What time is the ceremony on 28 September?
A: There are two ceremonies. The first is a 2pm and the second is at 4.30pm.

Q: I have booked for the 2pm ceremony. What time do I come to College?
A: You and your guests are invited to a reception starting from 11am. An early lunch (fork buffet) will be served at around 12noon and the Dean of Degrees will explain how the ceremony proceeds. You should plan to leave College at around 1pm in order to gather at Convocation House by 1.30pm so that the Dean can confirm you are there before the ceremony begins.

Q: I have booked for the 4.30pm ceremony. What time do I come to College?
A: You and your guests are invited to a reception starting from 2pm. A late lunch (fork buffet) will be served at around 2.30 and someone will explain on behalf of the Dean of Degrees how the ceremony proceeds. You should plan to leave College at around 3.30pm in order to gather at Convocation House by 4pm so that the Dean can confirm you are there before the ceremony begins.

Q: How much does the lunch and reception cost?
A: You must pay £16 for each guest. Your lunch is free.

Q: What do I do if I am not attending lunch?
A: You should join the others at Convocation House at least 30 minutes before your ceremony.

Q: Is it okay to bring children?
A: Children under 7 will not be admitted to the Sheldonian.

Q: I would like more than three tickets. Is that possible?
A: The University only allocates three tickets per graduand. If you would like more please let Mrs Wang know. If someone needs fewer than three tickets she may be able to allocate an extra one to you. But there is, unfortunately, no guarantee.

Q: Is there a charge for ceremony tickets or for my certificate?
A: No, there is no charge for the ceremony or for your certificate.

Q: How do I get my certificate?
A: You must pick up your degree day pack, which will contain your tickets to the Sheldonian and your certificate, from Talbot Hall. At the same time you will need to sign the Dean of Degrees' list so that he knows you have arrived.

Q: Why haven't I received my tickets for the Sheldonian?
A: Tickets are not sent out. You pick them up with your certificate when you sign the Dean's list in Talbot Hall on your degree day.

Q: What do I wear at the degree ceremony?
A: You must wear subfusc.

For the BA and other Undergraduate degrees (MEng, MChem, MBiochem, MMath, MPhys, MEsc) you must have an undergraduate gown, hood and cap/mortarboard. Women may carry or wear their caps/mortarboads. Men must carry their mortarboards inside the Sheldonian.

Q: Where can I hire a gown and hood?
A: You can hire all required academic dress at:

Shepherd & Woodward Ltd.
109-113 High Street, Oxford
(Tel. 01865-249491)
(e-mail: enquiries@shepwood.co.uk)
(www.shepherdandwoodward.co.uk/academic.html)

Castell & Son (Oxford) Ltd.
13 Broad Street, Oxford.
(Tel. 01865-244000)

Walters & Co. (Oxford) Ltd.
10 The Turl, Oxford.
(Tel. 01865-241848)

Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd
119 High Street
(tel 01865 242756)
(www.gownhire.co.uk)

You are advised to reserve your gown as early as possible

Q: Where can I find out more about what happens at the ceremony?
A: Your degree day pack will contain, besides your certificate and your tickets, a booklet that describes the ceremony. The Dean of Degrees, or his delegate, will brief candidates over lunch.

Q: I have outstanding battels or library fines. Can I still graduate?
A: No! It is University and College policy that no one may graduate until ALL debts are cleared. If you are in any doubt, please contact Mrs Helen Post well before your ceremony date.

Q: I've changed my mind and would rather graduate another day. Can I withdraw?
A: We submit your names to the Proctors approximately 16 days before your graduation date. Once your name has been submitted only the Vice Chancellor can approve a withdrawal (which he will do only in the most exceptional circumstances). If you do not arrive your degree will be awarded in absentia and it will not be possible to take it in person on another date.

Q: The 28th of September is not convenient for me, are any other dates available?
A: LMH can present smaller numbers of candidates in person at ceremonies 14 July 2007, 20 October 2007, 3 November 2007, 1 March 2008, and May 2008 date tbc.

Q: I don't want to attend any ceremony; can I get a degree certificate?
A: LMH can present you in absentia and your certificate will be sent to you.