Matriculation

Matriculation 2024 – 9:30am on Tuesday 1 October 2024

Matriculation is the formal process by which a student enters a university and we want to welcome all our new first year undergraduate and postgraduate students, at the beginning of your university experience, to both the RAU community and to the wider Cirencester community.

The Matriculation Ceremony will take place in the Parish Church of St John Baptist in Cirencester Market Place and, after gowning up at the RAU Campus, our Academic Registrar Dan Shaffer will lead the procession of students and senior members of the RAU Staff, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter McCaffery, from campus, through Cirencester Park, into the town and on to the church.

FAQs

Is Matriculation mandatory to attend?

No, however attendance is encouraged as this welcome is part of the formal programme of induction for incoming students, both undergraduates and postgraduates, it is held once a year in October.

Is this a formal event?

While the event has a formal element to it, we hope you will have fun and enjoy it!

Can I bring a guest?

Unlike Graduation, which is open to guests, the Matriculation ceremony is just for our students as part of your induction.

What if I am unable to walk from campus to the Parish Church?

We will provide a minibus for any students who are physically unable to join the procession. Please contact us at marketing@rau.ac.uk as soon as possible.

Why are we wearing black gowns?

The Matriculating students will all wear black gowns, typical of those worn at Graduation, however, as Matriculation marks the start of your university journey, rather than the end, you will not have a coloured hood or cap as those are saved for your Graduation day.

Do I need to pay for the gown?

No – we will provide you with the gown free of charge. There will be a range of sizes available and you don’t need to have booked in advance.

Do I get to keep the gown?

Sorry - no! Your gown will need to be handed back to RAU staff and colleagues outside the Parish Church after the ceremony. Once you have handed the gown back you will be given a ticket for a free street food lunch which will be available in Cirencester Market Place.

What should I wear?

Please wear whatever you would like (within reason!) but please do dress a little more smartly than you might for a normal Tuesday morning. Also, the walk is about a mile so please do wear sensible shoes that you will be comfortable to walk in.

Will there be first aid available?

Yes – first aid coverage will be provided for both the procession and the ceremony. If you need first aid, please contact any member of RAU staff who will be present both during the procession and throughout the ceremony.

Will there be toilets at the venue?

Yes, toilets are available in Cirencester Abbey Park, next to the Parish Church.

What happens if it is raining?

In the event that bad weather means it is impossible for the procession, from the RAU campus down to the town, to take place, you will be taken from the RAU campus to the church by bus. The procession will go ahead if it is drizzling so we would suggest you dress appropriately for the weather and perhaps bring an umbrella.

Can I take pictures?

Yes, feel free to take photos and please share them on social media using hashtag #OurRAU.

Will you be taking pictures?

Yes. We will be taking photographs and videos and we have also invited the local press to cover both the procession and the ceremony.

The photographs/film may be used in RAU/Students' Union marketing materials and communications, as well as on our website, press releases, social media channels, and use by the media.

If you have any questions about the Matriculation ceremony, please email marketing@rau.ac.uk and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.