Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked Questions:

When will I be notified about my conferring ceremony?
A conferring pack containing tickets, and all the information you require will be posted out to you approximately 2 weeks prior to the date of your conferring ceremony.

How many guests can I bring?
To comply with fire and safety regulations it is necessary to restrict the number of guests to two per graduand. Admission is strictly by ticket only. Unfortunately requests for extra tickets cannot be considered.

Can children attend?
The conferring ceremonies are not suitable for babies or children under 12 years of age. As seating is limited, children over 12 must have their own ticket.

What should I wear?
You are required to wear academic dress, which may be hired from the University College Cork appointed robemaker, McGinley's Academic Dress Hire. To visit their website click here

How long does the ceremony last?
Each ceremony lasts for approximately one and a quarter hours.

When should I arrive?
You should assemble in the reception area of Áras na Mac Leinn, UCC no later than 40 minutes before your ceremony is due to start. This is to allow the roll call and seating of students. Guests should arrive no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony is due to start. Please note that ceremonies will not be delayed for late-comers.

What happens at the ceremony?
40 minutes before each ceremony is due to start your name will be called. You will be seated with your class, in the order in which your parchment will be presented. The academic procession will take the stage and President of University College Cork, Professor Gerard T. Wrixon, will then open the ceremony. The ceremony is conducted in Latin. The Dean of Faculty will stand and present the graduands due to be conferred. As your name is read out, you walk up to the stage. The President will present your parchment and you pose together for a photograph taken by the appointed College photographer. You are now a graduate! You then sign the Graduates Register and return to your seat. When the ceremony is concluded, the President will introduce the guest speaker to address the new graduates. Full instructions on what to do will be given to you on the day. As each ceremony involves large numbers of people we greatly appreciate your co-operation in ensuring they run smoothly.

What refreshments are available?
Each ceremony will be followed by a complimentary reception including tea/coffee and a light buffet for you and your two guests (admission is by ticket only).

Will there be an official photographer ?
University College Cork's official appointed photographer, Barry's Photographic Services, will be in attendance before, during and after the ceremonies offering a range of services. Please note that no other photography company is authorized to operate on UCC grounds. To visit the Barry's Photographic Services website click here

Can provision be made for guests with special needs?
We are happy to make special arrangements to accommodate anyone with a disability at the ceremonies. If you or your guests require assistance, please make contact with us at least a week before the ceremony to make arrangements. The Office of Marketing and Communications, University College Cork.
Tel: + 353 (0)21 4902812, or e-mail: conferrings@ucc.ie

Where do I park?
Parking in and around UCC is very restricted. Don?t have your day spoiled by finding that your car has been clamped or towed away. Graduands and guests are advised to avail of the UCC Park and Ride facilities. This service is available free of charge from 8am to 6pm. These services operate from:

* Presentation Brothers Sports Grounds, Dennehy's Cross, (buses run at a quarter past the hour and a quarter to the hour)

The nearest public car park is St. Finbarr's on Wandsworth Quay, approximately 10 minutes walk from the campus. Due to extensive, ongoing road works in Cork city centre we suggest that you add extra time to your journey to allow for unexpected delays.

When will I get my certificate?
Your certificate will be presented to you at the ceremony.

What happens if I cannot attend my conferring ceremony?
If you are unable to attend your conferring ceremony you will be conferred in absentia and your parchment will be posted to you at you at your college-registered home address unless otherwise requested directly after your conferring ceremony. Please advise us if you will not be attending by returning the green in absentia form in your conferring pack.

Can I defer?
Unfortunately conferrings cannot be deferred.

UCC Conferring Dances
Conferring Dances will be held on the evening of your conferring day in the following venues:
Monday 13 - Thursday 16 September, Rochestown Park Hotel
Friday 17 September, Morans Silversprings Hotel

Tickets cost 15 euro and are available daily from The Information Desk, Devere Hall/ Aras na Mac Leinn.
If you wish to book your tickets in advance or for further details please contact:
Vince O' Brien, UCCSU Entertainments Manager
Tel: 021 4902034
Email: v.obrien@ucc.ie

Congratulations on your achievement and enjoy your conferring day.