Graduation is a milestone celebration for students. At King’s, we strive to make our ceremonies accessible for everyone who wants to attend, but we recognise that large graduation ceremonies are sometimes not suitable for everyone due to physical or mental health issues, or neurodivergence.
To give every student the opportunity to celebrate their academic achievements, this October King’s ran its first Relaxed Graduation ceremony in The Exchange, Bush House South West Wing. The event was an alternative celebration to accommodate students who can’t or choose not to attend large events due to health issues.
The graduation experience
Students were able to celebrate their achievements at the university with their friends, families and supporters in a more relaxed atmosphere, with attendee numbers limited to maintain a calmer and quieter environment, and bookings managed with timed slots. There were a range of activities that students could choose to take part in, including the opportunity to wear a gown, have official photos taken, and receive a scroll. A relaxation area was available during the event and, following best practices from other universities offering relaxed graduations, staff members were encouraged to wear neutral clothing without patterns to minimise visual overstimulation. Senior Vice President (Operations), Steve Large and Deputy Vice President (Operations), Robin McIver, were the presiding officers in attendance at the event and met with students and their guests.
The event received positive feedback from students and their guests, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to recognise their achievements in an environment more suitable to them. Many families had travelled some distance to be in attendance, and comments indicated they found the event to be a meaningful celebration.
Think Relaxed Graduations might be more suitable for you?
Graduation invites have recently been sent out to eligible students for January 2025 ceremonies. If you feel attending a relaxed graduation event might be something you would be interested in and may be more suitable to your needs, or to find out more about future ceremonies please contact the Graduation team.
Please be aware that this event is designed for students whose accessibility, neurodiversity or other specific needs cause them to feel unable to attend our main graduation ceremonies. If you are unable to attend the graduation ceremonies you are invited to due to scheduling clashes or other reasons, but would otherwise be able to attend a graduation ceremony, you have the option to defer your place to the next set of ceremonies as part of the booking process.
You can find out more about graduation and how we can support students to attend our traditional ceremonies on Student Services Online.