University of Chichester Graduation Ceremonies - Academic Robing and Photography

The University of Chichester is seeking a suitably experienced and skilled partner to work with on our graduation ceremonies. We want a provider that feels like an extension of our team, with the ability to achieve a smooth process for both our university events team and our students in the run up to and on the day of the events. Someone who offers robing and photography for the day as well as tickets for the graduands and guests for the event. We are looking for a partner who gives us clear communication on the specifications requested and deadlines in good time. This partner must have good people relationship skills as well as strong experience, skills and knowledge in this field. Overall, our aim is to give our students the best day and experience possible, so that all they need to worry about is what to wear or how best to celebrate! Currently, our graduation ceremonies take place twice a year, the first larger ceremonies focus predominately on our undergraduate programmes with the slightly smaller occasions later in the academic year for our postgraduate and non-traditional course routes. With the undergraduate currently taking place in September, however from 2027 onwards, these will be brought forward to July. Our postgraduate ceremonies will be in March. Our ceremonies are held at Chichester Cathedral where we have around 130 graduands per ceremony, with anywhere from 4-12 ceremonies at each event. The 3 key requirements are academic dress, photography, and ticketing. Graduand dress is black robes with a blue and gold hood, Staff to wear their own institutional robes, and senior team to wear high-quality blue jacquard fabric with gold detailing. Photography requires studios set up on location and photos of graduands receiving their awards. We require the supplier to undertake ticketing on our behalf and work with us to manage this.