Making a Booking

Bookings for degree ceremonies may be made through the Steward’s Secretary. Early booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Before booking, please bear in mind the following University Regulations:

• A candidate may be presented in person for only one degree at each ceremony. This will normally be the superior of the degrees for which he or she is eligible. A candidate may, however, take other degrees in absence at the same ceremony when a degree is taken in person.
• Once a candidate’s name has been entered he or she may not withdraw from the ceremony. If a candidate is unable to be present, the degree will be conferred in absentia.
• The college may not present candidates for degrees if any debts are known to be outstanding to the College or the University. If in doubt, please check with the Steward’s Office on 01865 276251.

When you have decided which ceremony you would like to attend please email the Steward’s Assistant [helen.camunas-lopez@chch.ox.ac.uk] with the following information:

Full name:
Matriculation year:
Date of Birth:
Degree(s) to be conferred (e.g.BA, M.St, D.Phil etc):
Conferral in person or in absentia:
Ceremony you would like your degree(s) conferred at:

All reservations will be confirmed in writing by email subject to availability of places. The appropriate booking form will be sent to you for completion. Please return your form as soon as possible and no later than six weeks before the ceremony in order to confirm your place. If you do not return the form by this time your reservation will be cancelled and the place offered for others to book.

As the ceremony you book may be some time off, it is important that we have an email address and telephone contact number where we can reach you after leaving college to give you updates as your ceremony date approaches.

The final list of candidates is submitted to the University two to three weeks before the ceremony. Following approval of the list, the final programme for the day will then be emailed to graduands.

If you wish to attend a ceremony on a particular date you are advised to apply during the previous year or sooner as places tend to be booked very quickly. The quota system does not affect those taking degrees in absentia.

Degrees can be taken in person or in absentia

Taking a Degree Without Attending a Ceremony (In Absentia)

It is possible to take a degree without being present at the ceremony. If you wish to have a degree conferred in this manner, you must notify the Steward’s Assistant a month before the date of the intended degree ceremony. To make arrangements to take a degree "in absentia", please contact Helen Camunas-Lopez, the Steward’s Assistant.