Disabled access
The University is able to provide assistance for you or your guests, if either of you have a disability. If you want to discuss accessibility or make arrangements before the ceremony then please contact the Ceremonies Office at any time by email, or call us on 0113 343 4117. You can also complete the Special Requirements section during registration for the degree ceremonies which will open in May 2012. Alternatively you will have the opportunity to discuss arrangements with the Ceremony Officer on the day of your ceremony and see them in the Great Hall before the doors open to graduands and guests. If you make your way to the Great Hall approximately 45 minutes before your ceremony is due to start and ask for the Ceremony Officer, he or she will be happy to discuss arrangements with you as soon as the previous ceremony is ended and the hall cleared.
Access at the University
Both the Great Hall and the Student Union are wheelchair accessible. Access to the Student Union Building. The Great Hall where the ceremonies take place is on the first floor of the building which is accessible via a lift. The Portering staff are also on hand to offer assistance once inside the hall.
Information regarding accessible accommodation can be provided by Disability Services (Equality Unit) on 0113 343 3927.
The Great Hall
Degree ceremonies are held on the first floor of the Great Hall which is accessible via a lift. The stage also has a platform lift if you are unable, or do not wish to use the central steps. The hall is fitted with an induction loop system.
If you decide you do not want to go up on the stage to receive your certificate, you will proceed to the bottom of the steps at the front of the stage when your name is read out. The Presenter will come down the steps to confer your degree upon you and the photographer will take your photograph.
At the end of the ceremony all graduates will process down the central aisle of the Great Hall, behind the academic procession. The procession will turn left out of the hall and proceed down the main staircase. If you need to use the lift to exit the building you should turn right and wait until the procession has left. Once the aisle is free you can make your way out of the hall via the accessible route. You will then be able to make your way out of the building via the main lift.
Parking
There are 15 parking bays situated alongside the School of Design which will be reserved for badge holders, although they cannot be reserved for individuals. These bays are as close to the Great Hall as possible. Alternative accessible bays are available via the main Woodhouse Lane entrance, but these bays fill up quickly as they are used by disabled staff and students. It is recommended that you use the School of Design bays. Car parking is free for disabled badge holders and you will need to go to the parking booth at the main entrance on Woodhouse Lane where you will be directed to an appropriate space.
Accessible Routes
Directions to the Great Hall from the Textile parking bays:
- From the Textile parking bays, make your way towards the centre of the campus.
- On your left you will approach a courtyard with railings. The accessible entrance to the Great Hall is via this courtyard.
- Proceed through the courtyard and under the arch to the far right.
- Enter the building through the side door on your right. This will bring you in on the ground floor. The Hall is situated on the top floor.
- Once you are inside the building, following the corridor (accessible toilets are situated on this corridor) and turn left at the end. This will take you to the lift.
- Take the lift to the top floor. When you come out of the lift turn left and proceed forward.
- This will bring you into the hall itself. Porters will assist you with the lift and with seating you in the hall.