Following the success of last year’s first ever Matriculation Ceremony, the ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral to welcome new students to Bishop Grosseteste University has now become an annual event.

This year’s Matriculation Ceremony, which takes place today (Monday 10th October), will give both undergraduate and postgraduate students the chance to meet university staff and each other. All newly-enrolled students have been invited.

The university’s Vice Chancellor the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, explained: “Matriculation is the term used to describe students’ formal entry into the university. Following last year’s successful Matriculation Ceremony, we hope this ceremony again serves as a friendly welcome to all those who are starting their studies here this year and that students feel they are becoming a part of the wider university family.”

The ceremony will be held in Lincoln Cathedral on Monday 10th October at 3.30pm. For most students this will also be the place of their graduation, thanks to the university’s links with the Diocese of Lincoln.

An academic procession with over 130 participants will take place, including members of the university’s academic staff, University Council and officers of the university making a grand entrance. Distinguished county and civic guests have also been invited to attend.

Students will be given a matriculation badge, which has been specially created for this year’s event bearing the university logo, to commemorate the occasion.

Professor Neil added: “The Subdean of Lincoln will welcome students to the cathedral and the pre-signed matricula roll will then be endorsed by the registrar and secretary on behalf of the university.

“I will then invite students to ‘share the hand of friendship’ and shake hands with each other to admit them all formally as members of the university.

“Speeches will then be given by me, the President of BGU Students’ Union and other members of the university staff.”

Students will leave the cathedral and a mass group photograph will be taken of the newly matriculated students following a public announcement by Lincoln’s Town Crier.

Notes to editors:

• Bishop Grosseteste University was established in January 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012.
• It is an independent higher education institution based in Lincoln which awards its own degrees at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• It changed its name from Bishop Grosseteste University College to Bishop Grosseteste University in November 2012.
• BGU has over 2,300 students, including undergraduate, postgraduate and research, with over 280 students at collaborative partners across Lincolnshire.
• In 2015 BGU was the second highest ranked university in the UK for employability with almost 99% of leavers in work or study six months after graduating (2013/14 DLHE).
• To learn more about Bishop Grosseteste University visit www.bishopg.ac.uk

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