Graduations are the highlight of the Imperial year, where we can all come together to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students.
Commemoration Day 2025 will be held on Wednesday 8 October, and is for our most recent undergraduates.
There are three main ways staff can be involved in the day, and celebrate with their graduands, so please do read the below, and choose the best options for you.
Attending the ceremony
Attending the Faculty Reception
Volunteering on the day
Attending the ceremony
Details of how to attend the ceremony and take part in the academic procession are circulated by each faculty and/or department ahead of time, usually by the Heads of Department.
To attend the ceremony and participate in the staff procession, please order your gown or confirm with the Graduation Events team that you have your own gown by 12:00 on Friday, 12 September 2025. Please note that there are a limited number of spaces available, and we operate a first-come, first-served approach. The booking system will close early if the procession fills up before this date.
If this is your first graduation ceremony at Imperial as a member of staff, please let the team know at staffgraduation@imperial.ac.uk and they will set you up with an Ede & Ravenscroft account, to order your academic dress and register your attendance.
Attending the ceremony
All staff who register to attend the graduation ceremony as part of the procession will automatically get access to their Faculty Reception.
If you wish to attend the reception only, you will need to fill out the Faculty Receptions - Staff reception form to confirm your attendance and receive your e-pass.
Book here to attend the Faculty Reception
Volunteering on the day
There are a variety of volunteer roles available on Commemoration Day, and each is vital to creating a positive experience for graduands. Roles include:
- Guiding graduands and guests throughout our South Kensington Campus.
- Heading up our information desks.
- Supporting graduand queries at Door 6 of the Royal Albert Hall.
- Stewarding inside the Royal Albert Hall.
Even if you are planning to attend a ceremony or Faculty Reception, please do consider volunteering at another time of day, as we need plenty of volunteers to help the events run smoothly. Prior to the event you will be provided with a detailed briefing pack and volunteer guide. All volunteers will be fully supported before and during their shift.
Sign up for volunteering at Commemoration Day 2025.
If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Francesca Secola at graduationvolunteers@imperial.ac.uk