Hear from colleagues who are taking time to contribute to graduation week, find out about their role and what they enjoy about it. It's a chance to see some of the work that goes on behind the scenes to help make graduation week a success.

Behind the scenes with...

Jo Handford
Public Affairs Officer & Project Manager (Chancellor’s Commission), Stakeholder Relations, External Affairs
Role at graduation: Civic Dignitary Host & ‘The Winker’

My usual job involves…
My role as Public Affairs Officer involves managing our key stakeholder liaison meetings, representing the University at external meetings, responding to enquiries from councillors and local residents and producing a range of communications for our local and regional communities. I am also Project Manager for the Chancellor’s Commission which is an independent inquiry established to consider the future role of University of Warwick in Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider region.

But during graduation week…
I’m responsible for looking after the civic dignitaries who attend the various degree ceremonies. Several weeks in advance we send out invites to the ceremonies to the mayors (some councils call them chairs) in the 16 local authorities that cover or are near to the campus, and also the High Sheriffs of Warwickshire and the West Midlands. On the days that they attend ceremonies, it is my role to greet them when they arrive, brief them on what to expect, introduce them to members of our senior management team and – most importantly – accompany them in the procession.

I really enjoy being involved with…
our degree ceremonies themselves. I am a member of the Residential Life Team and so have the role of welcoming students to the University during arrivals weekend at the beginning of their University career. It is an absolute privilege to also be part of celebrating their hard work and commitment at the end of their degrees. Similar to arrivals weekend there is such a buzz of excitement during graduation – it’s infectious!

Graduation week is unique because…
It is one of the most important moments in our students’ lives. Everyone is there to celebrate their accomplishments but also help them to look forward to their future.

Not everyone knows that…
part of the Civic Dignitary Host’s role is to let the mace bearer know when the Presiding Officer and other people on the stage are all in their places and the ceremony can begin – we do this by giving him or her a wink – that’s why our role is sometimes known as The Winker!

What would you say to colleagues considering getting involved?
Do it! It’s an absolute privilege to be able to say congratulations to our talented students, share in the happiness and to wish them well on their chosen path.

In three words, what invaluable tip or advice would you give graduands?
Keep in touch!