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...

Rachael Holman
Events Coordinator, Student Recruitment and Outreach and Admissions Services
Role at graduation: Chief Certificate Steward

My usual job involves…
me working in the Events Team in Student Recruitment where I coordinate recruitment events such as Warwick Visits, School visits to Campus, Campus Tours and Offer Holder Open Days.

But during graduation week I…
make sure that all the Certificates are printed to a high standard and are all in the right order to be handed out to the students during the ceremonies. During the ceremonies I am on stage making sure that the certificates go to the rightful owner.

I really enjoy being involved with…
being on stage, right in the heart of it all. I love the music and the anticipation as the procession makes its way into the hall. In my day to day role I work closely with the Warwick Welcome Service Ambassadors and it is lovely to see some of our very own Ambassadors crossing the stage on their special graduation day.

Graduation week is unique because…
I work on a lot of events over the year and all are fun but this is the one event that really feels like quite a regal affair. I get to dress up in my gowns from my University and be amongst the music and the procession and it really does feel very formal and exciting. It is nice to work in Student recruitment and see the students at the start of their journey and then to see them graduate at the end of their journey.

If I could change one thing about graduation it would be….
the music. (Sorry). It is great at first but you do find that for the several weeks in the wake of the ceremonies you are still humming it.

I’ve only just realised that…
there is a ‘Winker’. They have an important role to let the Mace Bearer know when the Academic Procession have sat down behind him or her on the stage and this is done by a simple ‘wink’ from someone who is at the front of the hall. If it all goes wrong the Mace bearer can be stood there for a very long time.

Not everyone knows that…
there is a Degree Congregation Mascot and he is called……..DC! He even got his very own cap and gown last year, so look out for him at the Box Office, where he will be on hand to help. He’s sometimes a bit quiet though.

What would you say to colleagues considering getting involved?
Sign up and get involved. It will bring back lovely memories of your own graduation or maybe even inspire you to get studying.

In three words, what invaluable tip or advice would you give graduands?
Enjoy every moment!