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Unsung Hero: Sarazann Bhangal

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.

sBehind the Scenes...

Sarazann Bhangal, PA to the Group Finance Director, University Executive Office
Role at graduation: Certificate Steward

My usual job involves…
Providing organisational and administrative support to the Group Finance Director to ensure she is effectively briefed on all matters within the University that require her attention or awareness. This often involves prioritising queries that need urgent action whilst simultaneously managing diaries, events, correspondence and ad hoc projects. I work very closely with Finance Office and other PA’s in the University Executive Office to help provide high level support to the Senior Management Team.

But during graduation week I…
Have worked as a Certificate Steward, working alongside the Chief Certificate Steward. The role involves working with the Orders of the Day checking team to ensure that all Degree Certificates are in the correct order and any absent graduands are removed from ceremonies on the relevant day. Once all the checks have been completed, I am responsible for handing the Degree Certificate to the Certificate Issuer on stage, who then gives it to the graduate.

I really enjoy being involved with…
The Orders of the Day team and Degree Congregation in general, as it is always enjoyable being a part of a celebratory event that only happens twice a year. Being chosen for this particular role has allowed me to see a different side to the planning and execution that goes on behind the scenes during graduation week.

Graduation week is unique because…
It’s different every year and no two ceremonies are the same. There is always something new to learn with every role that you’re assigned, it just adds to the excitement of the day.

If I could change one thing about graduation it would be…
The length of some of the ceremonies are a bit too long.

I’ve only just realised that…
A great deal of work goes on in checking the Orders of the Day right before the ceremony begins, this is to ensure that any absent graduands are removed from the ceremony and any special requests are taken into account.

What would you say to colleagues considering getting involved?
Do it! It’s a welcome break from your day-to-day. It gets you out and about on campus and in front of excited students and their families. It’s such a happy occasion and one that I like volunteering for every year.

In three words, what invaluable tip or advice would you give graduands?
Lap it up!