Congratulations to our 2014 summer graduands

Monday, 07 July 2014

This week (9-11 July), nearly 3,500 students will graduate from the University of Reading. Eighteen ceremonies will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the University's magnificent Great Hall on the London Road campus.

Many members of staff will give their time voluntarily to help at the ceremonies, from marshalling and stewarding to manning the information desk. A huge thank you to everyone involved.

Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell said: "The University is extremely proud of all its graduates. Many will go on to achieve great things across disciplines as diverse as meteorology, fine art, construction management, law, biological sciences, food and nutritional sciences, and history to name but a few.

"By choosing Reading, one of the world's top 1% universities, our graduands now have limitless opportunities for a successful future. Having been taught by leading experts who are innovative and passionate about their subject, they have received a wonderful start to their career. My congratulations go to all who are graduating over the coming days."

Staff, students, friends and families will be able to watch the graduation ceremonies live online. If you will be tweeting about graduation, don't forget to use the hashtag #rdggrad.

Watch live online >>> [available from Wednesday 9 July]

Students with queries about graduation should be directed to the Graduation website.

Alumnus of the Year 2014

On Wednesday 9 July Andy Mackay, the founding member of legendary rock band Roxy Music, will receive the Alumnus of the Year award 2014. The Award was established in 2008 to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals who have graduated from the University of Reading.

Andy graduated from the University of Reading in 1968 with a BA in Music and English Literature. While studying at Reading he made the connections that would lead him to help form one of the most inventive and original bands in British music history.

Honorary Degrees 2014

On Thursday 10 July Sir Charles Mayfield, Chairman of John Lewis Partnership , will receive an Honorary Degree for Doctor of Science. One of the UK's leading businessmen Sir Charles is also Chairman of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

On Friday 11 July Sir Keir Starmer, KCB QC will be awarded with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. Sir Keir was the fourteenth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the sixth head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

RUSU Excellence Awards

Each year, Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) invites students to nominate members of staff whom they feel have had a great impact on their learning whilst at University. This year's eight winners will be honoured over the course of our three graduation days.

• Dr Emily West - Research Inspired Teaching Excellence Award
• Dr Karsten Oster Lundqvist - Technological Innovation in Teaching Excellence Award
• Dr Becky Thomas - Personal Tutor RUSU Excellence Award
• Chris Bacon - Support Staff RUSU Excellence Award
• Vishal Talwar - Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning Lecturer Excellence Award -Henley Business School
• Dr Alan Renwick - Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning Lecturer Excellence Award - Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science
• Daniel Fryer - Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning Lecturer Excellence Award - Faculty of Life Sciences
• Dr Peter Chamberlain - Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning Lecturer Excellence Award - Faculty of Science

Parking disruptions

Whiteknights

Traffic arrangements on and around campus will be disrupted during the three graduation days (Wednesday 9 - Friday 11 July). Car parks 2, 7 and the contractors' car park on Queen's Drive (as well as the grassed area to the rear of the sports centre depending on the weather) may also be used for the event.

As a result these car parks will be closed to staff on all three days and there is likely to be disruption to parking and traffic around the Whiteknights campus. Please try and avoid bringing your car to Whiteknights if you can and use public transport where possible.

A one-way system will be put in place along Queen's Drive from 8:30- 17:00hrs.

London Road

There will be limited car parking spaces available at London Road for staff during the graduation period.

This is for safety reasons, as the shuttle buses between Whiteknights and London Road will be dropping off and picking up in Acacia Road and vehicle access to the London Road site will be restricted to bus use only.

Access to the Crown Place/Whitegates car park at London Road will also be restricted for the duration of graduation.

If you need to travel to London Road from Whiteknights (and back) please use the free shuttle bus service which will operate between Queen's Drive at Whiteknights and Acacia Road at regular intervals throughout the three days of graduation.