A welcoming ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral is to take place for the first time to formally introduce new students at Bishop Grosseteste University.
The event on 8th October will give both undergraduate and postgraduate students the chance to meet university staff and each other. It is hoped that this matriculation ceremony will now be held annually, and over 1,000 new students have been invited.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, explained: “Matriculation is the term used to describe students' formal entry into the university. We hope this serves as a friendly welcome to all those who are starting their studies here this year and that students feel they are becoming a part of the wider university family.”
The ceremony will be held in Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday 8th October at 3.30pm. For most students this will also be the place of their graduation, thanks to the university’s links with the Diocese of Lincoln. An academic procession will take place, with members of the university’s academic staff, council and officers of the university making a grand entrance. Distinguished county and civic guests will also be invited to attend.
Students will also be given a badge to commemorate the event, a unique modern-day pilgrim badge specially created and designed by the Historic Lincoln Trust which also commemorates the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.
Professor Neil added: “The Dean of Lincoln will welcome students to the cathedral and the matriculation roll will then be endorsed by the Registrar and Secretary on behalf of the university.
“I will then invite students to 'share the hand of friendship' and shake hands with each other to admit them all formally as members of the university. Speeches will then be given by me, the President of BGU Students' Union and Lord Cormack, Chairman of the Historic Lincoln Trust.”
Students will leave the cathedral to be greeted by the university samba band who will be performing following a public announcement by Lincoln’s Town Crier.