A look back at Graduation 2012

"Graduation is my favourite time of the year. It's the time where students get to share their accomplishments" Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Grant.

Graduation week is one of the busiest but most enjoyable times of year for many staff at the University.

A big focus of our efforts this year was to look at ways in which we build on successful areas such as the live graduation webcast to create a buzz around the week and make graduation an interactive experience for everyone involved.

For the first time this year we set up a Graduation Blog to share tips, memories and useful information with graduates and their families. Throughout the week we had our Grad Reporter Alex, from the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, out and about gathering stories and photos which she shared via the blog and on Twitter @CUGradreporter.

Following his success on Visit Day, we let the Dragon loose in all his graduation glory, complete with cap and gown. He proved to be a huge hit with everyone involved, posing for countless photographs with students and staff and even crossing the stage for a handshake himself. He's currently enjoying a well earned rest following a busy week, but is optimistic about his career prospects after collecting more than 20 different degrees!

Another new initiative this year was a live Twitter Wall, displaying messages of support and good luck from parents, current students, alumni and employers. The wall was projected in St. David's Hall and in various University buildings throughout the week and provided a lovely means for messages of support to reach the graduates. Graduates were also able to record messages and take photographs in Video Booths provided by the University, sharing their memories and messages on chalkboards.