n this international episode, Tassel CEO Chase Rigby sits down with Beth Lincoln (Manchester Met) and Richard Barden (King’s College London) to explore how graduation is evolving across the UK. From hiring gowns to running 29 ceremonies in two weeks, this episode digs into the differences—and surprising similarities—between UK and US commencement traditions.

📝 Topics Discussed:

How UK universities handle cap and gown rentals (and why no one throws their cap)

Running “relaxed” graduation ceremonies for students with sensory or access needs

The growing trend of smaller, more personalized ceremonies

Why printed programs might be on their way out

Student costs, inclusion, and how some schools are helping grads attend

A behind-the-scenes look at 14–29 ceremonies in a single week

Forming the UK’s graduation planning community—and what US schools can learn from it

📌 Episode Highlights:

[01:38] Beth and Richard share their own graduation memories (spoiler: one involved a Lord!)[05:06] How a UK-wide group of 300+ graduation planners formed during COVID[06:35] “Relaxed ceremonies”: a low-sensory alternative for anxious or neurodivergent grads[12:31] Why students hire (not buy) their gowns in the UK—and what it costs[18:10] 14 ceremonies in a week? Why UK venues limit capacity[20:43] 29 ceremonies at Manchester Met and how the team pulls it off[24:02] The push for personalization: student-focused speakers and stories[28:27] Printed brochures are out—what students want instead[32:14] How collaboration across departments improved graduation logistics[36:28] Supporting students who can’t afford to attend[37:32] Why universities still invest in graduation—despite budget pressures

🎓 Want to deliver a more personalized, modern ceremony?

Learn how Tassel can help → tassel.com

This episode of The Liminal is brought to you by Tassel — the platform trusted by hundreds of schools to power commencement logistics, from ticketing and name reading to announcements and displays.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heytassel.substack.com