The Graduation Ceremony
Venue
Graduation Ceremonies are held in the University Hall.
Arrival time (and possible traffic delays)
You should plan to arrive at least an hour and a half before the ceremony's scheduled starting time. There may be traffic delays in the vicinity of the University, so please allow an additional 15-30 minutes for your trip to avoid arriving late.
Parking
There is parking available for graduation in the Unicentre car park (enter via the first roundabout). If, however, this facility becomes full, Security Gate-keepers will advise you of alternative parking locations on, or around the University. Please allow additional time in case you have to park some distance from the University Hall. To minimise parking congestion, you are encouraged to travel with your guests in one vehicle. A Parking Permit is sent to graduating students, which entitles you to free parking for one vehicle on your graduation day.
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More information is available on the University's website about Parking. |
Registration
Upon arrival, graduands must attend the Registration desk in the upstairs foyer of Building 11, UniCentre Building. Please make sure you bring your student card for identification and receipt of payment for Graduation fees.
The Registration desk opens at 8.00am for morning ceremonies, 1.00pm for afternoon ceremonies and 5.30pm for evening ceremonies.
When you register, you will be given the following:
- your copy of the graduation program booklet, which will have your seat number noted on it;
- a guide to the ceremony;
- tickets for your guests; and
- you will then be directed to collect you hired academic dress.
Guest Tickets
Each graduand is allocated up to 3 guest tickets to be collected at Registration on the day of the ceremony. Children requiring a seat during the ceremony will need a ticket.
The graduation ceremonies are also screened live on a television in the foyer of the Hall and the UniBar for those guests unable to be seated in the Hall.
Please note that due to OH&S and Fire Safety requirements, the University Hall has a strict capacity limit. Therefore requests for extra tickets in advance will not be considered.
Photography
A professional photographer will take photographs of graduates as they receive their awards. These will be available for purchase, as will a video of the ceremony and various memorabilia. You may arrange to have portrait photographs taken before or after the ceremony.
General photos from graduation day are available from the UOW website at www.uow.edu.au/student/graduation/photos.
Names
The name that appears on your official University documents, is the name that will be printed in the graduation Program Booklet and the name that you will be announced by in your ceremony. If your name appears incorrectly, or if you wish to change the name by which you will be presented, you will need to complete a 'Graduation Change of Details Request' form. Applications can be made via SOLS by completing the online form.
(Please note that changes to family names through marriage, divorce etc., must be accompanied by relevant supporting documentation.)
Seating
Graduands and guests must be seated 20 minutes before the advertised ceremony commencement time. As you enter the Hall and are facing the stage, Graduands have reserved, allocated seating on the right-hand side of the Hall. Guests may sit in any non-reserved seat.
Your seat number will be printed on your copy of the program booklet that you will receive when you register on the day of your ceremony. Ushers will be able to assist you to find your allocated seat. So that each graduand is presented in the correct order to the Chancellor, it is essential that you sit in the seat number that you have been allocated. Please do not swap or change where you sit.
Children
Graduation ceremonies are long, formal functions with several speeches. While the University encourages graduands to include their families in this special occasion, young children will often become restless. If you plan to bring young children to the ceremony, your courtesy would be appreciated to ensure that they do not disturb others. Please remember that all children requiring a seat during the ceremony will need a ticket. You may wish to sit near an exit so that you may easily go outside the Hall, should your child need a break. There may be occasional child care places available at Kids' Uni. Please telephone (02) 4221 8035 for more information.
Graduands & guests with a disability or special requirements
If you or any of your guests have a need for special access or seating arrangements (eg. an elderly parent who is unable to climb stairs or is in a wheelchair) please let us know. The University is only too pleased to assist you with special requirements. At least three weeks prior to your ceremony, please contact and discuss your needs with the Special Seating Co-ordinator on (02) 4221 5972.
Programs
Graduands will receive an official program when you register on the day of your ceremony. Ushers in the University Hall will give a copy of the program to your guests. If you do not attend your ceremony, you may collect a copy of the Program from Student Central the week following the ceremonies (subject to availability).
Graduates' Reception
All graduating students and their guests are invited to attend a reception following their ceremony, where you can mingle with other graduates and enjoy light refreshments.
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