Frequently Asked QuestionsUOW GraduationThe following are a common list of frequently asked graduation questions. If you can not find an answer to your query, please feel free to contact us. Index Graduation ApplicationsQ1. I wish to graduate, do I need to apply?
Yes, if you wish to graduate you must submit a graduation application by 9 May 2008. Q2. I do not wish to attend the ceremony, do I still need to apply to graduate?
Yes, if you wish to graduate but not attend the ceremony (ie have your degree conferred in your absence) you must apply. When completing your application you must select to either have your testamur and transcript posted to your current address in SOLS or nominate a third party to collect these for you. Q3. How do I apply to graduate?
Log onto your SOLS and click on the Graduation Application link. Q4. My SOLS isn't working, how can I apply to graduate?
Try logging on again later. If this fails your password is either incorrect or has expired. You can try logging into SOLS here using information from your student ID card and barcode, then click on the Graduation Application link. If you have trouble with both of the above options you may request a hard copy application form from Student Central, phone 1300 275 869 or email askuow@uow.edu.au Q5. I completed my course 2 years ago and no longer have access to my SOLS. How can I apply to graduate?
You may request a hard copy application form from Student Central, phone 1300 275 869 or email askuow@uow.edu.au Q6. When are graduation applications due?
Applications for the July ceremonies close on Friday 9 May 2008. Confirmation and EligibilityQ1. Which ceremony am I graduating in?
For undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students;
Details of each ceremony are provided by June. For further enquiries contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 02 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au For Doctoral and Masters by Research students;
Doctoral or Masters Research students will be allocated to the ceremony according to the School in which they are enrolled for their Higher Degree Research Award. You will be sent an email to advise that ceremony details have been released. For further enquiries contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 02 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au or the HDR Thesis & Student Progress Officer Julie King 02 4221 3208 or jking@uow.edu.au. Q2. I have not received notification confirming my graduation ceremony. What do I do?
Eligible students will be notified of graduation ceremony details via SOLS by 9 June 2008. You will need to log on to your SOLS account and select 'Graduation Confirmation/Eligibility Checking' to check the correct spelling of your name, your award title and ceremony time and date. It is your responsibility to carefully check your personal, course and graduation details. Please contact Student Central on 1300 275 869 or email askuow@uow.edu.au if your details are not correct.
Q3. When can I find out if I'm eligible to graduate?
Graduation eligibility will be confirmed via the Graduation Eligibility tab on SOLS by 8 July 2008.
If you click on Graduation Eligibility link on SOLS prior to this date (regardless of whether you have applied to graduate or not) the following message will appear 'There is no Graduation information available for you at this time'. Q4. My daughter/friend is graduating can you please confirm the date and time of her ceremony?
Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide any student information to a third party. All candidates will be notified by 9 June 2008 of their award title, ceremony date and ceremony time. Details of graduation dates will be available here as soon as they become available. Q5. I want to confirm my graduation date?
Your ceremony date and time is confirmed via SOLS by 9 June 2008. You can also find details on ceremonies on the website as soon as they become available here.
Should you have further queries please contact Student Central on 1300 275 869 or email askuow@uow.edu.au. Q6. Can I change my graduation ceremony?
The graduation ceremonies are specifically allocated and should not be changed. Please contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 02 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au. Graduation Fee PaymentQ1. How much is the graduation fee and what does it include?
The graduation fee is $AUD 85.00 (inc GST). This includes the academic gown hire, 3 guest tickets, programs for you and your guests, your testamur, one copy of your academic transcript, light refreshments for you and your guests, and a parking entry permit for one vehicle. The fee also includes other operational costs. Q2. How and when do I pay the graduation fee?
You must pay the graduation fee prior to your ceremony. Students who pay the graduation fee by Friday 11 July 2008 will go into the draw to win a $100 voucher from the UniShop. Please note that students who do not pay will not be permitted to graduate.
In order to avoid lengthy delays on the day of your ceremony it is strongly advised that you pre-pay. How to pre-pay:
There are several pre-payment methods:
- BPAY Telephone & Internet Banking: contact your participating financial institution to make this payment from your cheque, savings or credit card account. UOW's Biller Code is 950220 . Have your student reference number ready. You can find you reference number by logging on to SOLS and selecting 'Fee Statement'.
- Internet Payment: log on to SOLS and select 'Fee Statement' to make credit card payments (Visa, Mastercard or Bankcard) on-line.
- Pay by Phone: Call 1300 301 516 to make credit card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard or American Express) over the phone.
- Alternatively you can pay in person by visiting Student Central in building 17 by EFTPOS , Cheque, Money Order and Credit Card ONLY (Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard or American Express) . Cash payments are not accepted. Student Central is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
How to pay on the day: Payment facilities will be available at Student Central in building 17 by EFTPOS , Cheque, Money Order and Credit Card ONLY (Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard or American Express) . Cash payments are not accepted. If you do decide to pay on the day, please be advised that you may experience delays and queues. We would also encourage you to arrive at least 90 minutes before your ceremony. Q3. I am not attending the graduation ceremony, do I still need to pay the graduation fee?
No, only graduands attending the ceremony must pay the graduation fee. Q4. I am purchasing my own academic dress, am I still required to pay the graduation fee?
Yes, students who have purchased their academic dress are required to pay the graduation fee. Q5. I am a staff member of UOW, am I still required to pay the graduation fee?
Permanent and limited term full time UOW staff members may apply for a fee exemption. Part time, casual, and staff members of ITC, UniCentre, and URAC are not exempt from the graduation fee. You may want to contact your faculty or employer to see if they can support you by paying your graduation fee. Please contact the Graduation Officer, Manuela Abrantes on 4221 3181 for further information. Q6. I am a graduate speaker for my faculty at graduation, am I still required to pay the graduation fee?
Graduate speakers are exempt from the graduation fee. Please contact the Graduation Officer, Manuela Abrantes on 4221 3181 for further information. Q7. I pre-payed my graduation fee however I have just found out I am not eligible to graduate?
Please submit a letter to Student Central to apply for a refund of you graduation fee. Refunds are sent by cheque to your current mailing address in SOLS and take approximately two weeks. Q8. In my graduation application I indicated that I would attend the ceremony. I changed my mind and did not attend and now my results are withheld. How can I view my results?
Please email askuow@uow.edu.au to advise you did not attend your graduation ceremony. A Fees Officer will reverse the graduation charge and remove the withheld from your record so you can view your results. Q9. In my graduation application I indicated that I would attend the ceremony . I pre-payed my graduation fee and then changed my mind and did not attend, can I get my money back?
Please submit a letter to Student Central to apply for a refund of you graduation fee. If approved, refunds are sent by cheque to your current mailing address in SOLS and take approximately two weeks. Change of Attendance and Deferring Q1. I am an international student who needs to travel back home and will miss my graduation ceremony. Can I collect my testamur before my ceremony?
No. All awards are conferred at the graduation ceremonies by the Chancellor. If you are unable to attend your ceremony, your testamur (certificate) will either be made available for collection from Student Central or be posted to you. Please ensure you have selected the correct Testamur Collection Option in the graduation link in SOLS (ie collect your testamur personally, authorise a third party to collect your testamur, or have your testamur posted to you current address on SOLS).
Alternatively, you can defer your graduation. Please see below for further information about deferring your graduation.
If you need evidence of your completion of your degree before the ceremonies (eg. for job hunting, etc), you will need to print and complete an Official Letter Request Form available at: http://www.uow.edu.au/student/centre/pdf/ and return to Student Central, building 17 or via fax 02 4221 4322. These letters take up to two weeks to process. Q2. I wish to change my graduation attendance option from non-attending to attending or from attending to non-attending. When and how do I do this?
You must finalise your attendance option by 20 June 2008. To change your attendance option log into SOLS , click on the Graduation Application link, click on Review, click on Change Attendance.
Doctoral and Masters Research StudentsQ1. I am a doctoral/masters research student - who can I talk to about my graduation application?
If you need further information on your graduation ceremony you can contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 02 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au or the HDR Thesis & Student Progress Officer Julie King 02 4221 3208 or jking@uow.edu.au Q2. I am a research student. When will I find out the date of my ceremony as I need to book airfares?
Doctoral or Masters Research students will be allocated to the ceremony according to the School in which they are enrolled for their Higher Degree Research Award. You will be sent an email to advise that your confirmation letter with your ceremony details has been posted. For further enquiries contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 02 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au or the HDR Thesis & Student Progress Officer Julie King 02 4221 3208 or jking@uow.edu.au. Guest TicketsQ1. How many guests can I bring?
Each graduand will be allocated three (3) guest tickets, this includes children requiring seats. The ceremony is between one hour and one and a half hours in length and children may get restless. Any children not in a pram will require a seat and 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. The Hall has a strict limit on the number of people that can be safely accommodated inside, and so there is a limit on three (3) guest tickets for each graduand.
For further enquires contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au. Q2. Where do I get my tickets?
Tickets are distributed to graduands at the Registration Desk before each ceremony. Tickets are not available before the day. Q3. Are extra tickets available?
Extra tickets are not available prior to the day of your ceremony. In fairness, each graduand is allocated three (3) tickets on the day .
The Hall has a strict limit on the number of people that can be safely accommodated inside, and once this limit is reached, no more guests will be admitted.
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.
For further enquires contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au. ParkingQ1. I did not receive a graduation parking ticket?
A graduation parking ticket is sent to all eligible students in mid June. There is a limit on the number of guest parking tickets allocated so we cannot send out additional tickets.
Q2. Where can I park?
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. More information is available at http://www.uow.edu.au/about/parking/. Special Requests including Special SeatingQ1. I have a guest/s with special seating requirements? Who can help me with this?
We can assist with your special seating requirements. Contact the Special Seating Coordinator, Fiona Griffin-Rudder on 4221 5972 or fionagr@uow.edu.au at least 3 weeks before the ceremony. Q2. I have a VIP ticket - who should I contact for further information?
You can contact the VIP Coordinator, Paola Ciccarelli on 4221 5014 or paolacic@uow.edu.au. Q3. I will be a guest speaker for graduation who should I contact for information?
You can contact the Guest Speaker Coordinator, Deborah Arnold on 4221 3933 or deboraha@uow.edu.au. Ceremony EnquiresQ1. What time should I arrive and what happens on the day?
You are asked to arrive at least one and a half hours before your ceremony as you need to be seated half an hour before the ceremony commences and there may be delays at each stage of your registration process. If you arrive in plenty of time, you may have time for photographs before the ceremony, and your guests can be seated early and get a good seat.
- If you are graduating in a 9.45am ceremony, the Registration desk is open from 8.00am.
- If you are graduating in a 2.30pm ceremony, the Registration desk is open from 1.00pm.
On the day you will need to do the following and there may be delays at any of these stages:
- Find a park - don't forget your parking ticket.
- If you have not paid your graduation fees go directly to the Student Central in Building 17 to pay your fees and make sure you collect your receipt of payment.
- Proceed to the registration area in the upstairs foyer of Building 11, UniCentre. Make sure you bring your Student Card for identification.
- At the registration area you will be given your program booklet, your guest tickets and then you will be dressed in your academic dress by UOW staff in the same area.
- As it is very busy and crowded in the registration area we ask that you arrange to meet your guests in a convenient location, e.g outside near the hall or the UniBar.
- You then should give the tickets to your guests.
- After the ceremony you and your guests are invited to stay for refreshments.
- Return your academic dress to the registration area. If you are in the morning ceremony you must return your dress by 1pm. If you are in the afternoon ceremony you must return your dress by 5pm.
Students who arrive late (within 20 minutes before the ceremony starting time) may not be permitted to participate in the ceremony. Further details are available on http://www.uow.edu.au/student/graduation/procedures.html Q2. What should I do if I am running late for my ceremony?
If you arrive late you should proceed directly to the registration desk. If you arrive within 20 minutes of the starting time you may not be permitted to participate in the ceremony. Q3. What do I need to bring to my ceremony?
Please bring your student card with you for identification purposes. If you no longer have your student card please bring another form of photographic identification such as a driver's licence. Q4. How long do the ceremonies take?
Graduation ceremonies are a maximum of 2 hours in length depending on the number of students in the ceremony. Q5. Can I leave after I have received my testamur and before the end of the ceremony?
You are requested to stay until the end of the ceremony to support your colleagues. Cultural Needs and Dress enquiries.Q1. What should I wear to the ceremony?
Students generally wear smart casual to semi-formal dress. You will be wearing an academic gown over your clothes but your clothes will still be visible under the gown particularly in the front. You will also be wearing an academic hat. As you will need to walk up and down the stage stairs consider the type of shoes you wear. You may want to check the graduation photos on the website for further information. See http://www.uow.edu.au/student/graduation/photos/index.html Q2. I would like to wear traditional dress for my ceremony is that possible?
That is fine and we often have students graduating in their traditional dress. We suggest that you contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au to provide you with more details. Q3. I would like to match my clothing to the academic dress
For information on the colour of the academic dress please refer http://www.uow.edu.au/student/graduation/dress.html Q4. Does the Graduation Fee include hiring of the academic dress?
Yes, the $85 graduation fee covers the cost of hiring a gown, hood and trencher. Q5. When do I collect the academic dress?
If you are hiring your academic dress you collect it once you have registered on the day of your ceremony. Please refer to 'What time Should I Arrive' question above for registration opening times. Q6. I would like to purchase my academic dress so I have it to keep. How do I arrange this?
This can be arranged through the UniShop. Please refer to http://www.uow.edu.au/student/graduation/hire.html for costs and further details. Q7. I am concerned about the graduation ceremony and about what happens on the stage.
Feel free to contact the Graduation Officer, Tori Funnell on 4221 5408 or governance@uow.edu.au who can explain what happens on the stage and will be happy to assist you with any concerns Other CampusesQ1. Are there any graduation ceremonies held at other campuses/locations?
Offshore
There are ceremonies held at the University's offshore locations for students who are studying their degree from an offshore location. Unfortunately students who are enrolled in their course at the Wollongong campus are not permitted to attend one of the graduation ceremonies at an offshore location. Other onshore campuses
Celebrations are held in Shoalhaven and Bega for students studying their degree at the Shoalhaven campus and Bega Education Centre. The other campuses may also have celebrations. You should check the Graduation website for details on when and if these celebrations will be held. These celebrations are usually held in December. These graduation celebrations are different from the graduation ceremonies held at the Wollongong Campus. They are a celebration of student's achievements and graduands awards are not conferred at these celebrations. Students at the other campuses are encouraged to have their awards conferred at the Wollongong campus ceremonies and also to attend the local celebration functions.
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