Congratulations - the day is almost here! Many graduates are excited and nervous on the day of their graduation ceremony. To help you get ready, we’ve put together a list of what you can do in preparation, as well as what to expect on the day.
Your graduation ceremony will be held in the Sports Hub (Building 9) at the Wollongong campus.
There may be traffic and parking delays around the University, so please allow additional travel time.
Free parking is available for graduating students in P5 and P4 carparks on campus.
We encourage you to travel with all their guests in one vehicle. If the P4 and P5 carparks becomes full, security staff will advise you of alternative parking locations on or around campus.
If you submitted accessibility requirements for both yourself and/ or your guests during the registration process, parking will be made available to you in the carpark under the Sports Hub – you will need to provide your name to the parking attendant at the Sports Hub carpark to gain access.
You will be required to bring identification (eg. drivers licence, student card) which will be sighted at the registration desk.
If you already have a graduation hat (trencher or bonnet), please also bring it with you on the day.
A graduation ceremony is a formal occasion with smart casual wear being the minimum standard for graduates and their guests.
You will be required to wear the approved University of Wollongong academic dress over your clothes when taking part in a graduation ceremony. The graduation fee covers the hire of your academic dress (gown and hood), as well as a trencher (hat) or bonnet to keep.
When selecting what you're going to wear, keep in mind:
If you wish to purchase academic dress for graduation, you can do so at any time of the year from the Unishop. However, if for any reason a particular item may be out of stock, you must place your order no later than 6 weeks prior to the ceremony. Enquiries regarding the purchase of academic dress may be directed to the Unishop.
If you purchase your academic dress you will you will need to collect your purchase from the Unishop prior to your graduation ceremony and bring it with you to the venue.
Please note that if you purchase your academic dress, you are still required to pay the full graduation fee.
Graduates to arrive by 8:15am
Late arrivals may not be able to be accommodated.
Graduates to arrive by 1:15pm
Graduates will be given their guest tickets at the registration desk on the day of their ceremony.
We will endeavour to provide as many guest tickets as possible. The number of guest tickets allocated to graduates will depend on the size of the ceremony and will be communicated in the graduation invitation email.
We understand what an important milestone Graduation is for families. Children are warmly welcome to attend your ceremony and will require a ticket. Infants (under 3) can sit on an adult's lap during the ceremony.
Designated pram/stroller parking bays will be available within the Sports Hub. Activities will also be available for children outside of the Sports Hub in the Marquee.
Unfortunately we can not provide more that the allocated number of tickets per graduate - no additional tickets will be available. Any additional guests are invited to watch the ceremony via live stream in the Marquee outside of the Sports Hub, or from a location off campus. The link to the live stream will be posted on the graduation website on the day of the event.
We are more than happy to accommodate special seating requirements, or any mobility or disability issues, including vision or hearing needs.
If you did not advise of any special requirements during the online registration for graduation, please email details to askuow@uow.edu.au with ‘Graduation’ in the subject line as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.
The UniShop has a great range of graduation gifts, flowers, cards and UOW memorabilia. You can shop online or in-person on the day.
The UniShop also sell special graduation teddy bears wearing academic dress which are popular amongst graduates and are a great keepsake.
UOW Pulse have also created a new range of UOW clothing in collaboration with New Balance, which is the perfect blend of function and fashion.
Visit UniShop and take home a piece of your university experience and the memories you have created.
Reed Graduation Services will have professional photo studio sessions available on the day of your graduation. Bring along your friends and family and let skilled photographers capture this wonderful milestone with a range of high quality photos than you can cherish for years to come.
Bookings are recommended - pre-book your studio session for free ($30 on the day).
Studio photography will be setup within UniActive (building 13) next to the Sports Hub.
All graduates will be photographed on stage and Reed Graduation Services understands the importance of capturing this momentous moment. For pre-event discounts visit Reed Graduation Services.
Stage images will be available immediately after the ceremony for viewing and purchase within UniActive (building 13) next to the Sports Hub.
Reed Graduation Services offer a wide variety of frame options which are perfect to proudly display your award. If you would like to bring your certificate it can be framed by our professional framers on the spot, ready to take home on the day of your graduation. For pre-event specials visit Reed Graduation Services.
Graduation plaques offer a unique way of commemorating your award. Having your certificate replicated onto a silver or gold plaque fitted on to either rich walnut wood base, smooth matte black backing or a clear Perspex base adds professional flair and pleasing appearance to any office or room, allowing you to proudly display your award. For pre-event specials visit Reed Graduation Services.
You must arrive by the specified time.
On arrival, please make your way to the graduation registration desk located on the ground floor in UniActive (Building 13) which is adjacent to the Sports Hub. Entry is via the western side of the UniActive building (closest to the Sports Hub).
To avoid overcrowding, we ask that guests wait outside and do not accompany you to the registration desk – we suggest arranging to meet your guests outside the Sports Hub after completing registration.
When you arrive at registration you will:
UOW staff will select the appropriate academic dress foryou and help your put the garments on. If you are an Honours graduate, please advise staff.
Once dressed and ready, your can meet your guests and take photos before the ceremony begins.
You will receive your program booklet at registration. This will be marked with your name and allocated seat number.
You must be seated in your allocated seat at least 20 minutes before the ceremony (unless you are told otherwise during registration).
It is essential that you sit in your allocated seat as outlined on the program booklet received at registration. This will ensure graduates are presented on stage in the correct order. You must not swap or change your seat to be close to friends.
Guest seating is not allocated but is separate from graduate seating.
If you are a PhD graduate, once you have registered and are gowned in your academic dress, please make your way to Building 36 Room 305 where you will join the Academic Procession for the ceremony before walking down to the Sports Hub.
Guests of PhD graduates should find their seats in the Sports Hub and are not to go to Building 36.
The safety of our staff, graduates, students and community is paramount. All graduation ceremonies will adhere to Public Health Orders at the time of the ceremonies, and visitors are required to follow to any COVID Safe protocols in place at the venue.
Visitors to UOW campuses are currently not required to show their COVID-19 vaccination status.
Face masks are not compulsory, however NSW Health strongly recommends you wear a face mask if it is hard to maintain safe physical distance from others.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19, NSW Health recommends you wear a mask when you are in an indoor setting (unless you are exempt).
Face masks will be available for graduates upon request at the registration desk. All guests attending a graduation ceremony will need to provide their own face mask.
The wearing of face masks is subject to Public Health Orders at the time of the ceremonies and requirements may change.
We ask that you stay home if you’re feeling unwell or have flu like symptoms, including a cough, sore throat and/or temperature.
Please email askuow@uow.edu.au if you can no longer make your ceremony on the day.
It is highly recommended that you arrive at the University with plenty of time to find parking, register, dress in academic dress, and take photos.
If you arrive after the close of registration, please go directly to the graduate registration desk in UniActive (building 13) and we will do our best to accommodate you, but it is not guaranteed that you will be able to participate in the ceremony.
You will be required to wait in the registration area until the Academic Procession has been seated on stage at the commencement of the event. You will then be ushered to the Sports Hub to take your seats, and your name will be read out at the end of the ceremony.
Arriving late will impact your Graduation experience, as your name will be read out at the conclusion of the ceremony by the Executive Dean and we will be unable to have your name displayed on the screen.
Please note that if you arrive late and we are unable to accommodate you within the ceremony, you will not be offered a refund.
The official proceedings of 2023 UOW Graduation Ceremonies includes:
Ceremonies are expected to be 2-2.5 hours in duration.
* The smoking ceremony will be led by our Indigenous Community Leaders to welcome graduates, guests, and the academic procession. There will be adequate ventilation in place within the sports hub to ensure the health and safety of our students and community.
Ushers will direct graduates throughout the ceremony. When it is time to commence the presentation of awards, ushers will direct graduates as follows:
This information will also be provided to you again, upon registration on the day of your ceremony.
Please ensure you pause on stage for our professional photographer to take your photo after you have 'tipped your cap' to the Presiding Officer.
Stage photos will be available immediately after the ceremony for viewing and purchase in UniActive near the registration desk (building 13). If you would like to view and/or purchase your stage photos at a later time, a link will be available on the UOW website once all ceremonies are complete.
All ceremonies will be live streamed. A link will be available on the graduation website on the day of the ceremony.
Your academic dress must be returned to the gown returns area near the registration desk in UniActive (building 13) by the following times:
If your graduation gown is not returned by these times, you will be contacted by the graduation team and invoiced for the full cost of replacement.
You and your guests are invited to join UOW dignitaries in the marquee outside of the Sports Hub. It's a good idea to organise a somewhere to meet your guests as it will be busy.
During this time you'll have the opportunity to take photos in and around the marquee as well as around our beautiful campus.
UniBar will also be open after the ceremony if you'd like to continue the celebrations.
Illawarra Yacht Club
Situated on the foreshore of the beautiful Lake Illawarra, the Illawarra Yacht Club provides the perfect dining experience with an amazing 180° lake view
Palisade Kitchen & Bar (at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach)
Featuring a picturesque beachfront view, stylish interior and a menu which heroes locally sourced seafood, dry aged beef and an Asian fusion, Palisade Kitchen & Bar is a food & wine lover’s dream.
North Bar (at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach)
Warm tones and luxurious furnishings offer coastal sophistication at its finest. A carefully curated casual dining menu, an innovative cocktail selection, extensive wine list and a team of expert staff ensure every minute of the guest experience is unforgettable.
Dagwood Bar and Kitchen
Asian and Mexican influenced share food, infused tequila margaritas, fine wines and more! Located in the central CBD of Wollongong, we look forward to hosting your graduation celebrations!
The Iron Yampi
Modern Australian elevated pub style food and fine wine is at home on Wentworth Street Port Kembla. Open for lunch and dinner, we are set up and ready to host your post-graduation festivities
Howlin Wolf Bar
A candle lit bar with over 350 whiskeys, a variety of beers, wines and cocktails with the addition of free boardgames to play
Collegians Wollongong
Relax and enjoy Collegians superior and friendly service whilst dining in one of their many food outlets.
Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant
Enjoy some of Australia's most beautiful food, as we bring to your plate the freshest local and sustainable seafood and produce. Located overlooking the iconic Belmore Basin on Wollongong Harbour, Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant is one of the best dining destinations across the South Coast. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.
Scarborough Wombarra Bowling & Recreation Club
A local hidden gem nestled in the picturesque coastal suburb of Wombarra offers delicious food, cold drinks, a buzzing atmosphere and views of the ocean.
Culinarius Catering and Events
Recognised as the Illawarra’s premier provider of fresh and creative cuisine. Our award-winning business has been providing delicious food throughout the Illawarra and beyond, since 1988!
Night Parrot Wine Bar
Night Parrot is a small bar located in the heart of Wollongong. We offer an extensive drinks list, Asian inspired street food and electrifying late night atmosphere to provide a Night (Parrot) to remember.
Mia Mia Bar
We are a pasta wine bar in the heart of Wollongong. Dishing out Italian classics with a twist.
Steamers Bar & Grill
Steamers Bar and Grill is an award-winning restaurant offering breath-taking views of City Beach and Wollongong Lighthouse. The menu has been crafted to explore the street food scene from around the world and delivers a collision of small and large plates inspired by these bold and dynamic local flavours.
Wollongong offers convenient accommodation options for all budgets from luxury ocean view rooms, comfortable family suits or beachfront cabins. Take your pick.
Coolangatta Estate
Est. 1822. Offering historical, motel-style accommodation with Cellar Door, swimming pool & tennis court.
Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort
Family accommodation on the beach, less than 10 minutes from UOW.
Best Western City Sands at Wollongong Golf Club
Situated on an 18-hole golf course, Best Western City Sands offers modern apartments with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. All apartments feature a private balcony and kitchenette.
Each apartment includes a spacious living area, cable TV and access to free WiFi. The kitchenette includes tea/coffee making facilities, microwave and mini refrigerator.
Hotel TOTTO
Hotel TOTTO is your latest escape smack bang in the centre of Wollongong. Minimalistic and unfussy, but with all the creature comforts you want in a hotel.
Charles Hotel
Affordable modern accommodation, free wifi, free parking licensed sports bar and great value bistro
Belmore All Suite Hotel
Offers guests the space and convenience of fully serviced apartments while enjoying the comforts and facilities of a 3.5 star hotel, located just minutes away from Wollongong’s CBD.
Wollongong Serviced Apartments
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Wollongong Serviced Apartments offers the very best in serviced one and two bedroom apartments.
Nova Kiama
Our modern hotel is short walking distance to the beach, great cafes, yummy restaurants and an abundance of shops. We encourage you to relax and unwind in our private pool area and courtyard, or squeeze in a workout in our well-appointed gymnasium. We are only 32km south from the Illawarra Regional Airport and a 90 min drive south of Sydney. We offer all guests complimentary secure underground car parking and Wi-Fi, and all rooms are fitted with Smart TV’s with Netflix already loaded.
Retro RV Wollongong
Cruise around the Illawarra in Retro RV style for the coolest way to sightsee our region
Seven Mile Holiday Park
Located in the stunning coastal town of Gerroa and nestled in a landscape between the northern end of the extensive coastline of Seven Mile Beach and Crooked River, adjacent to the unspoilt forest backdrop of Seven Mile Beach National Park.
3 Star AAA rated Motel located in landscaped gardens, close to the beach, close to the city centre anda 5-minute drive to University of Wollongong. Includes free parking on site.
Kick off your celebrations in style. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or an outdoor enthusiast, there is something exciting for you to experience in Wollongong.
Skydive Australia
Skydive Sydney-Wollongong is just one hour south of Sydney CBD and provide free return bus transfers every day of the week. Skydive Sydney and jump from Australia's highest altitude of up to 15,000 feet, directly over North Wollongong beach.
Treetops Adventure
Celebrate your achievement at Treetops Adventure! Free yourself from your desk, and loose yourself in the treetops! The higher you climb the harder the courses become. With 90+ aerial challenges and 15+ ziplines to explore per park, there’s endless thrills to be had!
Aquilla Fishing Charters
Come aboard as we take you to the seas in one of the most stunning areas of New South Wales! With over 40 years experience fishing in Wollongong, we know some of the best fishing spots in the region that will guarantee you an unforgettable day on the water.
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
Home to an immersive Zipline Tour and incredible Treetop Walk experience. The Treetop Walk is a gentle 1.5 kilometre loop track with 500 metres of elevated steel walkway through the treetops, some 20-30 metres above the forest floor. The stunning panoramic views take in everything from the rainforest canopy, coastal towns and out to the Pacific Ocean. With stunning views, Zipline Tours, a visitor centre and cafe, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is a great day out for families, couples or groups of friends.
C1 Speed Indoor Karting and Laser Tag
As the best all ages venue on the south coast C1 Speed Indoor Karting and Laser Tag has something for everyone! We've made it simple to plan and spend the whole day out with the family! Between our Indoor Go Karts, SmashLAB Rage Room and Laser Tag arena everyone is certain to find something they love!
Jervis Bay Wild
Whale and Dolphin watching tours operated out of the beautiful Jervis Bay.
Darkes Glenbernie Orchard
Darkes Glenbernie Orchard is a 6 Generation family farm specialising in growing tree fruits and making delicious products. It’s a chilled venue for kicking back with the family over cider and delicious food. Temp your taste buds and explore the great selection of award-winning ciders, meads, vinegar and honey. Opposite the beautiful Maddens Falls walk. Take home your favourite product to continue the enjoyment beyond the day!
Start the celebrations early at the ‘Shannon Barnett Quartet’, a FREE jazz music event hosted by the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music and Wollongong City Libraries.
CONCERT DETAILS - https://wollcon.com.au/event/shannon-barnett-quartet/
Date: Sunday 29 October from 2pm
Where: Thirroul Library (352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Thirroul)
Entry: FREE – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
