Information for graduands
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. Use the information below as a checklist for things you need to do before, during and after the ceremony. We hope you enjoy your day!
Please note - the information below provides dates and times for the 2008 ceremony held on April 24. Use these as a guide if you are referring to this page for the 2009 Graduation ceremony - information will be updated later in the year when arrangements for the 2009 ceremony are finalised.
Before the ceremony
Wednesday 23 April
3–7pm Collect academic dress
Academic dress will be available for collection on Wednesday 23 April at the Sports Stadium at the following times:
- Surname starting with A–K, 3–5pm
- Surname starting with L–Z, 5–7pm
A friend or relative may collect the items on your behalf. Please note that the person collecting the academic dress will be required to sign the register confirming the items have been collected. You will be responsible for the care of the academic dress regardless of who collects it.
Please bring a carry bag to keep all academic dress items together. In the event of rain it is recommended to place your trencher in a plastic bag to keep it dry, as water damage may result in your deposit not being refunded.
Assistance with wearing your academic dress is available at the collection point.
Thursday 24 April
2–4pm Graduand robing and professional photographs at the Sports Stadium
You can be assisted with robing and have your portrait photograph taken before the ceremony. Once robed and photographed, proceed to the Registration Area in the Sports Stadium. It is strongly recommended that during this time you eat and attend to any personal matters. Complimentary food and drink will be served to graduates and their guests at the post-ceremony function after the ceremony concludes.
4–4.45pm Graduand registration and admittance to ceremony venue
Your attendance will be recorded and you will be given a seat number card. This will correspond to your allocated seat for the duration of the ceremony. You will be pre-seated in the venue prior to the admittance of guests (you will be seated separately to your guests). Once seated, you will receive a copy of the Australian Graduate Survey to complete and return by 5pm. Graduands returning the survey go in the draw to receive a $20 Sanity Entertainment gift voucher with a one in 15 chance of winning.
4.45–5pm Graduand briefing
You will be briefed regarding the presentation of your award on stage.
4.30–5.45pm Guests admitted to ceremony venue
Auditorium doors will open at 4.30pm. Your guests will be ushered to available seats. Guests will be required to show their ticket at the time of admittance and should be seated by 5.45pm. Remind your guests to bring along their guest tickets.
During the ceremony
Thursday 24 April
6pm Ceremony commences
The ceremony commences with a formal Academic Procession and the Australian National Anthem.
6–8.30pm Ceremony
Each graduand accepts their Degree Certificate on stage from the Chancellor. After exiting the stage, you will receive official documents from Student Administration before returning to your seat. It is important that you stay in your allocated seat for the duration of the ceremony. Graduands are expected to stay for the entire ceremony.
After the ceremony
Thursday 24 April
8.30pm Ceremony concludes
At the end of the ceremony, a formal procession will exit the ceremony venue. Once the formal procession has departed the venue, all guests may exit. It is recommended to arrange to meet family and friends at a designated area after the ceremony.
8.30pm–10.15pm Professional photographs
You can have individual, group or family portrait photographs taken in the Sports Stadium after the ceremony concludes.
8.30–10.30pm Return academic dress
Academic dress must be returned at the Sports Stadium by 10.30pm after the Graduation ceremony. Failure to return hired academic dress will result in the full replacement cost being charged to your University account.
8.30–10.30pm Post-ceremony function
Graduates, guests and academic staff are invited to enjoy the celebratory function after the ceremony. The function will be held on campus in the Art Gallery Piazza, weather-permitting. Free shuttle buses will ferry you from the Sports Stadium back onto campus, or you can walk along the pedestrian pathway (refer to the USC campus map for directions or download the campus map print version (PDF 857KB)).
Your guest ticket entitles you to complimentary food (alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase) at the function. You will also be able to speak with representatives from the Alumni office, purchase merchandise from the Co-op Bookshop, or discuss career paths with careerconnection staff.
Frequently asked questions
A list of frequently asked questions has been compiled for your reference. Please do not hesitate to contact staff in Student Administration should you have any additional questions <+61 7 5430 2890> <graduation@usc.edu.au>.
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