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: timeframes and activities are subject to change.
Before the ceremony
Friday 9 April
Car parking on campus can be limited. Attendees are encouraged to make arrangements to car pool where possible. We appreciate your patience while Security directs you to the first available carpark on campus. Free shuttle buses will ferry you to the Sports Stadium and back onto campus, or you can walk along the pedestrian pathway (refer to the USC campus map for directions and to download a printable version).
10:30am–3pm Graduand robing and professional photographs at the Brasserie / Function Hall
Academic dress is available for collection only at this time. 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.
Please note that at the time of collecting your academic dress you will be required to sign the register confirming the items have been collected.
You will be responsible for the care of the academic dress. 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.
3–4.15pm 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.
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 Graduation function after the ceremony concludes.
You will be pre-seated in the venue prior to the admittance of guests (you will be seated separately to your guests). You must be at the registration desk no later than 4pm – the desk closes at 4.15pm.
Once seated, you will receive a copy of the Australian Graduate Survey to complete. Graduands returning the survey go in the draw to receive a $50 Sanity Entertainment gift voucher – there are fifty to be won.
4.30pm Graduand briefing
You will be briefed regarding the presentation of your award on stage.
3.30–4.30pm Guests seated
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 4.45pm. The ceremony commences at 5pm. Remind your guests to bring along their guest tickets.
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During the ceremony
Friday 9 April
5pm Ceremony commences
The ceremony commences with a formal Academic Procession and the Australian National Anthem. The ceremony can also be viewed via the live webcast.
5–7.30pm 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.
Please note: Graduands are expected to stay for the entire ceremony. Academic dress returns will not be accepted during the ceremony – hired academic dress must be returned to the designated collection area between 7.30pm and 9.30pm or a full replacement cost will be charged to your University account.
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After the ceremony
Friday 9 April
7.30pm 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.
7.30pm–9.30pm Professional photographs
You can have individual, group or family portrait photographs taken in the Brasserie / Function Hall after the ceremony concludes.
7.30–9.30pm Return academic dress
Academic dress must be returned at the Brasserie / Function Hall by 9.30pm after the Graduation ceremony. Failure to return hired academic dress will result in the full replacement cost being charged to your University account.
7.30–9.30pm Graduation 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 and to download a printable version).
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 Career Connection staff.
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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.