Content
Graduation Frequently Asked Questions
Please do not hesitate to contact staff in Student Administration should you have any additional questions on +61 7 5430 2890 or email graduation@usc.edu.au.
When and where will the ceremonies be held in 2012
Please refer also to ceremony dates.
What is a ‘graduand’?
Students who have completed the requirements of their degree, but have not yet had their degree conferred at a graduation ceremony, are referred to as ’graduands’.
What do I wear to the graduation ceremony?
Graduands are required to wear academic dress displaying faculty colours at their Graduation ceremony.
What does the academic dress for the Graduation Ceremony consist of?
Descriptions and photographs of USC academic dress can be found on the website.
What should I wear under my academic dress?
The dress code for the event is smart casual. Formal evening wear is typically too dressy. Wearing a jacket under the gown is discouraged as these can be hot and bulky. A tie for men is considered appropriate. Footwear should be smart but comfortable. You will be required to walk across the stage and stand for short periods.
All graduands are encouraged to wear a shirt or blouse with buttons, which will assist in keeping the hood / stole in place. The hood / stole is worn over your gown and lies across the front and shoulders. It is of a colour determined by the faculty from which you are graduating. More information, instructions and examples of academic dress is available on the University website.
Back to top
How is the trencher (head dress) worn?
The square top of the trencher is worn horizontally, with the shorter peak of the trencher to the front and the tassel draped over the right side of the trencher. Refer to further information on academic dress.
Which side do I wear the tassel on?
Attached to the trencher is a tassel. You should wear the tassel draped over the right side of the trencher during the Graduation ceremony. Once you have graduated you wear the tassle draped over the left side of the trencher.
How do I order and pay for the academic dress?
Six weeks prior to the date of the graduation ceremony, an invitation will be emailed to your USC student email account. At this time, you should refer to the Graduation ceremony registration and attendance information on the website for instructions regarding attendance, guest tickets, academic dress requirements, and payment for the hire of academic dress.
You must make payment when ordering the academic dress. A fee is charged if you do not return your academic dress in good condition on the night. If you provide your credit card details, you will be charged after the ceremony if your academic dress is not returned in satisfactory condition. If you wish to pay by other methods, a refundable deposit is charged in addition to your hire fee. This will be refunded to your bank account (as indicated by you) if all academic dress is returned in good order and on time to the designated area. Failure to return hired academic dress will result in the full replacement cost being charged to your University account.
Can I buy the academic dress for my graduation ceremony?
If you are interested in buying/purchasing your academic dress for the graduation ceremony contact:
Academic Dress Hire Service:
Tel: +61 7 3371 1758
Fax: +61 7 3371 8472
Email: acadhire@powerup.com.au
Web: www.academicdress.com.au
Postal Address:
PO Box 6083
St Lucia
Queensland 4067
Back to top
When do I collect the academic dress for the Graduation ceremony?
You may collect your academic dress several hours prior to your allotted Graduation Ceremony. Further information will be forwarded to you with your Graduation invitation. Academic dress information is also available on the website.
A friend or relative may collect the items on your behalf. However, you are responsible for the care of the academic dress regardless of who collects it. Bring a carry bag to keep all the items together. If it is raining, place the trencher in your carry bag to keep it dry.
You are required to return the academic dress within two hours of the ceremony concluding. Academic dress returns will not be accepted during the ceremony.
Will there be an opportunity to get professional photographs taken before the Graduation ceremony?
Yes, there will be time set aside for you to get professional photos taken before the Graduation Ceremony. The professional photographers will be located at the ceremony venue. A photograph is also taken of you as you cross the stage during the ceremony. Refer to further information about professional photographs.
What if I get stage fright?
University staff will be nearby to assist, direct you onto the stage and help you off the stage. Remember, it is your day - relax and enjoy it!
What is Doffing?
As your name is read on stage, the Chancellor will acknowledge you by touching the tip of his bonnet (head dress) with his left hand. This is referred to as 'doffing'. In response, you will doff and walk to the Chancellor where you will shake hands and receive a testamur tube. You will notice the Vice-Chancellor, Chancellor and Deans doffing on stage prior to your participation in the Ceremony. Advice on doffing will be given during the graduand briefing just prior to the ceremony commencement.
When do I collect my guest tickets for the Graduation ceremony?
You need to provide the number of guest tickets you require (up to a maximum of four) on the RSVP form. Guest tickets are mailed to your postal address (as recorded on USC Central) two weeks prior to the ceremony date. Refer to further information about guest tickets.
How can I find out what happens before, during and after the Graduation Ceremony?
Refer to information for graduands. When you receive your email invitation to the ceremony, you will also be provided with a link to download the Graduation Guide, which includes detailed information.
Are my majors and minors printed on my degree certificate (testamur)?
Your major and minor are not printed on your degree certificate (testamur). The degree program (example: Bachelor of Business) you are enrolled in will be printed on your Testamur (degree certificate). Any majors and minors (example: Major in Accounting Minor in International Business) approved by your faculty will be printed on your official Statement of Academic Record.
Back to top
Can I change the name of my program in the final semester of study?
You may apply to change program in your final semester of study on or before census date in your final semester of study. Contact Student Administration to collect the application to change program and meet with the Program Advisor in your faculty to discuss if you are eligible for the new program.
What happens if I can’t attend the ceremony?
An invitation to participate in the graduation ceremony will be emailed to you six weeks prior to the event. If you indicate that you will not be attending the graduation ceremony as per the details provided in the information package provided to you Student Administration will send your testamur (degree certificate) and official Statement of Academic Record by registered mail to the postal address as recorded on USC Central within 10 working dates of the ceremony. Please ensure your contact details are kept updated on USC Central so that you receive your testamur.
If you are unable to attend the ceremony allotted to you, you will not be able to attend a different ceremony.
Can I get the degree certificate before the ceremony?
Normally you cannot receive your degree certificate (testamur) prior to the graduation ceremony. You can, however, get a letter from Student Administration confirming that you have met the requirements needed to complete the degree program (for employment or further study purposes).
Do I receive confirmation of my eligibility to graduate after results are released in order to apply for employment?
Student Administration will email to all successful graduands a notice confirming the successful completion of their program to their USC student email account. This certification of completion may be used for employment purposes. A complimentary official Statement of Academic record (transcript) will be given to each student at the Graduation Ceremony, or provided shortly afterwards to those students who cannot attend the ceremony.
How and when will I receive notification of the graduation ceremony?
Graduands will be emailed an invitation to the graduation ceremony to their USC student email account. This email is sent approximately six weeks prior to the ceremony date, however this may vary if, for example, you have completed a course in the summer session or have cross institutional credit transfer to be confirmed by another institution.
Ensure your contact details are kept updated on USC Central. If you do not receive an email invitation and are expecting to receive one, contact Student Administration without delay.
Back to top
How and when will I receive notification that I am eligible to graduate?
If you are a student in your last semester or session of study you will be emailed advising that you have been identified as a potential graduand. Ensure you regularly check your USC student email account so you receive this information. Contact Student Administration if you have not received information and believe you are eligible to graduate.
When will I receive my official academic record/transcript, Australian Higher Education Statement (AHEGS) and testamur (degree certificate)?
You will receive your testamur (degree certificate), official academic record/transcript and Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) at the graduation ceremony. If you do not attend the ceremony, your documents will be mailed to you within 10 working days following the graduation ceremony. Please ensure your address details are kept updated on USCCentral to ensure you receive this information.
What is an Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
The AHEGS has been introduced by the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) to align with international developments and is based on nationally agreed specifications. It has been designed to supplement your testamur and academic record and will assist graduates who seek employment or further study opportunities either in Australia or abroad.
The AHEGS provides details of your degree, a statement about dthe University, a list of course achievements relevant to the degree from which you have graduated, and details of the Australian higher education system. If you require further information, please to to www.usc.edu.au/ahegs
I have lost my testamur (degree certificate). How do I organise a replacement testamur?
You are required to contact the Graduation Officer via Student Administration to arrange for a replacement testamur (degree certificate). A replacement cost of A$50 applies which is payable for issuing a replacement testamur. A completed statutory declaration, detailing what has happened to the original document, must be submitted with payment.
Back to top