Arrival and Parking

Candidates and guests should come to Parliament House and follow the signs to the formally marked car parks. Parking spaces are limited and time resrtictions can apply - Graduands are encouraged to arrive at least an hour and a hour prior to the ceremony, to allow time for parking, registration and gowning. Guests are also advised to arrive at Parliament House at least one hour prior to the ceremony to allow time for parking. Please note that all candidates and guests will need to go through the security check point at the main entrance.

Elderly guests may be driven close to the main entrance to be dropped off.  Cars must then be taken to one of the formally marked car parks.  Parking regulations are enforced and cars must be parked in marked car parks.

For more information on transport to Parliament House and parking, please click here.

Graduands must report to the Registration Desk on arrival at Parliament House (found at top of stairs on the right hand side of the Marble Foyer). 

Graduands must be seated at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the ceremony.  Please ensure you arrive in time to collect your gown and tickets.

Arriving by Aircraft?

Canberra frequently experiences early morning fog.  Though this is more prominent in winter, even the summer months have seen heavy morning fog.  When this happens the Canberra Airport is often closed until the fog lifts and, at times, normal arrivals and departures can be delayed until 11.00 a.m.   It is strongly advised that interstate graduates and guests planning to attend a morning ceremony and are travelling by plane arrive in Canberra the night before the ceremony.

Late Arrivals

Graduands who arrive later than 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the ceremony will be too late to have their award presented to them at that ceremony.  The award will be conferred in absentia at the ceremony and the testamur may be collected at the conclusion of the ceremony.  Late arriving graduands and guests will be seated in the Public Gallery above the Great Hall.

Disability Assistance

Candidates who have a disability and require assistance at the ceremony, or candidates who have guests with a disability should notify the UC Accessability Office on (02) 6201 5233.  Arrangements can be made for appropriate parking and seating.

Cloak Room

The University of Canberra is unable to provide a cloak room service at Parliament House.

Presentation and Conferral

The Chancellor will declare the proceedings open.  The ushers will direct the candidates to move from their seats to the side of the dais.

When a candidate's name is called, and as prompted by the usher, they should mount the dais and walk across to the Chancellor.  Note that hats will not be doffed.  The Chancellor will then present the testamur, which the candidate should take in the left hand.  The Chancellor will then shake hands with the candidate.

After receiving the award, the candidate should walk down the centre ramp and up the central aisle to the back of the Hall, pass through the centre doors and proceed as directed for a photograph to be taken if the candidate desires.  The candidate should then return to the Hall and resume their seat via a side aisle as directed by the ushers.

After the Occasional address has been delivered and the Chancellor has declared the Proceedings closed, graduates will leave the Hall in procession via the central aisle, preceded by Marshals.  They will be followed by the Procession (official party and academic staff), official guests and candidates' guests.

Graduates and guests are required to leave the Hall and move into the foyer of Parliament House. Graduates may return their gowns to the "Returns" desk in the Theatre Foyer and collect their deposit.

If, for any reason, graduands or guests need to leave the Hall during the ceremony, they should go to the main doors at the rear of the Hall and ask for assistance from the usher.  It is advisable not to bring children under six years of age to the ceremony.  Note that prams and strollers are not permitted at any time in the central aisle of the Hall.

Please remember to switch off mobile phones.

Photographs and Framing

Personal cameras are permitted in the Hall during the ceremony but should be used discreetely. Southam Studios are the official photographers and will be in attendance to photograph all graduands at the ceremony.  Candidates wishing to have a commemorative photograph taken are liable for a sitting fee of $30.00 payable at the time to the official photographer.

Southam Studios also offer Framing services (for both photographs and certificates) at Parliament House to enable you to have your degree framed immediately following the ceremony.