Graduation day

Important dates

Date	Details
27 - 30 March, 2023	Graduation ceremonies
April/May 2023	Testamurs sent to graduates conferred in abentia (6-8 weeks after ceremony)

Ceremony times

Exact dates, times and faculties are still TBC.

Preparing for graduation day

You will be sent an invitation to your graduation ceremony by email. Once it arrives, you can then access the Reed Graduations portal which will allow you to:

RSVP as attending or graduating in absentia if unable to attend
Purchase guest tickets
Hire your cap and gown
Purchase photography and framing packages

Learn more

Ceremony

The ceremony will begin when the Chancellor declares the proceedings open.

Purple ushers will direct you and your fellow graduates to move from your seats to the side of the stage to be called for your award. When your name is called and you are prompted by an usher, you will walk across the stage to the Chancellor. You should not doff your hat, curtsy, or shake hands with the Chancellor. The Chancellor will present you with a folder and you will both pose for an official photo.

Once you receive your folder, continue walking across the stage where you will be met by UC staff. We will provide you with your testamur and academic transcript offstage and then direct you back to your seat.

The proceedings will last 1.5 - 2 hours. Once they are closed, the official party and academic procession will leave the stage. Once they have left the hall all graduates will leave their seat via the centre aisle as directed by the purple ushers. Your guests will then join you in the Exhibition Hall to continue celebrations.

What to expect

Live streaming

For friends and family unable to attend your graduation they can watch the live stream.

You can also access the live stream later to re-watch your ceremony.

Academic dress and photography

Ensure you're wearing the correct regalia, by hiring or purchasing your academic dress through Reed Graduations when you RSVP.

Beat the crowds on the day and pre-purchase your formal photography.

After party

You and your guests are invited to join us on the ground floor in the Exhibition Hall for canapes, drinks, music, plenty of photo ops and a gift for the newest members of our dynamic, inspiring and talented community of alumni.

Graduation venue

The Graduation ceremonies will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC).

Address
31 Constitution Avenue, ACT 2601

Parking
The NCCC offers underground parking for graduates and guests, further details can be found on the NCCC website. Additional parking can be found on Allara Street and Constitution Avenue, near the Canberra Olympic Pool.

Accessibility
If you or your guests have a wheelchair, walker or require any other assistance with seating, please contact the Student Centre so we can arrange special seating for you.

FAQs

What do I do on arrival?

You should arrive at least 90 minutes before the start of your ceremony.

On arrival at the venue, graduates can make your way up the stairs where you can register your attendance and be dressed in your graduation regalia. Guests do not need to go upstairs; they can wait for you in the foyer downstairs.

An announcement will be made when it is time to head into the theatre. Graduates will enter through the doors on the ground floor. Guests will enter from the doors upstairs and will need to show their ticket to enter. If you are unsure where to go, please ask a staff member dress in purple robes and we will direct you to your seat. It is important to be seated at least 30 minutes before the start of proceedings.

Where do I put my personal belongings?

You will not be allowed to take bags, phones, or other personal items up on stage when receiving your award. There is a cloak room service at the venue for coats and backpacks, however they will not take small items. For small items, kindly ask one of your guests to keep your belongings safe during the ceremony.

Can the venue accommodate wheelchairs, prams or strollers?

If you or any of your guests are in a wheelchair or have a walking aide, please email the Student Centre so we can accommodate your seating requirements.

It's not possible to have prams or strollers next to graduates during the ceremony. As guests are seated in tiered seating, if you have a pram or stroller please email the Student Centre for us to arrange seating for your guests on the ground floor.

What will I receive on stage?

You will receive a blank folder on stage, however will collect your degree testamur and academic transcript off stage before returning to your seat.

What if myself or my guests are unwell on the day?

We ask that graduates and guests please do not attend if they are feeling unwell or displaying cold and flu like symptoms.

If your guests are unwell, please email the Student Centre for a refund and ensure you provide supporting documentation with your request. Refunds make take up to two weeks to be processed.