What happens in the ceremony
Ceremony duration
The ceremony will be approximately one and a half hours duration. Light refreshments will be provided for graduates and their guests after the ceremony, we request that you move to this area as soon as possible after the ceremony.
Order of proceedings
Processional music heralds the arrival of the Academic Procession for the graduation ceremony. At the commencement of this music, graduands and guests are asked to stand and remain standing for the National Anthem.
The Master of Ceremonies will open proceedings and the Chancellor will deliver the opening address. The Vice-Chancellor will then introduce the guest speaker who will deliver the occasional address.
The Chancellor will make a formal declaration conferring the awards of the University on the graduates and he will invite graduates to proceed to the stage according to the order published in the program.
A Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor will read out the names of graduates being presented to the Chancellor. At the conclusion of the presentation of the graduates, a representative of them will deliver a brief response.
The Vice-Chancellor will deliver the closing address. Following the closing address, there will be a musical performance.
At the conclusion of the ceremony guests are requested to stand while the stage party and graduates leave the hall.
Seat Allocations
Graduands are seated in the front rows of the venue in specifically allocated seats. Marshalls will be present to direct you to your seat.
All graduands must be seated in their allocated seats 30 minutes prior to commencement of the ceremony for a briefing on ceremony protocols.
Graduands not registered and seated by this time may not participate in the ceremony.
Can I bring children to the ceremony?
Yes, however the ceremony for small children could be considered a little long and formal. If children are coming to a ceremony, parents are encouraged to bring along quiet activities to keep them entertained.
Children who occupy a seat will require a ticket.
