Student Hub: Graduation

Graduation ceremony invitation

Four weeks before the graduation ceremony in your state you will receive an email invitation for you and two guests to attend graduation.

The email invitation contains a link for you to RSVP. It is important to RSVP by the cut-off date given or you may not be able to attend the ceremony in your state.

Gown hire and guest tickets

You are required to hire academic dress for the ceremony. There is a fee of $40, which you pay when you RSVP.

Additional guest tickets may be purchased via your registration link for $35. Please keep in mind the spaces may be limited at some venues.

I RSVP'd, but now can't make the graduation ceremony

Your award will be conferred at the ceremony and your graduation documents will be mailed to you within 30 days of the ceremony.

I forgot to RSVP

If you don't respond to your invitation by the RSVP date don't panic - you will automatically graduate in absentia.

Your documents will be mailed to you within 30 days of the ceremony.

Tips:

• Make sure your address (in English) is complete and up to date in My Account.
• We only post documents to residential addresses and a signature is required at delivery.
• PO Boxes are not acceptable.
• If your address is incomplete we cannot send your documents and delivery will be delayed. You may be charged a re-issue fee.

Our next avaliable ceremony is in Adelaide on 28th November 2018. If you are wishing to apply to Graduate in Absentia you must notify us by 10th October 2018. 

Higher Education students can "Graduate in absentia" which means your graduation documents will be mailed to you.

You can choose to graduate in absentia at any time after you complete your studies by submitting the relevant Application to Graduate in Absentia form:

• Torrens University form
• THINK Education form

Your award will be conferred at the next Academic Board meeting, your documents will be mailed to you and you won't be invited to a graduation ceremony.

Contact Student Services to find out when the Academic Board meets.

If you are a Vocational Education student you will already have received your graduation documents, which were mailed to you after you completed your studies.

All VET students are invited to attend the next upcoming graduation ceremony. If you cannot make it please RSVP to let us know you won't attend.

What should I wear?

Graduation ceremonies are formal events, so please dress appropriately.What you wear under your gown will be visible - smart casual dress is recommended. Make sure your footwear is suitable. Thongs are not permitted.

Academic dress

At your ceremony you need to wear academic dress. Also known as academic regalia this includes the gown, hood or hat that applies to your qualification which will be fitted on the day.

The hire fee is $40, which you pay when you RSVP for graduation.Your academic dress will be available in the gowning area on graduation day. You need to return all items to the gowning area within an hour of the end of your ceremony, otherwise, you will be charged for the cost of the gown.

Before the ceremony

Student registration opens two hours before the ceremony starts. You may receive your robe and hat during this time.

Arrive early and register at the registration desk with photo ID at the time noted on your invitation.You will be given a seat number and required to partake in a short rehearsal.

If you do not register at least one hour before the ceremony starts you may not be able to join the graduation ceremony. This is because final adjustments to seating and certificates are made in this last hour based on who has registered.

Special Requirements - If you require wheelchair access or mobility assistance for yourself or any of your guests, please let us know when you RSVP.

After the ceremony

Light refreshments will be provided after the graduation ceremony and we invite you and your guests to stay and celebrate your achievements with us.

You need to return your academic dress within an hour of the ceremony finishing or you may be charged for the gown.

The photographer will be available for you to have photos taken with your guests for an hour after the ceremony finishes.

Guest Information

Please do not make travel arrangements for your guests until you have registered yourself and the number of guests attending. Guests must be in their seats 10 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Students will be required to participate in a rehearsal which guests cannot attend. Ushers will notify guests once the doors are open and they can enter the venue.

Seats in the venue for guest are not allocated, if you have a large party or require seats on the aisle, we recommend arriving early to guarantee you receive the space required.

Can I bring my children?

Yes. Children are welcome to attend the graduation ceremony and should be supervised at all times. Children in a seat will need a ticket.

Where do they sit?

Children can't sit with you or join you on stage so a family member or friend will need to come along to supervise them.

The ceremony can be long and young children can get restless. We recommend your guests arrive early to secure seats near aisles and exits so it's easy to leave if they need to. Guests can enter the hall 30 minutes before the ceremony starts and seating is not allocated.

Please note: prams cannot be brought into the hall and must be left in the foyer.

Higher Education students

Graduation documents are issued at the graduation ceremony to student. If you are not able to attend or elect to graduate in absentia, they will be posted within 30 days

Vocational students

Your graduation documents are issued when you complete your course. No documents are given to students at the ceremony, you will receive a ceremonial scroll at graduation.

Professional photographer

A photographer will take photos during the ceremony and will be available for formal photos taken with your guests for one hour after the ceremony finishes.

You can buy photos through the photographer’s website.

Personal photos

Photos are not permitted during the ceremony. There will be an opportunity to take photos in the foyer areas after the ceremony ends.

University and college staff photographs

Our staff will take photos that may be used in publications and promotional materials. You should advise staff if you do not wish for your photograph to be used for these purposes.