Graduation Ceremonies


What happens on the day

Make sure you’re familiar with the timings for your graduation ceremony, so you can plan your day smoothly.

With a large number of graduates attending, you must arrive at least 90 minutes before the ceremony starts to allow time for registration, gown collection and photography.

 
Morning ceremony: 9.30 - 11.30am
TimeActivityImportant information
7.45 - 9.15am Registration
Gowning
Photography
Complimentary refreshments
We advise you to arrive as early as possible to allow yourself enough time to:
  • register your attendance and collect your own ticket
  • collect your gown from Hall 4
  • take photographs in Hall 3
  • Purchase any remaining guest tickets (subject to availability)
  • take your seat
Please note that these graduation ceremonies may be busier than usual, so although 90 minutes may seem plenty, we advise you allow extra time to avoid unnecessary surprises.
9.15 - 9.45am Call to be seated Please ensure that you and your guests are ready to be seated as early as possible so you do not miss any part of the ceremony as it will promptly start at the specified time. If you arrive late, you may not be able to take part in the ceremony.
10 - 11.30am Graduation ceremony duration The ceremony is scheduled to run for approximately 90 minutes during which time you will have an opportunity to cross the stage with your cohort.
11.45am - 12.30pm Guests depart We ask that all graduates and guests depart, so the next cohort of guests and graduates can arrive.
6pm All gowns and hats to be returned to the drop-off point at ICC We ask that you return your cap and gown to the designated drop-off point in the Mall (Centenary Square) of the ICC at the end of the day unless you have pre-booked the gown for a longer loan.
 
Afternoon ceremony: 1.30 - 3.30pm

Time

Activity

Important information

12noon - 1.30pm

Registration
Gowning
Photography
Complimentary refreshments

We advise that you arrive as early as possible to allow yourself enough time to:

  • register your attendance and collect your own ticket
  • collect your gown from Hall 4
  • take photographs in Hall 3
  • Purchase any remaining guest tickets (subject to availability)
  • take your seat

Please note that these graduation ceremonies may be busier than usual, so although 90 minutes may seem plenty, we advise you allow extra time to avoid unnecessary surprises.

1.15 - 1.45pm

Call to be seated

Please ensure that you and your guests are ready to be seated as early as possible so you do not miss any part of the ceremony as it will promptly start at the specified time. If you arrive late, you may not be able to take part in the ceremony.

2 - 3.30pm

Graduation ceremony duration

The ceremony is scheduled to run for approximately 90 minutes during which time you will have an opportunity to cross the stage with your cohort.

3.45 - 4.30pm

Guests depart

We ask that all graduates and guests depart, so the next cohort of guests and graduates can arrive.

6pm

All gowns and hats to be returned to the drop-off point at ICC

We ask that you return your cap and gown to the designated drop-off point in the Mall (Centenary Square) of the ICC at the end of the day unless you have pre-booked the gown for a longer loan.

 
Evening ceremony: 5 - 7pm

Time

Activity

Important information

3.30 - 5pm

Registration
Gowning
Photography
Complimentary refreshments

We advise you to arrive as early as possible to allow yourself enough time to:

  • register your attendance and collect your own ticket
  • collect your gown from Hall 4
  • take photographs in Hall 3
  • Purchase any remaining guest tickets (subject to availability)
  • take your seat

Please note that these graduation ceremonies may be busier than usual, so although 90 minutes may seem plenty, we advise you allow extra time to avoid unnecessary surprises.

5.15 - 5.30pm

Call to be seated

Please ensure that you and your guests are ready to be seated as early as possible so you do not miss any part of the ceremony as it will promptly start at the specified time. If you arrive late, you may not be able to take part in the ceremony.

5.30 - 7pm

Graduation ceremony duration

The ceremony is scheduled to run for approximately 90 minutes during which time you will have an opportunity to cross the stage with your cohort.

7.45 - 8.30pm

Guests depart

We ask that all graduates and guests depart, so the next cohort of guests and graduates can arrive.

8pm

All gowns and hats to be returned to the drop-off point at ICC

We ask that you return your cap and gown to the designated drop-off point in the Mall (Centenary Square) of the ICC at the end of the day unless you have pre-booked the gown for a longer loan.

During the ceremony

The ceremony will begin with a welcome address, followed by speeches from distinguished guests, including an Honorary Doctorate recipient and a representative from the graduating cohort.

When it is time for graduates to cross the stage:

  • You will be directed to the stage.
  • Step onto the ‘X’ marker on the stage while your name is announced.
  • Walk across the stage to shake hands with the Chancellor or nominee.
  • Continue across the stage.
  • Afterward, you may return to the hall to enjoy the rest of the ceremony, but you will not return to your original seat.

Celebrate:

Every graduate’s moment on stage is special. Family, friends and guests are encouraged to clap, cheer and celebrate when names are announced.

Photos & Videos:

Guests are welcome to take photos and videos, but please do not stand or block the view of others in the audience.

Get Involved

We’d love to know how you’re celebrating your special day with your guests! Make sure you tag your social media posts throughout the day with the hashtag #IAMBCU.