Familiarise yourself with all the timings so you are prepared for what will happen on your ceremony day.
What happens on the day
If you know the time of your graduation ceremony, you can take a look at the timings for our morning, afternoon and evening sessions here:
Morning ceremony: 9.30 - 11.30am
| Time | Activity | Important 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. |
With a large number of graduates attending your ceremony, it’s essential to arrive at least 90 minutes before the ceremony start time. This will give you ample opportunity to register, collect your gown, and have photographs taken before the ceremony begins.
All personal portraits must be taken by our official photographers before the ceremony, as you will not be able to return to the Photography zone afterward.
During the ceremony
During the graduation ceremony, a variety of speeches will take place, including a welcome address by the Chancellor, an address from an Honorary Doctorate recipient, and a concluding speech delivered by a graduating student.
When your name is called, you will stand on the ‘X’ marked on the stage. After being announced, you will walk across the stage to shake hands with our Chancellor or nominee. You will then continue across the stage to collect your award brochure before exiting to the far side. Afterward, you may return to the hall to enjoy the rest of the ceremony, but please note that you will not return to your original seat.
Each student who crosses the stage is important to us, so please do clap and cheer as loudly as you wish when graduates are crossing the stage!
Feel free to take photos and videos in the ceremony, 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.