Commencement Ceremony marks start of the Uni year

Thursday 8 February 2007

The start of the 2007 academic year will be celebrated at a Commencement Ceremony at the University of Newcastle next week.

The Ceremony will be held on Monday 12 February 2007 from 9.30am in the Great Hall, Callaghan campus.

Master of Ceremonies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Sue Gould, said more than 9,000 students will begin formal tertiary study at the University of Newcastle this year.

"The Commencement Ceremony is one of the most important days on the University calendar," she said.

"It is a formal welcome to the students joining the University community for the first time and a welcome back to staff and continuing students.

"When the students complete their degrees they will join the University's alumni network of almost 100,000 students, graduates, staff and friends of the University."

The Commencement Ceremony will begin with the traditional Academic Procession and the National Anthem followed by a formal welcome to the Awabakal land by Shane Frost, a representative of the Awabakal community.

Chancellor Professor Trevor Waring and the Vice-Chancellor Professor Nicholas Saunders will address the congregation.

Dr Frances Kay-Lambkin, who has completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a PhD in Psychiatry at the University of Newcastle will speak about her experiences as a student and encourage this year's new students to get involved in University life. Dr Kay-Lambkin is now a Psychologist and Lecturer at the Centre for Mental Health Studies and a post doctoral fellow at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.

The Commencement Ceremony is the first event of the University of Newcastle's annual Orientation Week (O Week) program.

Orientation Week runs from Monday 12 to Friday 17 February 2007. Details of O Week events and activities is available at www.newcastle.edu.au/study/orientation

Photo opportunity: Media are invited to attend the Commencement Ceremony.

Contact: Dr Sue Gould 02 4921 7363