Commencement Ceremony marks start of 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 Thursday 15 February 2007 from 9.50am in the Fine Arts Centre, Ourimbah campus.

Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director of the Ourimbah Campus, Professor Stephen Crump, said almost 1,500 students will begin formal tertiary study at the University of Newcastle's Ourimbah campus this year joining close to 1,500 students continuing their education.

"New student numbers continue to increase significantly on the Ourimbah campus and more and more people are choosing to study here due to the range of top-quality courses on offer and the convenient location and lifestyle," he said.

"The Commencement Ceremony is one of the most important days on the University calendar. It is a formal welcome those new to the University community and a welcome back to staff and continuing students."

The Commencement Ceremony will begin with the traditional Academic Procession and the National Anthem followed by a formal Welcome to Country by Aunty Elaine Chapman, a Custodial Elder of the Darkingjung Country.

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

The Commencement Ceremony is part 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: Professor Stephen Crump 02 4348 4014