Newcastle

Graduation Ceremony package

Information for Graduation ceremonies:

Your Graduation Package includes:

  • academic dress hire: gown, hood and bonnet (if applicable);
  • your trencher (black cap) as a memento;
  • seating for you and up to two guests* at the ceremony;
  • tickets for you and up to two guests* to the Graduation Reception after the ceremony
  • Access to a copy of a photograph of you at the ceremony (an email will be sent to your preferred email account after your ceremony advising you how to access the photo).

*If additional guest tickets are available for your ceremony, we will email to advise of the availability and how to purchase these after registration has closed.

COVID Safety Protocols

To meet the University's COVID-safe event requirements and ensure the safety of all attending, some changes have been made to your graduation ceremony.

Children are welcome at our graduation ceremonies, however please note that each graduate is allowed two guests*, including children of all ages.

Guests will be required to remain seated at all times, and as such the ceremony may not be suitable for babies or younger children.

Mask are not required to be worn however we respect your choice if you choose to wear one.

Ceremony information

Tickets

Your graduate package includes up to 2 guest tickets. Your Graduate ticket and guest tickets are provided digitally as a QR code in your booking confirmation.  Please bring your booking confirmation with you on the day of your ceremony.

Guest seating is general seating, not allocated, and children over the age of 24 months require their own seat. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure their preferred seats.

Additional tickets may be available for your ceremony, however this cannot be determined until after the graduate registration period closes. If additional tickets are made available for your ceremony, you will be emailed with details of how and when to purchase them. Additional guest tickets are offered on a first come, first serve basis and until exhausted.

Arrival and Registration

  • Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before your ceremony start time.
  • If you are driving, use the University Drive roundabout entry to Callaghan Campus and follow the signs to Car Park 1 or Car Park 2.
  • Mobility assistance is available between the car park and the venue.
  • Graduates make their way to the The House (building SH on map) to register attendance and collect your Academic Dress and guest tickets.
  • Guests can head straight to the Great Hall where they can grab a coffee or drink.

Once you have registered and collected your gown, make your way to the Great Hall. At the Great Hall our staff will be on hand to assist you in wearing your academic dress correctly.

Academic dress

The approved University of Newcastle academic dress includes a gown, and if appropriate, a hood and trencher (cap) or bonnet.

The hire of your academic dress is part of your graduation package and is paid for through the online graduation registration system at the same time you register. Academic dress hire terms and conditions (for Australian ceremonies) can also be viewed online before payment has been processed.

Collecting your Academic Dress

Academic dress is collected on the day of your ceremony  of your ceremony from The House (building SH on map) at the following times:

Ceremony DateCeremony TimeCollection Time
Tuesday, 12 December 202310.00 amfrom 8.00 am
 2.00 pmfrom 10.00 am
 6.00 pmfrom 2.00 pm
Wednesday, 13 December 202310.00 amfrom 8.00 am
 2.00 pmfrom 10.00 am
 6.00 pmfrom 2.00 pm
Thursday, 14 December 202310.00 amfrom 8.00 am
 2.00 pmfrom 10.00 am
 6.00 pmfrom 2.00 pm
Friday, 15 December 202310.00 amfrom 8.00 am
 2.00 pmfrom 10.00 am
 6.00 pmfrom 2.00 pm

Returning your Academic Dress

Academic Dress return is located on Level 2 Shortland Building (building US on map), access is via the ramp off car park 5, Callaghan campus.

Your Academic Dress must be returned before leaving Campus on the day of your ceremony.  Please return your academic dress hire to the Academic Dress Room.  Access to Academic Dress for returns is via the Graduation Reception in the Brennan Room, Level 2 Shortland Building (building US on map).

If you would like to purchase all or part of your academic dress, please contact:

Academic Dress Hire
Phone: +61 2 4985 4132
Email: ad-hire@newcastle.edu.au

The Graduation Ceremony

  • You will need to be seated at least 30 minutes before the beginning of your ceremony. We will have staff to show you to your allocated seats once you enter the Great Hall.
  • You will be sitting with your fellow graduates, and your guests will have seating elsewhere in the hall. Ensure you give your guests their tickets before taking your seat.
  • If you have any extra family and friends you wish to share this remarkable moment with, there will be a live stream of your graduation ceremony available onsite in our Science Theatre or they are able to watch from home by visiting our website. A recording of the live-stream will also be available on the website a few days after your ceremony.
  • Our staff will direct you where you have to go for your moment on stage.
  • A professional photographer will take your photo whilst you are on the stage, so don't forget to stop before leaving the stage.

After the Ceremony

  • Following on from your ceremony we will be holding a reception in the Brennan Room for you and your guests to attend. Drinks and canapés will be served.
  • Professional photography and framing services are also available in the Brennan Room.

Celebrate with your family

Let us help you celebrate your remarkable achievements at Local Connections before or after your Graduation ceremony. Book a table here.

Graduation photography

A professional photographer will be present at your ceremony.

As the graduate, you will receive a photo of yourself standing on stage holding your testamur. These will be available for you to download and share from the graduation photography Facebook page.

You and your guests have an opportunity to attend a professional Studio Portrait Session in conjunction with your ceremony. Sessions are available in the Brennan Room in the Shortland Building following your ceremony for a booking fee of $20.

  • Photographs can include graduate alone and with their 2 guests.
  • You are able to view and purchase your portraits online.
  • Images are available to purchase as prints or high-resolution digital images

Studio times are limited so we recommend that you book your studio session in advance here.

To pre-order a portrait, including discount pricing, or to order a high resolution image of your ceremony photograph, head to Graduation Photography’s dedicated University of Newcastle page.

Graduation Photography
1004 Victoria Road,
West Ryde NSW 2114
+61 2 9804 7777

Web: http://www.graduationphotography.com.au/UNC
Social: https://www.facebook.com/graduationphotography
Email: orders@graduationphotography.com.au

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Framing

At your graduation ceremony, you will have the opportunity to purchase University memorabilia, as well as order a plaque of your testamur or have it framed. If you decide to purchase a plaque or frame your testamur after the ceremony, contact:

Jackson Frames
Unit 36, 6 Jubilee Avenue,
Warriewood NSW 2102
+61 2 9999 1805

Web: http://www.jacksonframes.com.au
Email: frames@jacksonframes.com.au


Memorabilia

Reflect on your time at the University of Newcastle with your own official university merchandise. Whether you are looking for classic styles or contemporary designs, The Shop gives everyone the opportunity to take a piece of the university home with them. View the full range here.

Open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm you can find us in the Shortland Building, next to the Post Office. During Graduation you can also find us in our Pop-up shop outside the Great Hall.

If you miss the opportunity to purchase your official university merchandise at graduation, contact us, or visit us at The Shop.

The Shop
University of Newcastle, Level 1, Shortland Building
130 University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308

Contact: theshop@newcastle.edu.au

All your memories.
All your achievements.
All yours at The Shop.

Treat yourself or celebrate someone you love this Graduation with official University of Newcastle merchandise. Visit us at The Shop.

Shop the range

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Past graduation ceremonies

The University produces world-class graduates and alumni and we are proud to have records of graduation ceremonies dating back more than six decades.

What’s more, these ceremonies have featured some outstanding guest speakers – including a state premier, a justice of the high court, several globally renowned authors and academics, and even the odd film star – who gave the kind of inspirational speeches that shook the walls.

Occasional Speakers at Graduation Ceremonies 1970-present (PDF, 264.4 KB)

The University has books of previous graduation ceremonies dating back to 1953. For ceremonies from 2010 onward, head to the graduation books page.

Graduation Books from 1953 to 2009 are available on the Living Histories @ UON site.

Live streams of ceremonies dating back to 2017 can be found on the University website.

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