Singapore

Registration

• Please make sure you arrive at 11.00 am (Singapore time) to register, get dressed into your academic dress and be seated on time.
• Graduates make their way to Azalea Room on the Mezzanine level, where registration and gowning will take place. Our friendly staff will be on hand to assist you with putting on your regalia correctly and answer any questions you may have.
• Once you are dressed, make your way to the Island Ballroom, on the ground floor, where you will have time to take photos, meet your guests, and enjoy the pre-ceremony atmosphere before the ceremony commences.

Academic Dress Collection

• Academic dress is collected on the ceremony day at registration in the Azalea Room on the Mezzanine level.

Academic Dress Tips

• Graduates are required to wear the approved University of Newcastle academic dress only.
• If you are required to wear a trencher or bonnet on your head, we recommend choosing a hairstyle that allows this to sit comfortably.
• 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.
• You are welcome to enrich the colour of the ceremony with garments from your cultural tradition.
• The academic gown is three-quarters in length and opens at the front, so your clothes will be visible. The gown is made of heavy material, so you may consider this and the weather when selecting your outfit. We encourage you to wear smart-casual, breathable clothing.
• You will be accessing the stage via stairs, so we recommend that you consider this when selecting your footwear.

Additional information

• How do I wear my academic dress?
• List of Current Awards and academic dress

Your graduation package includes tickets to both the ceremony and the reception.

You can find your graduate and guest tickets in your Reed Events account, which you created during the registration process. On the day of your ceremony, please either:

• Download the Reed Events app from Google Play or the Apple Store, or
• Download your booking confirmation directly from the Reed Events website.

Be sure to bring one of these with you to the ceremony. We recommend organising this prior to 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.

You are able to purchase up to 2 guest tickets at time of initial registration via the graduation registration portal at a cost of $80 (AUD) each.

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.

Stage Ramp

• If you require alternative access to the stage via the ramp, please indicate this in the online registration system.

Wheelchair Information

• We encourage wheelchair users to inform staff of their requirements through the registration system, so that we can ensure their needs are accommodated.
• There is designated wheelchair accessible seating available.

Mobility Assistance

• Should you require mobility assistance, please inform staff prior to the graduation ceremony date so we can organise to meet and usher you to your seat.

Accessible Parking

• Designated accessible/handicapped parking lots are conveniently located at the driveway near the Tower Wing lobby and Island Ballroom entrance.

Accessible Toilets

• Wheelchair-accessible toilets are conveniently located near the Island Ballroom.

• The Master of Ceremonies will announce the imminent commencement of the ceremony
• The University Fanfare will herald the entry of the Dais Party
• The assembly will rise and remain standing until the conclusion of the National Anthems of Singapore and Australia
• The Chancellor will declare the proceedings open
• The Vice-Chancellor will introduce the Occasional Speaker
• The Occasional Address will be delivered
• The first set of degree recipients will be presented
• The Musical Interlude will be performed
• The second set of degree recipients will be presented
• The Chancellor will invite a nominated graduate to speak on behalf of all graduates
• The proceedings will be declared concluded
• The Dais Party and assembly will rise as the University Fanfare is sounded and the Dais Party process from the stage
• Graduate group photographs will then be taken on the stage
• Graduates and guests are invited to attend the Graduate Reception.

Graduation ceremonies usually last for one and a half to two hours, depending on the number of graduates.

Following the ceremony, you and your guests are invited to the graduation reception in the foyer, outside the Island Ballroom.

Lasting approximately 90 minutes, refreshments will be served.

Photography

A professional photographer will be present at all graduation ceremonies to capture your special moment. As a graduate, you will receive a complimentary stage photo of yourself holding your testamur. This image will be available to download and share via the Reed Events app.

Studio Portrait Sessions

You and your guests also have the option to book a professional studio portrait session at the reception, available immediately after your ceremony. These sessions are limited, so we recommend booking in advance through the Reed Events app.

Framing and Plaques

Following your ceremony, you will have the option to frame your testamur or order a commemorative plaque. To pre-order, simply use the Reed Events app. On-the-day orders can also be placed at the Reed Events desk, located in the Graduation Reception area.

Treat yourself or someone you love this Graduation with official University of Newcastle merchandise, including caps, tees, hoodies and plush toys. Stop by the University merch stall in the reception area prior to or after your ceremony.