Attending your ceremony

What to expect on graduation day

Navigate the logistics of your graduation ceremony with confidence. To get the most out of your celebration, watch our video on what to expect on graduation day. From arriving to crossing the stage, we'll guide you through what you need to know. 

On the day

Graduation ceremonies include the formal presentation of degrees, diplomas and certificates, addresses by dignitaries and members of the University. The formal proceedings last for approximately one and half to two hours, with light refreshments and photography and framing services available for one hour after the ceremony concludes.

  • DECEMBER 2024 Graduation Ceremony Programs and student lists
  • Viewing Ceremony Online Via Free Livestream Link

    For friends and family who are unable to attend your graduation ceremony on campus, they will be able to view your graduation ceremony live via the relevant link below. This link will be available to access 24 hours before the ceremony starts, and for up to a week after the ceremony date. 

    Ceremony 1 | Monday, 9 December at 5pm (updated)
    Ceremony 2 | Tuesday, 10 December at 11am
    Ceremony 3 | Tuesday, 10 December at 5pm
    Ceremony 4 | Wednesday, 11 December at 11am
    Ceremony 5 | Wednesday, 11 December at 5pm
    Ceremony 6 | Thursday, 12 December at 11am
    Ceremony 7 | Thursday, 12 December at 5pm
    Ceremony 8 | Friday, 13 December at 11am
    Ceremony 9 | Friday, 13 December at 5pm
    Ceremony 10 | Monday, 16 December at 11am
    Ceremony 11 | Monday, 16 December at 5pm
    Ceremony 12 | Tuesday, 17 December at 11am
    Ceremony 13 | Tuesday, 17 December at 5pm
    Ceremony 14 | Wednesday, 18 December at 11am
    Ceremony 15 | Wednesday, 18 December at 5pm

    Please note this is different to viewing the ceremony from the on-campus live-stream venue. Tickets do not need to be purchased to view the ceremony remotely via the live-stream links above.

  • REGISTERING YOUR ATTENDANCE

    It is imperative that you register your attendance for your graduation ceremony via the GFP online ordering portal. The purpose of registering your attendance is to ensure that you will be allocated a graduand ticket and seat number.

  • Cancelling your attendance

    Cancelling your attendance: ensure you let the Graduations Team know via askUWA before your graduation ceremony. If you do not advise us prior to your ceremony that you are unable to attend your given ceremony, your award will be conferred in absentia.

    Be sure to include the following in your message:

    • Student ID number
    • Full name
    • A statement that you:
    • Are unable to attend your Graduation ceremony
    • Want your award to be conferred in absentia 
    • Are aware that once your award has been conferred in absentia you will not be permitted to attend any future ceremony for this award

    If you are experiencing any extenuating circumstances, or have any queries about attending your ceremony, contact the Graduations Team.

  • Guest Tickets

    Complimentary Winthrop Hall Guest tickets: To collect up to two complimentary guest tickets for Winthrop Hall, please log in to the GFP online ordering portal from Wednesday, 27 November 2024. You will be able to send your guests their electronic tickets via the portal.

    Reception tickets with complimentary live-stream access: As each graduand receives up to two complimentary Winthrop Hall guest tickets, ticket sales for our on-campus livestream venue are available for your guests who wish to come to campus to view your graduation ceremony and attend the post-ceremony reception.  Additional guest tickets can be purchased from GFP online ordering portal for the Reception tickets with complimentary live-stream access. Please ensure you order Guest Tickets via the online portal before the portal closes at midday the day prior to your ceremony. Depending on capacity, Graduation Reception tickets may still be available to purchase on the day from the Information Tent at the entrance to Winthrop Hall, one and a half hours prior to your ceremony however we recommend purchasing in advance to avoid disappointment. The live-stream venue for December 2024 is Murdoch Lecture Theatre.

    Your children are welcome to attend your graduation ceremony. Children who are two or under can sit on an adult's lap (one of your guests), if you would like them to have their own seat, they will need their own ticket. If you have a pram for your child, please leave it with the Front of House staff before you go into Winthrop Hall or the Live Streaming venue. These are Occupational Health and Safety rules are in place for the safety of all patrons.

    A limited number of tickets for Winthrop Hall may become available due to the reallocation of tickets resulting from late cancellations. If this happens, you will be able to exchange some or all of your Reception tickets with complimentary live-stream access for guest ticket(s) in Winthrop Hall, at the Information Tent outside Winthrop Hall, one and a half hours before your ceremony. Tickets will be exchanged on a first come first served basis. There is no guarantee that there will be any unallocated tickets for any of the ceremonies.

    If you have any problems with the GFP Online Ordering Portal, please contact GFP directly: [email protected], call GFP's customer support team at Australia: 1300 360 445 - International: +61 8 8154 1388

    For friends and family who are unable to attend your physical graduation ceremony, they will be able to view your graduation ceremony live via this link here. Please note this is different to viewing the ceremony from the on-campus live-stream venue. Tickets do not need to be purchased to view the ceremony remotely via the live-stream link.

     
  • Arriving

    You should arrive one hour before the ceremony.  PhD graduands gather at Margaret Fairweather Education Space; all other graduands gather at the Great Court North Marquee (just outside the Undercroft). It is important that you register your arrival by scanning the "Registration QR Code". Guests can enter Winthrop Hall and the Live Stream venue by ticket only; ensure that all guests are sent their e-tickets prior to the ceremony. Guests are asked to be seated 30 minutes prior to the ceremony starting.

  • Legal Name versus Preferred Name at a Graduation Ceremony

    'Given Names and Surname' Versus 'Preferred Given Name and Surname'

    Your Given Names and Surname are your names which appear on your legal identity documents. Your Given Names and Surname will be printed on your graduation certificate. Your Preferred Given Name is optional field which is captured in studentConnect.

    If your Given Names is different to your Preferred Given Name, and you would like your Preferred Given Name to be read at your in-person graduation ceremony, you must:

    • Notify us in the GFP Online Ordering Portal under the screen called "More Information"
    • Ensure your Preferred Given Name is 100% correct in studentConnect

    Important items to note: Deadline for updating Preferred Given Name in studetConnect and selecting Preferred Given Name in the GFP Online Ordering Portal is Tuesday, 26 November 2024. If you select to have your Preferred Given Name and Surname read at your in-person graduation ceremony, please note that no middle names will be read at the ceremony.

  • Pronunciation for the name to be read at your ceremony

    At Graduation, your legal Given Names and Surname will appear on your award certificate. When the presenter reads your name for you to cross the stage at your ceremony, you have the choice of being called by either your 'Given Names and Surname' or your 'Preferred Given Name and Surname'.

    It is important that you provide the phonetic pronunciation of the names you have selected to be read at your ceremony, as it guides the presenter to read your name correctly.

    Phonetic pronunciation of your given names and surname is saying them as they sound, not as they are written.

    When you complete your ceremony registration via GFP Portal, you will be asked to provide a phonetic pronunciation for your name. For example:

    • David Baranowski = David Ba-ra-nof-ski)
    • Hooi Peng Soon = Hoo-ee P-eng S-oon
    • Sanathanee Sachchithananthan = Sana-tha-nee Sach-chi-tha-nan-than
    • Rebecca Malkkah Lachovitzki = Rebecca Mul-ka Lah-koh-vitz-kee
    • Ravish Shekaraiah = Raveesh Shek-ra-ja

    When you log into the GFP portal to order your regalia and redeem your tickets, you will also be provided with the option to record the correct pronunciation of your full name, creating a sounds file for the presenter to listen to.

    Important items to note: Deadline for updating the Pronunciation of your Names to be read at your ceremony in the GFP Online Ordering Portal is Tuesday, 26 November 2024. Providing phonetic pronunciation for your name is an important step - it guides the presenter to read your name correctly, as they may not know you.

  • Parking

    Graduands and Guests can access complimentary parking in all marked yellow bays across campus, via the Graduations parking e-permit. 

    To access this, you must submit your vehicle registration details via this link: Graduation parking e-permit

    The closest car parks to Winthrop Hall are:

    • Car Park 1 (in front of the UWA Recreation Centre) 
    • Car Park 63 (next to the Ken & Julie Michael Building at 7 Fairway)
    • Car Park 52 (between Computer Science and the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery)

    The following car parks are a 5-10 minute walk to Winthrop Hall:

    Graduands are advised to allow plenty of time to find parking, collect your regalia from Fay Gale Studio, and arrive (robed in regalia) at your relevant muster point, at promptly 60 minutes before your ceremony start time.

    Undergraduate and postgraduate graduands will muster at the marquee on Great Court North (located on the South side of Winthrop Hall).

    Doctoral graduands will muster at the Margaret Fairweather Education Space, in Hackett Hall.

    Download your copy of the UWA Car Park map here.

    Please note: Vehicles must be parked in a designated parking bay. Vehicles parking in ACROD, Reserved and Service Bays must display the appropriate permit at all times.

     
  • Your seat number

    To obtain your ticket and seat details, be sure to:

    1. Register your attendance for your graduation ceremony via the GFP online ordering portal
    2. Scan the “Registration QR Code” onsite, when you collect your regalia or on the day of your ceremony. You will receive a text message, containing a link to your seat number and ticket. Your seat number and ticket will only be available on the day of your ceremony. 
  • ACADEMIC DRESS

    Academic dress for your graduation ceremony includes a gown, hood and trencher cap (mortarboard). In keeping with the formal occasion, we suggest you wear smart personal attire that is suitable for photographs. When selecting shoes, remember you will be processing with your peers from the Gillett Promenade Marquee to Winthrop Hall and will navigate a small number of stairs, including up to and down from the stage.

    You are welcome to wear your religious and/or culturally significant attire for your graduation ceremony. We would prefer that you wear any religious and/or culturally significant attire on top of the black cloak of the university regalia, but underneath the university coloured silk hood denoting the award you are graduating with.

    If you are ordering your academic regalia (to hire or purchase) through a supplier other than GFP Graduations, please take note of this update to the University Policy on Graduation: Academic Dress.

    Graduation gowns are not the same for certain awards. If you have graduated previously with an Undergraduate qualification, you cannot reuse the same gown for a Masters or Doctorate award.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  • How do i order my regalia

    Once you’ve completed your Confirmation of Attendance, you’ll receive an email from us with information and a link to order your academic dress and retrieve your complementary guest tickets for Winthrop Hall or order additional guest tickets for the livestream venues . You won’t be able to order until you’ve confirmed your attendance. If you don't receive the email within 24 hours, contact us so we can check your confirmation details.

    GFP Graduations is the University's preferred provider of academic dress. You can obtain your academic dress from any supplier as long as the academic dress complies with the University Policy on Graduation Academic Dress (Policy Number:UP11/49). Should your academic dress not comply, GFP Graduations will supply a replacement on the day at your cost.

    Academic dress prices vary according to the award that is being conferred. Full details are available on the Academic Dress Ordering Service website.

    If you have any problems with the GFP Online Ordering Portal, please contact GFP directly: [email protected], call GFP's customer support team at Australia: 1300 360 445 - International: +61 8 8154 1388

     

  • WHEN AND WHERE DO I COLLECT MY REGALIA

    Your graduation regalia is available for collection on the day of your ceremony. Please note collection windows and deadlines for collection for your ceremony. Ensure you allocate sufficient time to collect your regalia and arrive in the Great Court North (just outside the Undercroft) for student registration and the graduand briefing one hour before the start of your ceremony. Regalia collection location: Faye Gale Studio

    Regalia collection days and times:

    • Monday, 9 December 2024
      • 5pm Ceremony: Collection between 1.30pm & 3.30pm, to be gowned by 3.30pm
    • Tuesday, 10 December 2024
      • 11am Ceremony: Collection between 7.30am & 9.30am, to be gowned by 9.30am
      • 5pm Ceremony: Collection between 1.30pm & 3.30pm, to be gowned by 3.30pm
    • Wednesday, 11 December 2024
      • 11am Ceremony: Collection between 7.30am & 9.30am, to be gowned by 9.30am
      • 5pm Ceremony: Collection between 1.30pm & 3.30pm, to be gowned by 3.30pm
    • Thursday, 12 December 2024
      • 11am Ceremony: Collection between 7.30am & 9.30am, to be gowned by 9.30am
      • 5pm Ceremony: Collection between 1.30pm & 3.30pm, to be gowned by 3.30pm
    • Friday, 13 December 2024
      • 11am Ceremony: Collection between 7.30am & 9.30am, to be gowned by 9.30am
      • 5pm Ceremony: Collection between 1.30pm & 3.30pm, to be gowned by 3.30pm
    • Monday, 16 December 2024
      • 11am Ceremony: Collection between 7.30am & 9.30am, to be gowned by 9.30am
      • 5pm Ceremony: Collection between 1.30pm & 3.30pm, to be gowned by 3.30pm
    • Tuesday, 17 December 2024
      • 11am Ceremony: Collection between 7.30am & 9.30am, to be gowned by 9.30am
      • 5pm Ceremony: Collection between 1.30pm & 3.30pm, to be gowned by 3.30pm
    • Wednesday, 18 December 2024
      • 11am Ceremony: Collection between 7.30am & 9.30am, to be gowned by 9.30am
      • 5pm Ceremony: Collection between 1.30pm & 3.30pm, to be gowned by 3.30pm

    Regalia collection location: Faye Gale Studio

  • The difference between an undergraduate and postgraduate gown

    Graduation gowns are not the same for certain awards.

    If you have graduated previously with an Undergraduate qualification, you cannot reuse the same gown for a Masters or Higher Doctorate award. See below for to find your specific degree for reference.

    • Bachelor, Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma & Advanced Diplomas

    Your black graduation gown should have sleeves that reach to your wrist. Your arm should go all the way through, do not insert your arm through the slit in the sleeve.

    • Masters and Higher Doctorates

    Your black graduation gown should have sleeves that open just above the elbow. The length of the sleeve should be as long as the gown. 

  • HOW TO WEAR YOUR REGALIA VIDEOS

    ·        How to wear your UWA Graduation Regalia – Bachelor Degree - video

    ·        How to wear your UWA Graduation Regalia – Bachelor Degree with Honours - video

    ·        How to wear your UWA Graduation Regalia – Master Degree - video

  • I NEED HELP WITH MY REGALIA

    Getting your academic regalia on correctly can be confusing, so it’s a good idea to get advice from GFP Graduations when you collect your regalia. There will also be someone to adjust your regalia right before you go on stage.

  • Multimedia services and merchandise

    GFP Graduations is the official supplier of photography, framing and DVD services at all graduation ceremonies and will be located in the Undercroft at Winthrop Hall during the graduation round.

    The team will:

    • take group and individual photographs before and after the ceremony
    • take a photograph of each graduand standing with the Chancellor on stage
    • provide a large range of frames for immediate framing (a photocopy of your certificate is taken prior to framing)
    • capture every graduand’s special moment on DVD
    • provide you a free digital download of your stage photograph

    For complete product and pricing information, visit the GFP website.

    UWA merchandise

    A range of UWA merchandise, including official clothing and souvenirs, will be on sale on Whitfield Court (outside Winthrop Hall) before and after the ceremony.

  • FOOD AND BEVERAGE OFFERS FOR GRADUANDS, FRIENDS AND FAMILIES
    The University Club of Western Australia and West Bar & Kitchen – Wonil Hotel are pleased to provide special offers for graduating students, family and friends attending a Graduation Ceremony in December 2024.

    The University Club of Western Australia
    The University Club was opened in 2005 and established for alumni, staff, and post-graduate students as a meeting place for social gatherings, and educational and business community events. Positioned on one of the world’s most beautiful university campuses and overlooking the pristine Matilda Bay, the Club Restaurant, Private Dining Rooms, Café & Bar are perfect for a Graduation celebration. 

    The multi-award-winning Club Restaurant is perfect for celebrations of up to 12 persons, and diners can enjoy either the delicious a la carte menu or our special Graduation Set Menu. 
    For groups over 10 and private functions, the Club offers beautiful light-filled Private Dining Rooms.
    The Club Café & Bar is perfect for a delicious meal or a relaxing drink with family and friends.

    Graduates receive a complimentary 12-month Membership to the University Club upon graduating, as a welcome to the alumni community.

    University Club – Graduations Dining Offers [PDF]

    West Bar & Kitchen
    Located at the sophisticated Wonil Hotel Perth, West Kitchen & Bar is your laid-back local culinary experience celebrating the finest produce Western Australia has to offer.

    Unwind with us and dive into seriously good, no-fuss plates accompanied by a curated selection of homegrown wines. West Kitchen & Bar is the perfect space to kick back and relax, taking in the stunning Perth views.

    Ready for a taste? Swing by West, your go-to restaurant to soak up WA's finest – savour, sip, and simply have a good time. 

    West Bar & Kitchen – Breakfast Offer [PDF]

    West Bar & Kitchen - Dining Offer [PDF]
  • TYPICAL GRADUATION CEREMONY ORDER OF PROCEEDING
    • The graduands and academic procession will enter and the assembly is required to stand
    • The National Anthem – all graduands and academics are requested to remove their cap
    • Proceedings will be opened by the Chancellor
    • Opening Address
    • Graduation Address
    • Conferral of Awards
    • Warden of Convocation's Welcome Address
    • Valedictory Address
    • Proceedings will be closed by the Chancellor
    • The assembly is requested to stand and the procession will retire
    • On occasion the University may also award Honorary Degrees and/or Chancellor’s Medals to distinguished invitees who have made an invaluable contribution to the University and the community.
View from the rear of graduates entering Winthrop Hall

Your procession to Winthrop Hall

Graduands and members of the School will be processing (walking in formation in regalia) from Great Court North Marquee (just outside the Undercroft) to Winthrop Hall. As such, you are asked to arrive at Great Court North Marquee (just outside the Undercroft) no later than one hour before the ceremony start time so you don't miss out on this part of the celebration.

After gathering at your assembly area, you’ll be assigned to a row according to your seat number. Don’t switch places with another graduand as you’ll be called onto stage and seated in the order in which you lined up.

If you arrive late, visit the information tent outside Winthrop Hall.

Crossing the stage (dais)

Graduands with a seat number from A-Z

Number 1
When prompted by staff, take the folder on your chair, rise with your row and move to the left aisle of the hall.
Number 2
Identify yourself to the staff member attending, have your academic dress adjusted (if necessary) and wait here until the presenter calls your name.
Number 3

Proceed halfway towards the Chancellor, stop, "doff" your mortarboard (stop next to the Chancellor for the stage photo) and walk back to your seat via the stairs in the centre of the dais. Please be aware there will be no handshaking.

Number 4
When the last graduand returns to their seat, staff will prompt you to stand and the Chancellor will confer your award. Staff will then prompt you to sit.

Graduands with a Stage (dais) ticket number

Doctorate graduands are seated on the dais. In some graduation ceremonies, postgraduate graduands may also be on the dais. A higher doctorate is a prestigious and rare honour conferred by the Senate to exceptional scholars in recognition of their contribution to a particular field of research. The rigorous process of evaluation means this degree is awarded to scholars of outstanding merit.

Number 1
When prompted by staff, take the folder on your chair, rise with your row and move to the right-hand side of the dais.
Number 2
Proceed to the presenter and wait until you are presented to the Chancellor.
Number 3

Proceed halfway towards the Chancellor, stop, "doff" your mortarboard (stop next to the Chancellor for the stage photo). Return to your seat via the centre aisle and sit down. Please be aware there will be no handshaking.

Number 4
When the last graduand returns to their seat, staff will prompt you to stand and the Chancellor will confer your award. Staff will then prompt you to sit.
View of graduation ceremony from the balcony of Winthrop Hall

How to "doff"

To "doff", walk halfway towards the Chancellor and stop.

Then, ‘pinch’ the right side of your cap with your thumb and index finger of your right hand.

Nod slightly towards the Chancellor.

Your graduation documents

At your ceremony you'll receive your original hard copy award certificate (testamur). After your ceremony you'll receive an email with a registration link for you to access digital copies of your testamur and Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS).

 

Joining your global graduate community

Upon conferral of your degree, you will join a global community of over 145,800 UWA graduates and begin to find avenues for personal growth, life-long learning, volunteering, social engagement and fellowship with your peers. All graduates of The University of Western Australia become members of the Convocation of UWA Graduates, a legally constituted body, unique to UWA, which provides you with the opportunity to share in and contribute to the future intellectual and cultural prosperity of the University. Update your details now to benefit from career connections, event invitations and to ensure your voice is represented by Convocation.

 

What if I can't make it to my ceremony anymore?

If you are suddenly unable to attend, let the Graduations team know via askUWA using your student email account. When you send the email, include:

• your student ID number

• your full name, and

• a statement that you:

• are unable to attend your Graduation ceremony

• want your award to be conferred in absentia at the ceremony

• are aware that once your award has been conferred in absentia you will not be permitted to attend any future ceremony for this award

If you experienced any extenuating circumstances or have queries about not being able to attend your ceremony, contact the Graduations team.

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