Frequently Asked Questions
I want to attend my graduation ceremony. What do I need to do?
A graduation invitation containing your Conferring of Degrees Form and other important information will be mailed to you in late January for April graduation and in July for September graduation.
- Mark the "I will attend the ceremony" box on your Conferring
of Degrees form. Make a note of the date and time of
your ceremony. Keep
the lower section for future reference and return the upper section in
the enclosed pre-addressed envelope with stamp affixed by the deadline
indicated on the forms
- Book your Academic Dress online at http://www.uatmq.com.au
Note: If you do not return your Conferring of Degrees form you will not be issued with a seat number or guest tickets. You must ensure that your graduation forms are returned by the deadline indicated if want to attend the ceremony.
Will I receive return acknowledgment?
No. Go to eStudent https://student1.mq.edu.au/ “View My results”, “Check for graduation” to confirm whether your Conferring of Degrees form has been received. If you are attending your status will be ‘Ceremony’ or not attending ‘Mail’, ‘Collect’ or ‘Courier’. The status of ‘Hold’ indicates your form has not been received.
How many guests can I bring?
You may bring a maximum of three (3) guests (only). All children except infants will require a guest entry ticket to attend graduation.
How do my overseas guests apply for an Australian Visitors Visa?
You must contact the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs for information at http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/index.htm.
We suggest that you keep the original Conferring of Degrees form to submit with the application and return a photocopy of the completed form to the Graduation Unit indicating you will be attending the ceremony.
International Students should contact Macquarie International (email: ioinfo@mq.edu.au) to obtain a completion letter.
Will my guests require entry tickets?
Yes. Entry to the graduation venue is restricted. Your guest tickets will be available for collection when you Register in E7B 163 ninety (90) minutes before the ceremony is due to commence.
How can I change my name before graduation?
Return your Conferring of Degrees Form clearly marked with your change of name details together with supporting official documentation. This information must be complete and received by the deadline indicated.
How long will the ceremony take?
The formalities will take approximately 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours.
Free refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremony.
What about parking fees?
There are no parking fees on graduation days.
Can I graduate with a Division other than that shown on my Conferring of Degrees form?
You will be allocated to the Division in which you are enrolled.
If you have qualified in another Division you may choose either Division for graduation purposes.
Where is the graduation ceremony held?
The on-campus graduation venue is the Frederick Chong (E7B) Courtyard.
Off-shore venues will be specified in supplementary information.
What should I do when I arrive at the University (for on-campus graduation ceremonies only) and what happens if I arrive late?
- Register in E7B room 163;
- Collect your guest tickets;
- Collect your academic dress from the U@MQ Building;
- Take your seat at least 30 minutes before the start of ceremony.
Registration will close 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Traffic can be heavy in the vicinity of the University on graduation days. You must allow sufficient travel time to make sure you are not late. If you arrive late and registration has closed you will not be able to participate in the formal proceedings.
What should I do if I require disability assistance?
Contact the Graduation Unit on +61 2 9850-7354 or email graduation@mq.edu.au
Postal and collection details
If you do not respond to the graduation invitation, you will graduate in absentia. Your official graduation documents will be held until you contact the Graduation Unit to confirm your mailing address. Students may elect to have their documents sent by regular post free of charge or by special courier or express post for a fee. Change of mailing details and/or prepaid special delivery requests must be received by the deadline indicated on your Conferring of Degrees Form.
Alternatively, if you want your documentation to be held for collection at the Graduation Unit, you must specify this on your Conferring of Degrees form before you return it to our office. If you want another person to collect your documentation, you must complete the Testamur Proxy Collection Form and return it to the Graduation Unit.
Can I bring small children to the ceremony?
Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions. There are a number of speeches. If young children become restless during the ceremony your guests will be requested to take the children outside.
Prams/strollers are not allowed in the Courtyard during graduation ceremonies due to OH&S and Macquarie University security procedures.
You may leave your pram/stroller in the Registration Room, however, we are unable to accept responsibility for belongings left in the room.
All children excluding infants will require a guest entry ticket to attend graduation.
Is there a graduation dress code?
A graduation ceremony is a formal occasion. Business or semi-formal dress code applies. Appearance must be neat and tidy.
Graduands wishing to colour coordinate clothing and accessories with academic dress can view Division colours here.
Please note that the graduation venue has a tiled floor and stiletto or excessively high heels are not recommended.
Personal belongings of the Graduand which are required to be hand carried (ie handbags, backpacks, digital cameras, flowers etc) are not permitted at the Graduate seating area, these belongings must be kept with their guests until the ceremony is finished. If the Graduand does not have any guests then they may leave it at the Registration room, however, we are unable to accept responsibility for belongings left in the room.
Graduation Check List
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