Graduation Unit
Frequently Asked Questions
New Macquarie University Logo and the University Crest
Macquarie University is becoming a very different university from the one it was even just a few years ago - it has a new academic structure, a new undergraduate curriculum which will be implemented from 2010, significant investments in research, teaching and infrastructure, and it is collaborating with, and investing in, developments with the private sector that will help realise the original vision for the university.
One of the guiding principles for this project was the need to consider our heritage - the elements of our past to which we needed to pay respect and carry forward into the future. We have not actually changed our colours at all - in fact the red of the leaves in the logo is the same red that was part of the former logo, which was developed in 1994. The red was one of the historical elements that was brought forward into the new logo along with the Sirius star.
For our alumni the University Crest which appeared on your Macquarie University testamur remains. It is enshrined in our Act and will continue to be used on graduation-related materials. This is an important element of tradition that will continue at Macquarie University.
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 form.
Book your Academic Dress online from Campus Experience
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.
I need to replace my testamur or I didn't receive my graduation documents. What do I need to do?
You will need to complete a Replacement testamur form (PDF 35KB) and pay the specified fee of AUD$50 for a general replacement or AUD$65 for a name change replacement. If you did not receive your graduation documents due to an incorrect address supplied to the University then you will be liable to pay the AUD$50 replacement fee.
An original Statutory Declaration will also need to be submitted (faxes, photocopies and electronic copies are not accepted):
- either Statutory Declaration (Lost/Destroyed) (PDF 15KB)
- or Statutory Declaration (Not Received) (PDF 15KB)
Certified copies or original documentation need to be supplied for name change replacements. Name changes or damaged testamurs do not require a Statutory Declaration but the original testamur must be returned to the Graduation Unit before a replacement can be issued.
If you wish to have your graduation documents posted please complete the form below, which can be sent via standard mail (6-8 weeks for airmail) for free or via special delivery or Express Post for a fee.
Posting of my graduation documents?
Once you have confirmed your mailing details your degree testamur and two (2) free copies of academic transcripts will be mailed by general post to your current address in the days following your divisional ceremony. Overseas students should allow at least 6-8 weeks for delivery before enquiring.
Students may elect to have their documents sent by special courier or express post for a fee.
Will I receive return acknowledgment after returning my Conferring of Degrees form?
No. Go to eStudent --> 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 to my ceremony?
You may bring a maximum of three (3) guests only. All children except infants will require a guest entry ticket to attend graduation.
If you are graduating in Melbourne from the Applied Finance Centre, then you are permitted to bring a maximum of two (2) guests only.
How do my overseas guests apply for an Australian Visitors Visa?
You must contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for information.
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.
This should be accompanied by a personal letter written by you to your parents/guests inviting them to attend your graduation. You should include the ceremony date and time and the full names of your parents/guest.
International Students should contact Macquarie International (email: iss@io.mq.edu.au) to obtain a completion letter.
All photocopied documents should be certified by a Justice of the Peace.
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.
Guest tickets and parking on campus?
All students will be eligible for a strict maximum of three (3) guest tickets that will be issued during registration prior to the ceremony.
Parking on various parts of the campus is free during the graduation period.
Students graduating in Melbourne from the Applied Finance Centre have a maximum of two (2) guests per graduate.
Can I graduate with a Faculty/Department other than that shown on my Conferring of Degrees form?
You will be allocated to the Faculty/Department in which you are enrolled.
If you have qualified in another Faculty/Department you may choose either Faculty/Department for graduation purposes.
May I change my graduation ceremony date or venue?
Permission to defer graduation will only be granted for compelling personal, professional or academic reasons. Requests must be written and received by the deadline indicated for the return of your Conferring of Degrees Form. Supporting documentation from a professional authority, employer or exchange institution should also be included.
Students who qualify for the award of a Bachelor degree and have enrolled in honours can not defer graduation of the Bachelors degree. Honours students must graduate twice, first with the Bachelor degree and then with the Honours degree when it is completed. If you do not wish to attend the ceremony you may graduate in absentia.
Requests to defer graduation received after the deadline will not be approved.
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.
- Register in E7B room 163;
- Collect your guest tickets;
- Collect your academic dress from the Campus Experience 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 and you will be provided with additional information regarding the disability access on campus.
Mailout and collection details (graduating in absentia)
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.
Overseas students should allow at least 6-8 weeks for delivery before enquiring if sent via standard airmail.
Mail or Special Delivery Form (PDF 37KB)
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.
If you wish to colour coordinate clothing and accessories with academic dress please see the Faculty & Departmental colours.
Please note that the graduation venue has a tiled floor and stiletto or excessively high heels are not recommended.
Personal belongings that 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 your guests until the ceremony has finished. If you do not have any guests then you may leave it at the Registration room, however, we are unable to accept responsibility for belongings left in the room.
What types of services are offered during graduation?
The following services will be available on campus during graduation:
- Degree framing
- Portrait photographer
- Degree plaques
- Graduation bears
- Graduation videos
- Official University memorabilia and gifts
- Free refreshments served after the ceremony
- Marxine's Coffee shop (no reservation required)
Graduation Photography Services
Macquarie has two Photographers available on Graduation days:
Graduation Photography, John Hearder Studio provides presentation photographs. This is a photograph of the student being presented to the Presiding Officer. You can pre-order these photographs by completing this form: Photo Order Form (PDF 169KB)
GFP Studios provides portrait photography services. Graduates can have portraits taken alone or with family and friends. GFP Studios are located in the Atrium on Graduation days. You can visit their website at http://www.gfp.com.au
Have you...?
- Noted the date and time of your ceremony?
- Checked that all the details on the Conferring of Degrees form are correct?
- Confirmed any changes in writing?
- Changed your address via eStudent?
- Completed your attendance details?
- Reserved your Academic Dress at Campus Experience?
- Returned the forms before the deadline indicated using the pre-addressed envelope with stamp affixed; or
- Faxed the forms to +61 2 9850-6047?
- Confirmed your travel plans to ensure you arrive at the university before the close of registration?
- Checked on eStudent MY RESULTS – Check for Graduation that your details are correct?