Eligibility, Registration & Attendance
Do I have to apply to graduate?
No, you will be identified as a potential graduand by your College. Then, once you pass your final course requirements and provided you don’t owe the university any money, you will become eligible to graduate. You do need to register to attend a graduation ceremony, however.
How do I know if I’m eligible to graduation?
You will receive a graduation eligibility letter from the Graduation Office in October confirming your potential eligibility to graduate, subject to completing any last course requirements and payment of outstanding fees if applicable. This may happen slightly later if you are identified later. You will also see graduation information in eStudent.
Do I have to graduate this December?
You can’t defer your graduation, but you can choose to attend a later ceremony. This is called attending as a walk-through. If you don’t come to your December ceremony, you will graduate in absentia.
Do I have to attend the ceremony?
No, you don’t have to attend if you don’t want to. You can always attend a ceremony in the future if you decide to later.
I graduated in earlier in 2020, can I attend the December ceremony?
Yes, all 2020 graduates will be invited to attend in December.
I want to attend a ceremony in a different location to where I studied, can I do that?
Yes, you can choose to attend a ceremony for your College in either Burnie, Launceston or Hobart, as long as ceremony capacity has not been reached.
How do I register to attend my ceremony?
By visiting utas.reedgraduations.com.au once registration opens in November providing your student ID and family name, as listed on your student ID. You then select the ceremony you wish to attend and organise your academic dress.
When do I have to register by?
If you are graduating in December (except Burnie), the final deadline to register is 27 November 2020.
If you graduated earlier in 2020 or are graduating in December 2020 and want to attend the Burnie ceremony, the final deadline to register is 20 November 2020.
What if I don’t register in time?
Unfortunately, due to restrictions on public events and how many people can attend, we can’t accept late registrations for ceremonies. You can, however, attend a ceremony next year in either the autumn, winter or summer rounds.
Can I change my mind about going to the ceremony?
If you have already registered and no longer wish to attend, please contact Reed Graduations who can update your attendance.
If you decide you want to attend, if it is still within the registration period you can go ahead and register.
Can I change which ceremony I want to go to?
Yes, if it’s within the registration period. After registration closes, there can’t be any changes made.
Will my classmates be in the same ceremony as me?
For Summer 2020, we will be inviting graduands to select the ceremony for your College you wish to attend, so it depends which ceremony your classmates choose. Normally, you would be allocated to a specific ceremony, but in December most graduands will have some choice. We strongly recommend speaking to your friends before registering.
My friends/classmates are in a different ceremony to me, can I change to their ceremony?
Yes, if it’s within the registration period and the ceremony capacity has not been reached. After registration closes, there can’t be any changes made. We strongly recommend you speak to your friends before registering.
The ceremony dates for my College don’t suit me, can I attend another College’s ceremony?
No, you must attend a ceremony for your College so you can be presented by your Dean or their representative.
Registration has closed but can I change ceremonies?
No, after registration has closed there can’t be any changes.
If I can no longer go to the ceremony I chose, what do I do?
If it is within the registration period, you can change to a different ceremony by contacting Reed Graduations. If the registration period has closed, you will graduate in absentia and we will post your graduation documents to you. You can elect to attend a ceremony next year.
Can I wait until the ceremony is back to normal?
Yes, you can elect to attend a ceremony in the future if you wish. It is unclear when limits on public gatherings will be lifted, however ceremonies are likely to return to their usual format in 2021.
I already have my certificate by I didn’t attend a ceremony. Can I attend a ceremony in December 2020?
Yes, you can attend as a walk-through, which is just the same as everyone else except you won’t receive a testamur and transcript, because you already have them. We will invite all 2020 graduates to attend a ceremony in December.
Guests and Tickets
Who can I take to the ceremony?
For December 2020 you will be able to bring two guests.
I want to bring more than two people, how do I get extra tickets?
For December 2020, we must limit guest numbers to two per graduand. This is because of the strict limits on public gatherings. There won’t be any sales of additional tickets this year.
If I’m not bringing two guests, can I give my tickets to someone else?
No, guest tickets are not transferrable as contact tracing for guests is linked to your tickets.
Does the number of people I can bring include me?
No, it’s you plus two guests.
Will extra tickets become available if the ceremony isn’t full or other students don’t bring guests?
No, extra tickets won’t be available, however should you wish to participate in a ceremony in 2021 you may have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets.
How will I get tickets for myself and guests?
When you register to attend, you will receive your tickets, for yourself and the number of guest tickets you selected (max. 2) by email from Reed Graduations. You can either print them out or take a screenshot of them to bring on your device.
Do I have to print my tickets?
You can if you like, or you and/or your guests can bring the PDF or a screenshot of the QR code, on your device to be scanned at the ceremony.
Will my guests and I have to wear a mask?
No, the wearing of masks is not currently mandated in Tasmania. You or your guests can of course choose to wear one if you like.
My family is in another state, can they come to Tasmania for the ceremony?
It depends on restrictions on domestic travel into Tasmania. Our borders will open to some low risk jurisdictions from 26 October. For more information please see https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania
The Ceremonies
Can I get photos with my family?
Yes, Graduation Photography are at all ceremonies providing photography sessions for graduates and their loved ones.
Can I get photos in my gown?
Yes, you will be photographed as you cross the stage when presented to the Chancellor and can choose to purchase this photo if you want to. You can also pay to have photos taken in your academic dress after the ceremony.
Can my family take photos?
Yes of course but we do require everyone to maintain physical distancing. If taking photos at the ceremony, they must remain seated.
Will the ceremony be live broadcast?
Yes, all our graduation ceremonies are available live on the University of Tasmania YouTube channel.
Will the ceremony be recorded?
Yes, all our graduation ceremonies are broadcast live and recorded. The recordings are available on the University of Tasmania Graduation website for several years after the ceremony.
My family are overseas, can they watch the ceremony online?
Yes, all our ceremonies are live streamed on the University of Tasmania YouTube channel.
Can I get a copy of the video of the ceremony?
Whilst you can’t download or purchase a copy, it will remain available to watch online for several years after the ceremony.
How do I get to the ceremony?
For details of our graduation venues, including how to get there, please see our website.
Do I actually graduate at the ceremony?
Your award will be conferred on 02 December if you are graduating in Burnie, and 09 December if you are graduating in Hobart or Launceston.
Where is the ceremony?
Ceremonies are held at the Town Hall in Burnie, the Albert Hall in Launceston and the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart. For details of our graduation venues, including how to get there, please see our website.
Do I sit with my guests or other students?
You will sit with other graduands in the order you will be presented to the Chancellor. Your guests will be seated behind you.
Do I still get to go on stage?
Yes, you will still be presented to the Chancellor and get to cross the stage. The only different will be you won’t shake the Chancellor’s hand.
What do I have to do at the ceremony?
You will be seated in the order you will be presented to the Chancellor by your Executive Dean or their representative. On your seat will be a card/cards which form the script for the ceremony. When it comes time, your row will be called to stand, you’ll give your card/s to the Dean, they’ll announce your name and award then you’ll cross the stage and meet the Chancellor. On the other side of the stage you’ll receive your testamur, then you’ll return to your seat. A full run-through will be provided before the ceremony starts so it’s important to be there early.
How long is the ceremony?
For Summer 2020, ceremonies will go for approximately an hour.
What happens in the ceremony?
The academic procession will arrive and sit on stage, then the national anthem will be played. After that, the Chancellor will deliver welcome remarks and a representative of your College will provide an address. You will then be presented to the Chancellor, one-by-one, having a photo with him as you cross the stage. After graduates are presented, the ceremony will conclude.
Will there be a Town and Gown parade through the city?
The Town and Gown parade is usually a feature unique to the Summer graduation round in December. This year though the parades won’t go ahead.
Will academics from my School/College be there?
No, a small party of representatives from the university will attend your graduation ceremony. To allow for maximum participation by graduands and their guests, the usual academic procession will not be a feature of the ceremony. We encourage you to make separate arrangements to celebrate with your lecturers and tutors.
What is different about this year’s ceremonies and why is that?
Due to restrictions on public gatherings as a result of COVID-19, to enable us to provide a graduation experience for our graduates of 2020 it has been necessary to shorten the ceremonies and increase the number of ceremonies.
I’m disappointed that the ceremony is different this year, are there any other options?
We understand most students were looking forward to having graduation ceremonies this year and we have worked hard to be able to offer ceremonies despite several constraints. This has meant ceremonies have to be a bit different. If you want to wait until next year to attend a ceremony, you can do that. The university will offer an extra round of graduation ceremonies in autumn 2021, when it is likely that public gathering restrictions may have eased further.
Will there be a party after the ceremony?
Because of tight restrictions around serving food and drink to the public, we won’t have the usual after-ceremony refreshments. We do encourage graduates to celebrate their achievements with their loved ones in a COVID-safe way.
Will the Vice-Chancellor be at my ceremony?
The Vice-Chancellor will attend some ceremonies, and a representative of his will attend others.
Can I get my photo with the Chancellor?
Yes, you’ll have your photo taken with the Chancellor when you cross the stage. You will remain 1.5m apart and won’t shake hands. You can then view and purchase (if you want to) your photo online.
Academic Dress
What do I wear?
We encourage all graduands to wear academic dress, but this is not mandatory. You will wear a gown appropriate to your degree, a hood or stole and a trencher (hat) or bonnet, depending on your degree. You wear your own clothes under your academic dress.
Do I have to buy a gown?
No, you hire your gown and other regalia. You can purchase them if you wish. Please visit the Compass Group website.
Where do I get a gown?
When you register to attend your ceremony, you will be provided with the collection date/time and location for your academic dress hire. If you can’t make it, you can collect it on the day of your ceremony. Please contact Compass Group if that’s the case.
What is academic dress?
Academic dress is traditional clothing worn at graduation or commencement ceremonies. It usually consists of a gown, a hood or stole in the colours of the discipline, and a hat or some description (usually a trencher or mortarboard).
What is a hood?
A hood is a decorative piece of academic dress that is worn over the gown. It is either trimmed or lined with the colour of the discipline of your award. It sits on your shoulders and falls down your back.
What is a stole?
A stole is a coloured piece of fabric, like a scarf, that is worn around the neck. It is worn instead of a hood for certain degree types.
What is the colour for my course?
There are a range of colours relevant to award disciplines that are worn as part of academic dress. These are detailed in the Academic Dress Procedure (yet to be finalised)
What hat do I get?
If you are graduating with a PhD or another doctorate-level qualification, you will wear a Tudor bonnet made of velvet. All other degree types wear a trencher, also known as a mortarboard. It’s a square hat with a tassel at the front. You will get to keep the trencher.
Do I have to wear academic dress?
We strongly encourage all graduands to wear academic dress at their graduation ceremony, however this is not mandatory. It’s worth noting that it is very rare for graduands not to wear academic dress.
Do I have to wear the hat?
No, it’s not mandatory but almost all graduands do.
COVID-19
How will physical distancing be maintained?
To meet current Tasmanian government guidelines, the two square metres per person rule will apply at all venues, in accordance with the maximum density limit.
What is physical distancing?
Physical or social distancing continues to be the strongest safeguard to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Tasmanian Government recommends people maintain a safe distance of no less than 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Physical distancing is one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission of the virus.
My family is in another state, can they come to Tasmania for the ceremony?
It depends on restrictions on domestic travel into Tasmania. Our borders will open to some low risk jurisdictions from 26 October. For more information please see https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania
Will my family have to quarantine if they come from another state?
For up to date information on quarantine requirements please see https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania
Academic Documents
Will I get my certificate/testamur and transcript at the ceremony?
Yes, if you are graduating in December, you will be given your testamur and academic transcript at your ceremony.
No, if you graduated earlier in 2020, you will have already received your testamur and academic transcript.
Will I get digital documents in My eQuals?
Yes, you will receive a digital testamur, academic transcript and Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) in My eQuals in the days following your conferral.
If I don’t go to the ceremony, how do I get my certificate?
It will be sent to you by Registered Post in January. Alternatively, you can collect it from UConnect on the Newnham or Sandy Bay campus. Please email us to request this.
When will I get my certificate?
We will start posting documents in January. Depending on where you live, delivery will take 1-3 weeks (longer for overseas addresses).