Saturday 17 August 2024 at 1:00pm – Degrees and diplomas in Arts, Education, Music, Teaching, Theology, Commerce, Law, the BASc , the BACom , and the BComSc
The following information is intended as a guide for those who have applied to be part of the above-mentioned ceremony.
You will find information about the deadlines you need to meet, guest tickets, academic dress, the graduation ceremony, and associated events.
We look forward to seeing you at the graduation ceremony and wish you a happy and successful future.
Important dates
| Friday 26 July | If you requested more than the two guaranteed guest tickets, an email will be sent to you advising of the outcome of this request |
| Thursday 15 August |
Academic dress is available for collection Tickets are available for collection |
| Friday 16 August |
Academic dress is available for collection Tickets are available for collection |
| Saturday 17 August (the day of the ceremony) |
Academic dress is available for collection Tickets are available for collection Academic dress may be returned after the ceremony |
| Sunday 18 August | Any outstanding academic dress must be returned |
Collecting guest tickets
Guest tickets are available for collection from the AskOtago Central Hub, Information Services Building (Central Library), on the following dates and times:
| Thursday 15 August | 8:30am–6:00pm |
| Friday 16 August | 8:30am–6:00pm |
| Saturday 17 August | 8:00am–10:30am |
You need to collect your guest tickets yourself and provide photographic identification. If it is necessary to have someone else collect your tickets on your behalf, please fill out the online form (using the link below) and provide the name of the person who will be collecting your tickets.
Graduation tickets collection form – AskOtago service portal
Please note that anyone collecting tickets must provide photographic identification.
Along with your tickets you will receive a Graduation Booklet – we recommend that either yourself or family member take the booklet along to the graduation ceremony, additional booklets will not be available at the ceremony.
View the campus map for the location of the Information Services Building
Collecting academic dress (regalia)
It is important that you collect the academic dress yourself, as you will need to try it on to ensure you have the correct size. Please bring photo ID with you to collect your academic dress, which is available for collection from the Academic Dress rooms, located in the basement of the Clocktower Building (enter via the twin steps in the quadrangle between the Clocktower and Geology Buildings). Collection dates and times and times are as follows:
| Thursday 15 August | 5:30pm–7pm |
| Friday 16 August |
11:00am–2:00pm AND 5:30pm–7:00pm |
| Saturday 17 August | 8:30am–12 noon |
View the campus map for the location of the Clocktower Building
Returning academic dress (regalia)
Please ensure that you return your academic dress on time, as it will be required by another graduand for subsequent ceremonies.
A further charge may apply for academic dress returned late.
Academic dress must be returned in the same condition as it was issued. The full cost of replacement, which exceeds $600, will be charged for any lost or damaged academic dress.
Academic dress must be returned at one of the following times and venues:
| Saturday 17 August |
Town Hall (Access is via the Glenroy Auditorium entrance located on Harrop Street) | 2:00pm–6:00pm |
| Saturday 17 August | Basement of the Clocktower Building | 2:30pm–4:30pm |
| Sunday 18 August | Basement of the Clocktower Building | 8:30am–5:30pm |
Academic dress conveners
TBC
Email academic.dress@otago.ac.nz
The graduation morning tea
The University of Otago will be hosting a morning tea – open to all graduands and their families – prior to the procession. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with your family, friends, and the University.
Date: Saturday 17 August
Time: 9:30am–11:00am
Place: The Link, Information Services Building, corner of Cumberland and Albany Streets
View the campus map for the location of the Information Services Building
Thanksgiving service
The University Chaplaincy team is pleased to invite you, your whānau and friends to a short informal service of thanksgiving on the day of graduation, just before the graduation parade. Nau mai, haere mai! Everyone is welcome.
Date: Saturday 17 August
Time: 10:40am–11:10am
Place: Holy Name Church, 420 Great King Street (opposite the Otago Museum)
The graduation procession
Please assemble at 11:15am sharp outside the School of Dentistry on Great King Street, dressed in your academic dress, on the day of the Ceremony. The procession will leave the School of Dentistry promptly at 11:30am accompanied by bagpipers and drummers.
View the graduation procession route (PDF)
If you are taking part in the graduation procession please ensure that you protect your regalia and do not wear your trencher in wet weather.
Ceremony day – programme of main events
Saturday 17 August
| 9:30am | Graduation morning tea The Link, Information Services Building, corner of Cumberland and Albany Streets |
| 10:40am | Thanksgiving service Holy Name Church, 420 Great King Street (opposite the Otago Museum) |
| 11:30am | Graduation procession Assemble at the School of Dentistry by 11:15am |
| 11:50am | Marshalling of graduands Dunedin Centre, Harrop Street. Marshalling begins promptly at 12:00 noon in the Glenroy Auditorium. Please either come directly from the procession or ensure you arrive by 11.50am. You must be wearing the correct academic dress and have your graduation order number sticker affixed to the left side of your gown. If you arrive late, or are improperly dressed, there is no guarantee you will be able to take part in the ceremony. Once all graduands are in graduation order you will proceed to reserved seating in the main body of the Dunedin Town Hall. What to bring to the marshalling area What is a Graduation order number sticker? |
| 12:15pm | Doors to the Dunedin Town Hall (Moray Place) open for guests Guests should be seated by 12.50pm |
| 1:00pm | Graduation ceremony begins The Chancellor, Council and staff of the University enter the Town Hall promptly at 1:00pm. (The audience is requested to rise as the procession enters). The ceremony will begin with welcomes by the Chancellor and the Māori orator, followed by the National Anthem sung in Māori and English. |
| Conferring of Degrees and Awarding of Diplomas The Vice-Chancellor or the relevant Pro-Vice-Chancellor or Dean will announce graduands for each degree or diploma (e.g. “for graduation in the degree of Bachelor of Arts”). How degrees are conferred and diplomas are awarded | |
| Remainder of the ceremony The ceremony continues with the graduation address and concludes with the singing of Gaudeamus. Staff will then leave the Town Hall in procession, after which you and your guests are free to depart. | |
| 2:30pm | Ceremony concludes (time is approximate) |