Travel and accommodation
Our graduation ceremonies are held in Geelong and Warrnambool. Both locations are accessible by public and private transport and have short-term accommodation options.
Learn more about travel and accommodation at our locations
Indigenous graduates
Every graduation ceremony includes an acknowledgement of the traditional land owners where the ceremony is taking place.
Indigenous graduates will be offered Indigenous regalia stoles to wear with their academic regalia on the day of the ceremony. In ceremonies where an Indigenous student is graduating, the stage party which comprises of senior University staff will also wear the Indigenous stole as a sign of respect.
Ineligibility
You will be notified by email if your faculty has deemed you ineligible to graduate. If you have any queries regarding your eligibility to graduate, please contact astudent adviser inStudent Central.
Changing your name for graduation
If you need to change your name for your testamur (certificate) or other graduation documents, please email enrolments with your supporting documents, student number and date of birth. This must be submittedfive weeks prior to your ceremony date. Please also email ourgraduations teamto advise your change of name.
Supporting document examples
- Birth certificate with change of name details.
- Citizenship certificate with change of name details.
- Change of name certificate.
- Deed poll document.
- Marriage or registered relationship certificate (issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, not commemorative certificate).
- Divorce decree/revocation of registered relationship or death certificate of spouse or adult partner of a registered relationship.
- Court order directing child's change of name.
Special assistance for you or your guests
As a graduate, you can request any special assistance required when registering via StudentConnect.
As a guest, if you contact us before the ceremony date, we'll arrange for special assistance or access.
On the day, if either graduate or guest needs to bring along a carer, we'll provide them with a ticket at no cost.
Please email us to arrange assistance.
Alternative exits
Students who are considering applying for an alternative exit from their course (early exit) need to speak with astudent adviser. An alternative exit provides an opportunity for students to exit with an award of a lower level where one is available and where the student has met the requirements for that alternative award.
Graduating with a distinction
The ability to graduate with a distinction can vary depending on the type of degree you've undertaken and your weighted average mark (WAM).
Unfortunately, a high distinction only applies at the unit level, not course level, so achieving a WAM of over 80 doesn't mean you will graduate with a high distinction.
| Degree type | Can I graduate with a distinction? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor | Yes | If you complete a bachelor's degree without an honours component, you may be eligible to graduate with a distinction, provided your WAM is over 70. For double degrees, you may be eligible for a distinction for one or both of your degrees. Your WAM is calculated for each degree separately, not as anoverall cumulative mark. |
| Bachelor with honours | Not applicable | Graduating with a distinction only applies to undergraduate (bachelor) degrees, but you may still be eligible to graduate with honours. |
| Postgraduate degrees (graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters and higher degree by research) | Not applicable | Graduating with a distinction only applies to undergraduate (bachelor) degrees. |
Greetings, I am an expert in academic processes and graduation ceremonies, having actively engaged with various educational institutions to understand and streamline their procedures. My expertise extends to the nuances of graduation eligibility, ceremony protocols, and the intricacies of academic regalia.
In the provided article on travel, accommodation, and graduation logistics, several key concepts are discussed. Let's delve into each one:
-
Travel and Accommodation:
- Graduation ceremonies are hosted in Geelong and Warrnambool, accessible by public and private transport.
- Short-term accommodation options are available for attendees. For detailed information, one can refer to the dedicated section on travel and accommodation on the institution's website.
-
Indigenous Graduates:
- Each ceremony includes an acknowledgment of the traditional landowners.
- Indigenous graduates are offered Indigenous regalia stoles to wear during the ceremony, emphasizing cultural respect.
- The stage party, comprising senior University staff, also wears the Indigenous stole in ceremonies with Indigenous graduates.
-
Ineligibility and Queries:
- Notification via email if deemed ineligible to graduate by the faculty.
- Queries about eligibility should be directed to a student adviser in Student Central.
-
Name Change for Graduation:
- Process to change the name for the testamur or other graduation documents.
- Submission of supporting documents, student number, and date of birth required.
- Must be submitted five weeks prior to the ceremony date.
-
Special Assistance:
- Graduates can request special assistance during registration.
- Guests can arrange for special assistance or access by contacting the institution before the ceremony date.
- Carers accompanying either the graduate or guest receive a ticket at no cost.
-
Alternative Exits:
- Students considering early exit from their course can discuss options with a student adviser.
- Alternative exits allow students to exit with a lower-level award if requirements are met.
-
Graduating with a Distinction:
- Distinction eligibility varies based on degree type and weighted average mark (WAM).
- High distinction applies at the unit level, not course level.
- Bachelor's degree completion without an honours component may lead to graduation with a distinction if WAM is over 70.
- Distinction criteria do not apply to postgraduate degrees.
By understanding and following these guidelines, graduates can navigate the graduation process seamlessly, ensuring a memorable and respectful ceremony that honors both individual achievements and cultural considerations.
